Google Home app: "Could not reach service" for any Works with Google device

[waded]

Wondering if there is any workaround info or known issue information about a behavior I'm seeing: when trying to add a new "Works with Google" device (Kasa/TP-Link) in the Android Google Home app, when on the screen where I search/select a linked service to add, tapping a service flashes the screen momentarily then shows a toast that says "Could not reach (name of service here). Please try again." This appears to be systemic - it doesn't matter which service I tap, Kasa or otherwise, the app claims they're all unreachable. This has been ongoing for 3 days,

There was no Google Home app update available.

I've tried toggling network connection (LTE vs Wi-Fi vs. both.) No VPN or Data Saver enabled. I do have an unused SIM card in the phone, haven't tried ejecting it, but that's been there better part of a year. I'm not having networking-type issues with other apps. Device control for Works with Google devices/services I set up previously is working well, from Google Home app and elsewhere, but the related linked services were authorized w/ Google prior to this problem. The Kasa/TP-Link app works to control the plug I'm trying to add.

Device is a Pixel 4a, on Google Fi using ESIM.

Final update: Thread, and my own experience, indicate this is caused by a 13.48/beta build of the "Google" Android app. (The one with the "G" logo.) Backing out of the Google app beta in Play Store, uninstalling the Google app updates, then updating it until I had a 13.47 version instead was the workaround that worked for me. 
Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity

[sconniesquatch · Accepted solution]

Good catch. Left the Google app beta, did the uninstall updates/clear cache data/reinstall updates for Google app and Google Play services. Google Home can now add third-party services/partners.

Google app beta definitely seems to be the culprit.

[abhiroopb]

Didn't work for me unfortunately 

[abhiroopb]

I've tried all the ideas mentioned and nothing works. Removed myself from beta, cleared cache, uninstalled updates, etc. Nothing has worked for me. 

Pixel 4XL

[sconniesquatch]

What is the current version of the Google app installed on your device?

[abhiroopb]

13.47.8.29.arm64

[RSLH]

13.48.9.29.arm.64

[RSLH]

It's just a matter of time. Hopefully Google will do something about it now! https://www.androidpolice.com/google-home-adding-smart-home-devices-error/

[danipin]

I have the same problem, I tried with various Android phones and an iPhone, different accounts but since December 10 the integrations no longer work, or rather, once disconnected, goodbye ... It is not possible that such an important Google service goes out of service for such a long time. I am disappointed.
P.S. I'm trying to reconnect Nabu Casa but without success

[Tenkely]

There was an update to the GOOGLE app today - My issue was resolved with that update. 

[abhiroopb]

What's the version? I'm still on 13.47

[sconniesquatch]

I just updated about 5 minutes ago -- 13.48.11.26.arm64. Version being reported by both Play Store and Apps section under Settings.

[abhiroopb]

Thanks - mine isn't showing the update and on my wife's phone I updated it but the link still doesn't work.

[sconniesquatch]

Can you provide the version showing on both devices?

[abhiroopb]

My device (Pixel 4XL) just got the update. Version 13.48.11.29.arm64.

My wife's device (Pixel 6a) got the update earlier today. Version 13.48.11.29.arm64.

I just cleared cache for Google Home, Google, and Google Play Service. Restarted the phone and tried to link the 3rd party service again. Still not working. 

[sconniesquatch]

Did you uninstall the updates for Google Play services? For some, that piece was required. Please try again using this process:

- Go to Settings -> Apps

- Uninstall updates for Google app

- Uninstall updates for Google Play services

- Clear cache and data for both Google app and Google Play services

- Update Google Play services here: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938?hl=en

- Download update for Google app from Google Play Store

- Restart device

- Attempt to add device/link account for Works with Google third-party services/partners 

[RSLH]

Did you uninstall the update on both the Google app and Google Play Services and then try adding the 3rd party app?

[abhiroopb]

How do I uninstall Google Play Services? There is no option to do that (I can just "disable" it).

In any event, I did try the usual uninstall updates/clear cache etc. Nothing has worked.

[RSLH]

I'm not sure if your can uninstall GP Services?! So you have tried uninstalling the update by clicking on the 3 dots on top right corner? That worked for all, if not most, people on here. Good luck!

[abhiroopb]

Yes that's what I did for both Google and Play Services

[RSLH]

Oi, sorry mate. Restarting the phone after uninstalling the 2 updates should work... 😕

[abhiroopb]

Not your fault 😞

Just tried restarting and still didn't work unfortunately.

[RSLH]

How frustrating! Hope you find your answers soon! Reread the threads here. Might find something new. Good luck.

[cogneato]

Try uninstalling the updates for Google and Google Play.

I've gone through this twice and neither time have I uninstalled the updates for Play Services. Both times I was able to link a service to GH after uninstalling the updates.

[abhiroopb]

I did this just yesterday - no luck.

[abhiroopb]

Yes - I've tried all of the above.

[sconniesquatch]

Can you provide the version being reported under the Apps section in Settings?

[cogneato]

I can confirm that I am able to link other services and no longer see "could not reach..."

This is version 2.62.80.2 and also in preview.

[Dan_A]

Hi cogneato,

You're the man! Thanks for the update. How about the others?

Cheers,

Dan

[DannyDev]

Seems like it might be working again for me. For others, I dont know which of the following steps that solved it for me, but I began with removing the Google-link in the Smartthings app, which still were there after unlink in Google Home, but before I tested this I also enrolled in Play services beta.  

So for others with issues with SmartThings, try to remove the connection in the Smartthings App as well. After this I could also link my Eufy-account, so hard to say if it was the Play Services Beta or the removal of link in Smartthings App, but at least it is working.

Tried everything in this thread and everything else I could think of and nothing has solved it for me. 

I can link services that I have not linked earlier, but all services that I have had linked and wanted to relink only gives me the "Cannot reach XXX....".

To make sure I did reset one of the kids old Android phones and also one IPad and I couldnt link any of my previous services on any of these devices.

Also tried to create a new Google Account and created a new home in G Home but still no success.

[Dan_A]

Hi DannyDev,

That's very good advice. Thank you so much for sharing that in the Community. Still waiting for others to confirm on the fix.

Keep us posted.

Best,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to follow up and see if you still need help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Thanks,

Dan