Google Home has poor compatibility with common Zigbee apps despite full Assistant compatibility

[stigzler]

Must say. I'm rather disappointed, Google. I've just gotten into home automation to try and reduce my heating use by buying some automated TRVs which are Zigbee controlled. This led to me buying a couple of Google Nest Hub Max's and this is where the trouble has started....

I set up the TRVs with a wireless Zigbee hub and an app called "Smart Life" I could equally have used an app called MOES or Tuya (which I tried during troubleshooting)  - they're all the same software, just rebranded. The problems came when trying to link it up to google Home. A cynical man who has read about goolge's collaboration with a lot of other big corporations to introduce new standards (Matter + Thread) may say they have a vested interest in forcing out competing technologies (i.e. Zigbee)?? I'm sure, however, you wouldn't treat your customers like like who have just spent a lot of money on two units and thus trust you can help. 

My problem is this. The TRVs are successfully set up in the Smart Life App. I also did this via the other two aforementioned apps with the same issues. The process was: I first connected the Wireless Zigbee bridge to the app on my 2.4G Wireless Network. I then added each of the TRVs into the app via the bridge. All is set up fine in the app with all controls enable. 

I then open google Home and link my Samrt Life app via Set up device>Works With Google>[Choose Smart Life linked service] etc.

Problem is, it does recognise each TRV, but they all show as "Inactive" That is, you cannot control them at all from google home (this is on my mobile. However, the weird thing is, I can fully control them via google assistant. E.g. if I say "Set the office TRV to 24 degrees" it will do so, or "set the office TRV to auto", likewise. Thus, both the Smart Things App and Assistant app are communicating successfully with each other. This clearly indicates that the fault lies with the Google Home app, so please don't palm me off to the Smart Life makers, as your Assistant API clearly works with it. 

I've done a lot of googling and trying things. From the top of my head:

- Hey google > "sync devices"

- Tried reconnecting account

- Ensured on the same wifi network as was when set up the zigbee hub

Nothing makes any difference. I'm a bit miffed to be honest as I paid a lot of money for two Hubs because the home app says "works with google" but it doesn't!! False advertising. Thus, I trust you will make this right?

[Mlabrador]

Hi stigzler, 

Thanks for posting to the community. I know how it feels when something isn't working. Let's sort this out. 

A few questions: when syncing the service "Hey Google, sync my devices" what response are you getting? Also, when asking for the display, "Hey Google, set the office TRV to 23 degrees" what response are you getting? 

Keep me posted. 

Best, 

Nikki 

[Azarco]

Hello there,

We wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Let us know if you are still having any trouble from here, as we would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Regards,

Alex

[stigzler]

Sync devices completes fine. Issue persists. I also wrote in the op:

". if I say "Set the office TRV to 24 degrees" it will do so,"

This should be self explanatory?

[Azarco]

Hi stigzler,

We're sorry for the inconvenience. Could you try clearing the cache and data of your Google Home app then, reinstall it? Also, have you tried using a different phone? Resetting your Google Nest Hub Max might help too.

Thanks,

Alex

[Juni]

Hi there,

I just wanted to follow up if you were able to try the steps provided. Please let us know as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
 

Regards,

Juni

[Azarco]

Hey stigzler,

One quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need assistance, feel free to start a new thread in the Community and we’ll be happy to help.

Best,

Alex

[stigzler]

Sorry - I thought I had replied - don't know where that got to - weird. I've been working flat out and haven't had time to devote to fixing my buggy Google devices yet. I will update you once I do.

[Azarco]

Hello there,

Understood. No rush — we'll be waiting for your updates.

Thanks,
Alex

[Azarco]

Hi stigzler,

It's me again. I don't want to be a nudge but I'd like to check if you're able to check your devices connectivity.

Regards,
Alex

[Azarco]

Hey there,

We want to ensure you are good to go, and everything is working properly. Please let us know if you are still having trouble, as we will be locking the thread in 24 hours due to inactivity. 

Best,

Alex

[Deepak_coolm]

I too have a problem specifically interacting with the zigbee connected devices. My google home is not at all recognizing the zigbee connected devices. Lot of my sensors are of zigbee based and are connected to (Tuya based) zigbee gateway device. The problem is those devices are not recognized from the google home app. I can only interact/ control the wifi based IOT devices such as that are directly connected to Internet. Give me any solution. I heard your rival Alexa has the support for 3rd party zigbee devices but the great google doesnt support!!!!!!! I was completely disappointed and regretting for choosing the google instead of alexa echo 😞

For example, I got to Routine-> Add starter-> When a device does something-> I expect my zigbee temperature sensor to be listed but its not listing anything... Because of that, I cant make use of google home.. such a waste of money

[Juni]

Hi Deepak_coolm,

Thanks for reaching out. Using your sensor as a starter for a routine is not supported. Our team is working hard to deliver the best experience for our users — I'd suggest you submit feedback about it; here's how. Keep an eye on the Google Nest Community page for any updates. 

Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns, as I will be locking this in 24 hours if I don't hear back from you again. Feel free to start a new thread, and we'll be happy to help.

Regards,

Juni