topic Re: Google Devices amongst Tenants / Roommates: Major Privacy Issues in Apps / Account

Google Devices amongst Tenants / Roommates: Major Privacy Issues

cowboybuddhaful — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 02:53:12 GMT

Hi there,

I'm trying to troubleshoot an issue for my house, and looking for some guidance. I have 2 wifi mesh extenders with a T3200 router from Telus, and there are 4 networks (2 mesh networks: 1 regular and 1 visitor, 2 router networks: 1 is 2.4Ghz, 1 is 5Ghz).

I have all these Google devices (TV, smart speaker) on my regular mesh network, and my new basement tenant just purchased a Google Nest Hub device. He's added it to the regular mesh network, and as a result, I can see it on my list of devices and even see his photos (even though I don't have permission to manage the device). It's a major privacy issue! I tried to create a visitor mesh network for him in the telecom's MyWifi app, but there are guest network limitations with Google devices.

I also had him use the Router's two networks, and even when he connects his Google devices to the Router's network, the Google Home app recognizes that devices and shows it on my Home app.

Any ideas? I can't believe Google hasn't not sorted these issues out with roomates and tenants.

Re: Google Devices amongst Tenants / Roommates: Major Privacy Issues

Jeff — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:14:57 GMT

Hi, cowboybuddhaful.

I'm trying to follow the chain of events and see what's causing all the crossover. With all the networks in place, how many Google Home accounts are involved in managing the networks? Is everything on a single Home account, or are there multiple Home accounts in the list? And to clarify a bit, devices connected to different networks are still visible to one another?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I'm going in the right direction with this.

Thanks.

Re: Google Devices amongst Tenants / Roommates: Major Privacy Issues

cowboybuddhaful — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:46:15 GMT

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the note. There are two separate Google Home accounts involved: mine with 6 devices on the mesh network (Home 1), and my basement tenant on the mesh visitor network (Home 2). On my Google Home app, I can see his Google Hub device. And when I cast a movie or tab, I can see his Google Hub and his Samsung TV. All of his devices are connected to the mesh visitor network (Home 2), while all my devices are connected to the visitor network (Home 1), but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Re: Google Devices amongst Tenants / Roommates: Major Privacy Issues

Azarco — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 05:25:33 GMT

Hey cowboybuddhaful,

Since this thread hasn't had activity in a while, we're going to close it to keep content fresh.

We hope you were able to get the help you need but if you're still having trouble, please give these steps a try:

Try creating a Guest Wi-Fi network, it's a separate network just for your guests. Guests will be able to get online and use shared devices that you choose, like a Chromecast, smart TV, wireless speaker, or printer. Learn more about your privacy with Google Nest Wifi and Guests and your Google connected home devices.

If you still need assistance with your devices, feel free to submit another post and provide as many details as possible so that others can lend a hand.

Thanks, Alex