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?

[Wellesbournered]

Hi Google Nest team.

I sideloaded a Device Utility APK, and this overcame the problem. I was able to connect my speaker. My phone is a Pixel 8 pro, running Android 15. Speaker is Onkyo VC GX30 with Google Assistant.

[simpy1]

Can you point us to any further into on how you did this?

[Wellesbournered]

Downloaded APK from APK Pure. Device Utility 2.2.8.2. Sideloaded (allow unknown aps in settings) and it installed without a problem.

[plentypepper]

Thank you so much for your suggestion and the download details.  I spent four hours today ripping my hair out trying to set up my Chromecast 3 on my old tv before I found your post.  Tried on my Pixel 8 Pro and my old Pixel 5, nothing worked.  I got it going now, what a fiasco!  I can't believe Google doesn't have a fix for this yet!

[WestcoastBre]

Thank you! This worked beautifully 

[Actionbyte]

Wich APK from where?

[Wellesbournered]

https://apkpure.com/device-utility/com.google.android.apps.wifisetup.app

[jonatkins57]

I have so many pixels...

but none can use the app

[D_Schrekker]

Also the same problem here. Tried every phone. Please we all need help! 

[Gatorguy87]

Patience? It's now a month later, Christmas, and still not working.  I don't have an older phone with older android versions. I have a pixel 7, Android version 14. Very frustrating.

[Wellesbournered]

Have you tried sideloading the Device Utility APK? It worked for me

[Gatorguy87]

What is the exact name of this? When i search "device utility apk", the closest thing i get is "apk analyzer" 

[Gatorguy87]

And what exactly does sideloaded mean, for those of us not tech savvy.

[Wellesbournered]

Downloaded APK from APK Pure. Device Utility 2.2.8.2. Sideloaded (allow unknown aps in settings) and it installed without a problem.

[eduardo13]

I greatly appreciate your answer and also you specifying the number of the version. I just wanted to call out for those who aren't experts that using APKs could expose you to security threats, and that Google is being extremely irresponsible in allowing people to take that avenue when it's ultimately its responsibility to ensure we can use their products that we buy.

[Wellesbournered]

100per cent agree. Ensure virus protection is active before using this route.

[Flavabean]

Agreed, I'm hesitant to try this APK approach due to security risks, and just the pure hassle of trying to figure it out is not a seamless user experience. Google should credit us for these devices. 

The onus is on them as a company to provide products that actually work vs users trying out hacks after we paid for these smart devices.

[Rcflier]

Where did you find the APK? Send a link please

[Jay9624GBR]

You are aware of the issue, however it has not been resolved from over a month ago.  You would think with all of these being Google issues you would have a team that might make this a priority.  As one of the largest software companies in the world this is completely unacceptable.  Why can't anyone do their job anymore.  Too much DEI or please enlighten me.  Never wanted to move to Apple more in my life than right now.

[eduardo13]

Great, let me keep the 2 bricks you sold me for $150 at home until you give me an update! Oh, btw, any chances you could provide us with, uhm, an estimation for a fix? Because right now the impression is this tread will be buried and forgotten like the other thousands of broken Google stuff.

[D_Schrekker]

It is not recommended, but i take the risk to downloaded the .apk file. After installing the file the fix was done! But afterall, this is a work arround en not the correct sollution. So Google....fix it for many, many users!

[john79]

A month later and people receiving these as Christmas presents can't use them. Shocking. Why can't the Google home app enable the device, it makes no sense

[Sarjammers]

Hi,

Have you got any further with this? I have a pixel 7a phone and can't use the nest mini I got for Xmas because the device utility app isn't available because it needs an older version of android. I have no older devices so can't use the work arounds.

Many thanks,

[rljmtn]

I will be returning this device as I actually wanted a second Google home device. Since Google has decided to do battle with Sonos instead of supporting customers I will find another solutions, most likely going with Amazon. This is what happens when accountants run tech companies.

[CerebrumQc]

Voici mon expérience en date du 8 janvier 2025, soit plus de deux semaines après cette publication. 

Impossible d'installer mes deux Audio Nest avec mon Google Pixel 6a, on me dit d'installer une application (device utility) qui n'est même pas compatible avec mon téléphone #Failed 

Impossible d'installer non plus Device Utiliy sur mon ancien Google Pixel 3a XL #Failed 

Après avoir restauré un vieux Galaxy finalement réussi à installer la vieille application et à ajouter mes 2 nest audio dans Google Home. Le processus n'a pas été facile et j'ai du désinstaller l'application entre les deux appareils ainsi que redémarrer mon téléphone. #Failed 

Par contre, impossible de créer un groupe #Failed 

Après plusieurs tentatives, je réussi. 
Ensuite, j'essais de mettre mes deux haut-parleurs en stéréo. 
Après plusieurs tentatives, il y a toujours des erreurs #Failed 

Je décide d'effacer mon groupe pour voir si cela pourrait créer le problème, mais impossible d'effacer mon groupe. #Failed 
 
Donc, pour l'instant, je me contente d'écouter ma musique en mono sur deux haut-parleurs. Pour un audiophile comme moi, c'est L'HORREUR!! Écoutez les Beatles par exemple en dual mono, c'est NON. 

Gros gros failed de Google, extrêmement déçu de mon achat. 

[CerebrumQc]

La mauvaise expérience continue. J'ai finalement trouvé comment effacer mon groupe, en éliminant chacun des appareils manuellement dans les settings de chaque appareil. 

Malheureusement, l'association stéréo ne fonctionne toujours pas. 

#Failed sur toute la ligne. 

[Ksjisknsjsman]

If you think this is an acceptable answer you need to be fired

[pdavison]

When will this issue be fixed? It's totally unacceptable to sell a product that can't be used. 

[Jennyoung195]

Do you have an ETA on when this problem's going to be rectified cuz right now I have $50 sitting on my end table that I can't use

[Georgemck]

It's January 19 and I'm still having a problem linking to my Chromecast.  Both my Pixel tablet and Pixel phone are updated so I can't get Device Utility on an older device.  Is this just a sneaky way to force me to buy the new streamer?

[Pennylake]

Same issue with samsung tablet.  Says i cant download again because devuce not supported.   Yeh for updates after years of working

[Davidrobert]

This is still an issue, and what you've written here is not an answer. Google used to mean high quality product. Unfortunately, a broken app and boilerplate non-answer is par for course lately. Google sells really nice hockey pucks that light up if you plug them in, nothing more.

[squaff]

you have all these people asking about this non sense that seems that only happens to Google phones.!! did you guys haven't figured out yet? how so ? it's google home / Google device utility/ Google phones it's all you how so ?!! for real ? 

[AeroRAF]

This is not an answer and should be unmarked as such.

[WSmithWaters]

Are you guys planning on fixing this issue that has been complained about minimally October 2024.  For me and many  others, using a different device is not an option as all devides in my house would not be compatible as well and I am not about to bye a new device just to get this App.  It is a lot less hassle to return the Google Mini and use another service.

[LaPoiscaille]

Hi, I also tried with other samsung phones with older android versions, and the app is not compatible either

[abaughman3]

That is correct the device utility app won't work period but the Google Home will. It should auto prompt you. It worked when I logged into it on a different device. 

[Psudol]

Any update on when this will be resolved?

[SharonB54]

This is a year later and still the same problem. We don't have an older version of Pixel all our other phones are even newer. This is crazy. 

[SharonB54]

Sorry not a year later.im reading the original date in the English setting not US setting. So that was posted in Oct 24 it's now Feb 25 and it still appears to have no fix.