Gemini can't control devices that require a PIN

[ElPell]

Struggling to find the right forum for this, and there's no information online. Now that Gemini is taking over and is the default on Pixel Watch, I can no longer open my garage door while using voice. Geminis says: 'I'm sorry, I can't control devices that require a PIN. You can use the Google Home app instead'.

I use my assistant on my watch to open the garage while riding my bike all the time, and we also use Assistant in Android Auto to open it as we approach.

I'm nervous that Gemini will be integrated into Auto, and we'll no longer be able to open the garage.

Is this ability on the way to Gemini?

[moralesvicente]

Hey ElPell, 

Thanks for reaching out to the Google Nest Community Forum. I understand you have questions about why you’re unable to use Gemini on your Google Pixel Watch to open your garage door. Don’t worry; it’s a pleasure to help.

Regarding your question, Gemini doesn’t support security-related actions, such as unlocking a door or garage door. While Gemini can control a wide range of smart home devices (lights, thermostats, media devices, etc.), it blocks actions that could compromise home security. For more details, refer to this article: Control your smart home devices with the Gemini mobile app.

In the meantime, you can try a few alternatives:

• Use the Google Home app on your phone to manually unlock the garage door.

• Switch back to Google Assistant as the default on your Pixel Watch, which still supports security-related actions. To review the steps, check out this article: Set up Gemini or Google Assistant on your watch.

To help us improve our service, would you mind sending us your feedback? Your input is really important to offer a better experience.

If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out to this forum.

Best regards,

Daniel

[ElPell]

thanks Daniel, until Gemini catches up, I have reverted my phone and pixel watch back to the Google Assistant. hopefully this remains an option when Android Auto makes the transition too.

[InkPunch · Accepted solution]

Please add my vote for this feature request! Being able to use a PIN to control devices is a must-have for my smart home.

I ride both a car and a motorcycle, and it would be so much more convenient to just use my voice to open the garage door, especially when I'm on my motorcycle.

It's a really important feature that would make Gemini so much more useful for smart home control. It's a little strange that it's missing, and I really hope this is something you're planning to add soon.