topic Re: Home/Away routine issue in Home Automation

Home/Away routine issue

Simon79 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:21:46 GMT

Hi there

From Google Home app, I'm trying to create an automation based on the "Home/Away" trigger.

As far as I understood, the trigger comes from my Nest protect.

In Google Home Activity, I can see that the system detects when I'm away/AT home (see screen capture).

But when I try to create an automation, whatever the action is, it says that the trigger needs an additional configuration but I have no Idea which one (documentation does not help).

See screen capture.

Any help would be appreciated !

Re: Home/Away routine issue

tajennifer — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 01:43:08 GMT

Hi Simon79,

Thanks for posting. I understand that you are having some issues while you are trying to set up your Home/Away routine, and it is asking you for additional configuration. Don't worry; help is here. I just need to ask for some information to provide the best solution:

Could you please attach the pictures of what you are seeing on the app while you are trying to configure the routine?
What Nest devices have you set up with the Home and Away?
Have you tried any steps to resolve the situation?

Please keep me posted.

Best regards,
Jenny

Re: Home/Away routine issue

Simon79 — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:24:25 GMT

Hello Jenny,

The Home/Away is setup with a Nest Protect (détecteur de fumée).

I tried several things including, removing the app, clear cache,...

Unfortunately, I cannot attach pictures, but what I see in automation is just a basic "Error(s)" message displayed below the "Home" routine in Google Home.

When I click in the automations, in the "Home" trigger I have an alert message saying that "The trigger needs additionnal configuration" but that's all.

Any help is appreciated !

Re: Home/Away routine issue

tajennifer — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:45:48 GMT

Hi Simon79,

Thanks for your response and the information provided. I need you to confirm some information for further investigation:

What type of automation did you create, personal or household?
Have you granted Google Home permission to access your device location?
Have you enabled “Allow this device to report your location” in the Google Home app settings?
Have you enabled the presence sensing in the Google Home app settings?
What type of automation are you trying to create (e.g., lights on when home, thermostat off when away)?
Have you tried deleting and recreating the automation?
What type of phone are you using (Android/iPhone, model, OS version)?

Please keep me posted.

Best regards,

Jenny

Re: Home/Away routine issue

Thedodo — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:38:04 GMT

I have the same issue... In activities everything is recognized well, but I'm automation tab it's an error "additional setup required"

Re: Home/Away routine issue

Simon79 — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:19:56 GMT

Hello Tajennifer

Thanks for your answer.

Here are some answers :

- What type of automation did you create, personal or household?

I'm not sure to understand your question. Can you clarify ?

- Have you granted Google Home permission to access your device location?

Yes for sure.

- Have you enabled “Allow this device to report your location” in the Google Home app settings?

I don't have this option in the Google Home settings. I have version 4.2.51.1

- Have you enabled the presence sensing in the Google Home app settings?

I don't have this option in the Google Home settings. I have version 4.2.51.1

- What type of automation are you trying to create (e.g., lights on when home, thermostat off when away)?

Basic stuff: "Say what Time is it". I didn't set complexe automations as the Home/Away trigger is not working at all.

- Have you tried deleting and recreating the automation?

Several times, from several devices. I also tried to delete app, clear cache,...

- What type of phone are you using (Android/iPhone, model, OS version)?

Google Pixel 8 Pro with latest Android version.

On internet, lot of people have the same issue. It seems that we can fix it by creating the routine from a device that never had Google Home installed. But unfortunately I don't have other devices.

Re: Home/Away routine issue

Simon79 — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:21:24 GMT

Unfortunately we are a lot in this situation. This seems to be a well known bug in Google Home. But I struggle to find a work around solution. Maybe with another app ?