Unable to rename device to same as previously named device

[nsimon]

I am unable to change the name of a device to the desired name (which had been used before for a different device) as I get the following error message:

Device name couldn't be updated. Another device exists with the same name.

The old device doesn't exist in the list of devices and so I am unable to delete it or rename it, etc. making the name unusable. This is a frustrating bug.

[AbigailF]

Hello nsimon,

Thanks for posting — let's see what's going on.

A few questions: have you tried to uninstall and reinstall your Google Home app on your device? What phone or device are you using to do this? Also, have you tried using a different device?

We'll wait for your update.

Regards,
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hey nsimon,

Checking back in should you still have some questions here. Let us know by replying to this thread. 

Best, 
Abi

[AllieH]

I have issues renaming devices.  It just says Unnamed Device.  I want to assign a name to it, but it will not.  Why is this so not user friendly like Linksys?

[AbigailF]

Hello AllieH,

I'm sorry to hear you're having this issue. How are you normally trying to change the name of your devices in your Google Home app? You can check the steps listed below as reference:

Open the Google Home app.

Tap Wi-Fi > Devices.

Tap the device that you want to change the name of.

Rename your device. Your changes will be saved automatically.
 

More details here. Let us know if the issue persists after trying these steps.

Cheers,
Abi

[AllieH]

I've tried the steps you provided.   It will not let me change the name of the device.  I believe I will be taking this back & going back to Linksys.

[AbigailF]

Hi AllieH,

A few questions: what happened when you tried to follow the steps I mentioned? Did you get any message on your Google Home app? Also, could you try using a different device or smartphone to see if the issue persists?

Thanks,
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hey AllieH,

We’d like to check in again in case you have any further questions or concerns. Feel free to reply to this thread and we’ll help you out.

Regards, 
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hello AllieH,

We haven't heard from you in a while so we'll be locking this thread if there is no update within 24 hours. If you have any new issues, updates or just a discussion topic, feel free to start a new thread in the Community.

Best, 
Abi

[AllieH]

No, I'm not able to.  I am returning this and going with Linksys.  

[nsimon]

I am using a Pixel 4A. I am not going to uninstall and reinstall the Home app and have to deal with all that is involved to address a bug in the app. No I have not tried using a different device, but again it is still a bug in the app that should be resolved.

[nsimon]

Additionally, I have now tried to do the same thing on a chromebook and had the same error. The Wifi router has been rebooted since this problem first arose. The issue persists.

[AbigailF]

Hi again folks,

Thanks for the update and my apologies for the late reply.
 

@AllieH, I’m sorry to hear that you don’t want to proceed anymore. In case you change your mind, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.
 

@nsimon, if you prefer not to uninstall your Google Home app, you could also try to clear the cache and see if it helps. Please take note that you won’t be able to see your Wi-Fi network using Google Home for web. For more details, you can check this article. 
 

Regards,
Abi

[AllieH]

Hello Abi, I returned the Google router & went with Linksys.  Much better & user friendly.   Have not had one issue with naming the devices since it provides much more information.   Sorry it didn't work out.  You might want to pass on to Google to restructure the app/program. 

[AbigailF]

Hello everyone,

@AllieH, we're sad to see you go. If anything changes, we're here to help.
@nsimon, Chiming in to see if you still need assistance with this. Let us know if you have additional questions ― we'd love to help. 

Best,
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hey folks,

It's me again. I'd like to check in again in case you have any additional questions or concerns. I'm here to help out.

Thanks,
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hi everyone,

I'm just checking in to make sure that you've seen our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours.

Cheers,
Abi