Can't get nest mini to connect - my phone isn't supported on device utility

[Kesepton]

I am trying to connect these to my home app. Says I need to use device utility to connect the mini to Wi-Fi. When I go to download the app, it says it isn't supported on my phone because it's made for an older android. 

What can I do here?

[anneandss]

I don't have access to another phone running an older version of the Android OS. Is there any other workaround?

[Techmechanik]

Is this ever going to be resolved?

[NiceGeek]

I have no special insight into the company, but my sense is that

• The Google mini will never be changed to avoid this problem
• Newer revisions of Android OS will never restore the lost feature required for setup

Instead I the company might offer a trade-in option, and there might be some sort of community bulletin board to locate an old Android phone.

[Cdsonly]

So you're telling me I own a pixel phone and a pixel tablet and I buy a Google speaker and I can't use either of my devices to set it up? I'm seriously rethinking my buying so many Google products. This is a full year later than this post and I still can't set up my speaker. This is absolutely insane.

[rexsilex]

This still isn't resolved on my new android? My mini speaker is just a paperweight for years. There must be something else we can do? 

[VLL512]

One solution is to stop buying any Google products since Google is obviously not interested in their customers.  I have 2 minis and they are just collecting dust. What's odd is my friend who has an iPhone doesn't have this problem with the mini🫤

[Merwyndias12]

Any updates on this or Google is searching for a 1year for a solution 

[Flavabean]

It's been 6 months and still no resolution. Please issue a refund or store credit as this is unacceptable. 

[jamiq]

It is now halfway through 2025 and no solution for this yet. Come on Google! So frustrating.

[ChristineB]

I am having the same issue. I have a Google pixel 7. It is now July 2025. I would really like to be able to use my Google nest at some point. It is very frustrating because you would think that because I have a Google phone, that it would be compatible with the Google Nest.

[DotD625]

Any update here? I am receiving the same error & it's been 8 months since your last post.

[NurseDiesel]

Give up as Google doesnt care. Its their software which is out of date being advertised on their android software distribution platform to this day. Their own operating system changes broke it. Their own flagship phones cant use it. Their own support takes you to a 3rd party website crawling with clickbait ads to try and get it working by downloading an ancient version of the updater. If that isnt a company giving you the one finger salute, I dont know what is.

[Dale6]

I am having this same issue. Is this still not fixed?? Please advise. 

[DotD625]

I have an iOS tablet and was able to add it there.

[markearth]

Same issue - Pixel 8, Android 15

[etumanov]

Same issue, @GoogleNestTeam is there any chance the Device Utility app will work on the new Android phones this week?

[Pescador]

Trying to set up a nest mini and I'm getting the same issue: requires Device Utility app, but my phone (Pixel 7, Android 15) is listed as not compatible with the app

[SharonB54]

Did you find a way round it. I have a Pixel 7Pro Android 15.   I'm also guessing this might be why I can't reconnect my older model Google Home. 

[Wellesbournered]

If you sideload the Device Utility APK this should overcome the issue. 

Download the Device Utility APK from APKPure. Allow unknown sources on your phone. Install APK

[sep23948]

This doesn't work it doesn't recognise my WiFi

[Vikchop]

Why are you pushing these devices when it's not compatible with your own flagship phones? Terrible experience!

[Thomas14]

Same issue here. You keep selling devices that people won't be able to use, not even a warning banner in your store. This is borderline dishonest to keep customers misinformed... Please at least share an ETA for a fix. Or should we get a very old and insecure smartphone to be able to use Nest products?

[OB12]

Same problem - do not have a device with an older version of Android in order to use the Device Utility app. My Nest Mini just repeats over and over (in Japanese for some reason) to download the Home app, but the Home app warns that extra steps are required to activate (which is not possible with this device). Will return.

[Wellesbournered]

I sideloaded the Device Utility from an APK and it worked. I've got Pixel 8 pro phone running Android 15.

[Xavier3]

Thank you so much this works!

[Rastrick]

Stuck in the same situation! When can we expect a fix?!

[Frankie4]

There is a really good sale on Amazon for Alexa products right now. They have bundles that include smart light bulbs.I'm replacing my 5 Google nest minis and getting 3 smart light bulbs for $100. 

[Takoyaki_uwu]

Appreciate this thank you. I heard froma. Friend they have better support 

[Georgie2]

To be fair, the above two posters make a good point.

Really disappointed that there hasn't been an update on this for three weeks  from Google Nest Team 😕

Just gonna leave this, incase it's helpful for anyone who wants a smart speaker that works with their Google phone

https://www.amazon.co.uk/echo-dot-2022/dp/B09B96TG33 

[Thomas14]

I have a ticket opened for nearly 3 weeks now, and support can't provide any explanation or ETA of resolution. I'm now asking for a refund as they sold me something completely unusable, but they keep stalling. This is infuriating 😡 Think twice if you consider buying Nest products or subscription...

[Wellesbournered]

The weird thng is that I bought ah and new Google Nest Audio plugged it in and it worked fine.

I reset my old  Google assistant speaker to relocate it and now I can't get it to work I should have just moved it and renamed it.

Let's hope Google resolve this quickly.

[Wellesbournered]

I managed to connect by sideloading the Device Utility via an APK and it worked..!!

[bugbite77]

Any updates on this?!

[Wellesbournered]

Id recommend sideloading a Device Utilty APK. Worked for me.

[Sarahb4321]

Hey! I have a 2nd hand 3rd gen chromecast and im having trouble connecting and activating it. It's model NC2 6A5. This will be the 1st time I personally use it. I think ive tried all the troubleshooting suggestions on google but i keep running into roadblocks. Wondering if someone here can maybe help or just tell me if its even possible to connect. I've factory reset the chromecast. I've unplugged and plugged my router. My google home app says "Chromecast found but it needs to be activated before setup". In order to do that i need the Device Utility app which won't work on my phone cuz my phone is too new. Ive also tried connecting directly to the chromecast's SSID but it keeps saying no internet access. Can anything else be done or i do i just get rid of it? Thanks in advance!

[Wellesbournered]

Try sideloading the Device Utility APK to your phone. That worked from me.

[SheAll]

Same issue and this is a Christmas gift. I'm sure there will be many others who receive this device for Christmas despite the fact that Google hasn't figured out how to make it work with its own phone system. Let the returns begin!

[Takoyaki_uwu]

Honestly I returned mine already, I got a Amazon echo ordered. The lack of communication on this issue is horrible as this has been a known issue. I hate lack of communication in customer service and I've also ordered a new phone and swapping away from my pixel because I'm worried if I have a issue this same situation will repeat.

[eduardo13]

This is an absolute joke... How can you sell a google product, that can't be setup using a google phone? And Why the hell would I keep older phones? I only have one. This is so much garbage.

[duanetheriot]

Same issue here. It seems insane that I can't set up the new Nest Mini I got for Christmas with my Pixel phone. I have no other phones available to set this up with.