Google Assistant No Longer Delays Smart Device Commands as Before

[Grothlor]

Description:
Since the most recent Google update, scheduled voice commands such as “Start the air conditioner in 10 minutes” are being executed immediately instead of after the intended delay.

Additionally, the response behavior from Google Assistant varies depending on the device and language used:

• On a Google Nest Mini:

  • When using English, the Assistant responds with errors like “This unit is not configured.”
  • When using Swedish, the command is executed immediately, without delay.

• On a Google Nest Hub:

  • The behavior is reversed: English commands execute immediately, while Swedish commands result in errors.

---

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

1. Confirmed that Google Assistant and all connected devices are fully updated.
2. Re-synced devices by unlinking and relinking them in the Google Home app.
3. Verified that all devices are running the latest firmware.
4. Restarted all Google Assistant-enabled devices.

---

Language Behavior Observed:

• Using Swedish as the Assistant language causes scheduled commands to execute immediately.
• Using English sometimes works, but often results in errors such as:
  • “The device is not recognized”
  • “Configure device”
• Tested using only one language at a time (either Swedish or English), but the issue persists across both.

---

Request:
Please investigate this issue, as it appears to be related to the latest update and affects scheduled command functionality—especially when using non-English languages like Swedish. The inconsistent behavior across devices and languages suggests a deeper compatibility or localization issue.

---

[SmartHomeH-TAGS]

In regards to you first query. For my example  I'll use a bulb.

The command I use is "Turn OFF light for 10 minutes" It take some time to get used to using this type of phrase, but it won't turn anything on immediately if it misunderstands you.

[Grothlor]

The problem didn’t exist before. Back then, it worked to say “Turn off the air conditioning in one hour” or “Turn off the living room light in 30 minutes.” But after the latest Google update, no commands with time settings work anymore. Instead, the commands are executed immediately.

I’ve now uninstalled everything for the third time and performed a factory reset, but the issues with time-based commands still persist.

I should also add that if I use English as the language, it works sometimes. Other times, I get the response that “the device is not configured,” or the commands are executed immediately or the assistant doesn’t respond at all.

To me, it’s quite clear that something is wrong in the latest update, since everything worked flawlessly with all devices before, and now suddenly no time-based commands work at all.

[SmartHomeH-TAGS]

I said "OFF & FOR" not "off & in"

So you're command for the above example would be...

• When the light is ON...

Turn ON the living room light FOR 30 minutes.

So, as it's ON it will stay on immediately.

Then...

• When the light is OFF...

Turn OFF the living room light FOR 30 minutes.

So, as it's OFF it will stay off immediately.

[Grothlor]

I find that to be a confusing way to do it. Those commands don’t work in Swedish, and I want to stick to the syntax that Google themselves refer to, which is 'Turn ON/OFF the lights IN xx minutes/hours'.

I've tested this in Swedish, English, and Norwegian

• When light is OFF
  Turn ON the lights IN 30 minutes
  - The lights turn ON immediately
• When light is ON
  Turn OFF the lights IN 30 minutes
  - The lights turn OFF immediately

The delayed execution syntax only works in English (Not always). In other languages, the command is either misunderstood or ignored.

[ByronP]

Hi Grothlor,

Thank you for reaching out to the community. I understand you're experiencing delays and misunderstandings with scheduled commands in English, Swedish, and Norwegian, which started after the latest Google Home app update. I appreciate all the recommendations and help, @SmartHomeH-TAGS. Let's work together to find a solution.

We're always seeking ways to improve. Please share your thoughts and experiences by submitting them to the feedback form, so it can improve in future updates.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Byron

[Grothlor]

There are plenty of reports from Google Home/Assistant/Nest users about this; there are two articles on Yahoo Tech and Kiplinger specifically addressing these issues

Kiplinger Article Summary

Title: Google Promises a Fix as Smart Home Users Report Device Failures
Link: Read on Kiplinger

• Widespread Issues: Users report serious problems with Google smart home devices—like Nest speakers, cameras, and thermostats—including unresponsive commands, random device behavior, and failed automations.
• User Frustration: Many users have turned to Reddit and forums to share their experiences, with some saying devices no longer respond to voice commands or perform incorrect actions.
• Safety Concerns: For users relying on these devices for health or security, the malfunctions are more than just inconvenient—they’re potentially dangerous.
• Google’s Response: The company has acknowledged the issues and promised a fix, but no specific timeline has been given.

Yahoo Tech Article Summary

Title: Google Promises a Smart Home Fix, Apologizes For Assistant Troubles
Link: Read on Yahoo Tech

• Official Apology: Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home and Nest, publicly apologized for the degraded experience and confirmed that a fix is in the works.
• Root Causes: The issues seem to stem from Google shifting focus from Assistant to its Gemini AI, leading to neglect of the smart home ecosystem.
• Subscription Frustration: Users are also upset about a recent price hike for Nest Aware subscriptions, especially as device performance has declined.
• Future Plans: Google is working on “major improvements” expected to roll out in the fall, possibly including deeper integration of Gemini AI into smart home devices.

[Grothlor]

After some more testing/reset/reconfigure, I discovered that voice commands involving delayed actions or specific device targeting behave even more inconsistently and sometimes dangerously.

Examples

Using English:

• Hey Google, "Activate Airconditioner livingroom in 20 minutes"
  Error: "Device lights kitchen not configured."
  
  Immediate commands (e.g., "Activate Airconditioner livingroom") work correctly.
  
  
• Hey Google, "Activate lights bathroom in 40 minutes"
  Error: "Device temp Bedroom not configured."
  
  Immediate commands (e.g., "Activate lights bathroom ") work correctly.

Using Swedish:

• Delayed commands (e.g., "Activate lights bathroom in 40 minutes") are executed immediately, ignoring the delay.

Critical Issue

Commands sometimes trigger unrelated devices.
Example: "Hey Google, activate lights livingroom" unlocks the garage door.

Conclusion

• Simple on/off commands work but may affect the wrong device.
• Commands with timing or extended syntax are misinterpreted.
• Language setting affects behavior unpredictably.

Due to these issues, I’m forced to disable Google Home for safety reasons

And some more testing...
Found another "bug/error" Google Nest, Nest Mini and Nest HUB
In english: Hey Google "deactivate light in 10 minutes"
Google answers in SWEDISH" Avaktiverar lampa om 10 minuter (Deactivating light in ten minutes)"
And now the funny part.... 😄

In Swedish: Hey Google "Avaktivera lampa om 10 minuter (deactivate light in 10 minutes)"
Google answers in ENGLISH" Deactivating light in ten minutes"

So, if I speak English to the Google Assistant/Gemini, it replies in Swedish.
If I speak Swedish to the Google Assistant/Gemini, it replies in English saying the device is not configured.