So, I'm not totally oblivious to the fact that due to my own OCD over the simple misspelling of my home Wi-Fi network (something I sadly did over 6 months ago and that's been bugging me since) that by changing the name and correcting it, albeit by just 1 letter, I was essentially creating an avalanche of extra work for myself. I know this. I own it. And I'm enjoying the fact I've currently spelled my funny and synergistic title mixing up the last names of my husband and I.
That said, there has to be an easier solution to change Wi-Fi networks in a smart home! I have the new 'Public Preview' and was hoping there may be an advanced setting or something to give me a simpler shortcut for swapping a device from one network to the other, but sadly I was wrong.
So this evening I had to individually re-ad into the Google Home app (and I did Google beforehand and found in help articles that I could only do it this way by adding each device back in the app one by one) 2 Nest Minis, 2 Nest Audio Speakers, 2 Chromecast with Google TV, 1 Chromecast, 1 Android TV, 1 Google Hub, 1 video doorbell (and naturally then had to go into a couple other apps to do the same for the branded smart plugs, speakers etc that aren't available strictly through Google Home.
[Sidenote - as a business owner and an American living in an age of almost hysterical and forced diversity via brand AND consumer-driven pop culture optimism that thrives on the thought of diversification, individuality, and inclusion - such as it is - why can we not get that same level of enthusiasm echoed in the everyday products we use and keep in business? I understand that tech may differ from brand to brand and certain specs may not allow for a "universal" Smart Home app, but surely there's something that can be done amongst the Android driven corporate ranks that would provide something a little more inclusive. I think I'm pretty loyal to Google yet I still have over 5 different smart home apps on my Pixel. It would be so much easier if Google Home would recognize other Android products beyond linking the 3rd party account in the settings. It would solve a lot of issues. But, that's semi/not completely off topic for this post so moving on...]
Please, I am begging for a simpler solution. This was such a hassle that I'm still kicking myself and yes I brought it on myself but I also may be moving soon and have to do this all over again. The thought of that makes me cringe. Is there not a simple way I could just tap into Google Home on my Pixel 6 Pro and maybe click on the "Home Settings" and with one fowl swoop just change out the name and password in the required fields, reboot and relax as they start back up on the right network?
Maybe the technology isn't there yet. Personally, I don't know so I'm not pointing fingers and calling names, but if anyone out there knows a simpler solution to migrate an entire smart home from one Wi-Fi network to another I'm all ears. That said, I think it could easily start with Google Home since that's where the bulk of my devices originate and since they're doing a really great job with the makeover overall in other areas. Yes, I am loving the new additions and finding some more helpful than others but overall I'm happy with the new preview so far.
I was disheartened to see there wasn't an easy fix either in the Deco app, Gosund, KMC or the Alexa app. (Yes, I'm a Google Guy with a few Alexa devices remaining. Not a fan, but let's be honest, it's tricky getting a whole household under one Brand. Plus, imo the Echo Dot alone is far superior in speaker quality than it's competition at Google. It pains me to say this but it's true.)
Anyway, forgive my 2 cents or don't. No worries either way. I just wanted to share a stupid moment on my part and see if there actually was an easier way to accomplish the task or, if not, is there any hope to see some kind of feature in the Home app integrated some day that can make this easier?
- Thanks for listening. Be kind, I've just spent over an hour waiting for dozens of "smart" devices to connect, sync, pair and do everything else but cook me dinner and pour me a much needed drink. 😉
- And just so you understand the severity of my frustration I hereby submit my interpretive Bitmoji rant. 😆
