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?

[Kesepton]

So after multiple transfers and  an hour of my time they can not help me. Only option was to "try a different phone that isn't up to date?" 

I have all Google products, Google phones and home devices, this is a disappointment

[jenniffert]

Hi Kesepton,

Thanks for posting in the community! I understand how frustrating it is when you’re not able to add the Nest Mini to the Google Home app and the Device Utility app isn’t supported on your mobile device. Help’s here!

To better investigate the inconvenience, I’d like to gather and confirm the following:

• What is the model of your mobile device?
• If you’re using an Android device, what version of Android are you using?
• Do you have any other Nest devices successfully added to the Google Home app?
• Is this the first time that the Google Home app requires downloading the Device utility app?
• Did you purchase the Nest Mini in the same country where you're currently using it?

In the meantime, I’d suggest the following:

• Make sure your mobile device and Google services are running the latest versions.
• If possible, try adding the Nest Mini using a different mobile device or tablet. This can help us to see if the inconvenience is specific to your current device or the apps.

Please keep me updated.

Best regards,

Jenniffer

[Mattjames1980]

His issue is that his phone is up to date. I am having the same issue. It says it cannot download the device utility app as it's for an older version of Android. How am I suppose to set the Google home hub??? Google Pixel 8 pro andriod v14

[simpy1]

Yep, same problem here with a Pixel 7 (and an older Pixel 3a). Apparently you can't set up a new Nest device with a Pixel? Thanks for being a loyal Google device customer, I guess.

[DanieT]

Jennifer are you all working on a solution for this?

I am also having the same issue. Just purchased a new Nest mini for the second floor in my townhouse. I am getting the same message that I need the utility app but that the app is made for an older version android phone. 

I also purchased Nest doorbell and Nest camera and I was able to add these items just fine. It is insane that this is happening for the most simple smart speaker. Google can you please help us out with a solution?? We are a Google/Pixel household I have no other way to add my Nest mini.

[Frankie4]

I just got a new nest mini, my 4th one and I am not able to set it up due to my Pixel 7 being newer than the app. I've no issue setting up any device until today. I have 3 other nest minis, cameras and a doorbell.

[Georgie2]

I am also having the exact same issue.

I had the same message about the Utility App not being available for my device because it was made for an older version of Android.

My phone is Google Pixel 8, running Android Version 15.

I also tried on my old phone which is a Google Pixel 3a, running Android Version 12.

I already have a Google Nest Mini and a Nest Thermostat successfully connected to my home.

This is the first time Google Home app required the Device Utility app to be downloaded.

I bought the Google Nest Mini Speaker in the UK, the same country I live in and am trying to install it in.

I have made sure my current phone is running the latest version.

I just bought an expensive... Umm... ugly paperweight???

I don't need  an ugly paperweight 😕😕

I think I just wasted a bunch of money, as this issue seems like it's ongoing with no fix 🙁

[Vinaykumar8687]

It doesn't work with latest android version 

[junk3333]

Any time anything at all that happens to disconnect my Chromecast from my wi-fi I have to factory reset the Chromecast and reactivate it. It is currently getting me to the point where all I have to do is connect to my WiFi but it does not see my WiFi. My PHONE sees the WiFi. Everything else sees my WiFi but the utility does not. It offers manual connection but that does not work and the pass word is 20 Characters long plus upper case for most of the letters. I cannot tell you how exhausted and frustrated I am with this. I know how to use the Utility. I have done so repeatedly. What do I do now? WHY has Google stopped all real support? 

[KhayteGandw]

My nest hub hasn't been activated from 2 years ago, so it wants me to download the device utility app. but my pixel pro 8 phone won't let me because it says it's made for older version of Android. So what do I do to activate my nest hub to get it started?

[velazqg]

I,m setting up Google Nest WiFi Router and point using Google Pro8 cell phone. The router was successfully configured, but when trying to setup the point using Google Home app the process take me to a point where requiring me to install device utility app, that do not work with my phone because it was made for an older version of Android. Any suggestion?

[Jay20joseph]

Thanks to BigMac88. It worked as suggested with the Home App version 2.59.1.9

[Wellesbournered]

Sideload Device Utility APK. There's a version on APKPure.

[sep23948]

Taking my new nest speaker back to the shop tomorrow and getting Amazon Echo instead. And I was going to get a new Google Pixel phone in a couple of months, but I won't bother if this is how you treat customers. Really insulting. 

[squaff]

that's don't make any sense, for real of all the phones out there just Google phones don't work.. lol very funny 

One of the technician said that is not comparable but I already downloaded one of them already with no problems only trying to add another device this happens .. The device  utility  how could this make any sense .. google to Google that's so weird 

[superstar]

I have a Pixel 7 and I am having the same problem, can't download the device utility app as it says it's made for older phone models? How do I set up/activate my google nest mini then when the Google Home app tells me to use the device utility app first?

[Pcalu]

Same problem here. Pixel 7a and new nest mini. Can't setup because my phone is too "new". How crazy is this? 

Horrible user experience by Google. 

A solution should be given promptly. 

[Atom28069]

Oh man, I'm having the same issue on my Pixel 4a, but I'm not thrilled to see that it's this common. I have a bunch of nest minis that I've never had this issue with, but I got one as a birthday present, and can't connect without the Device Utility app. Anyone found a way to connect these, or should I just return it? That's disappointing.

[DanieT]

I am also having the same issue. Just purchased a new Nest mini for the second floor in my townhouse. I am getting the same message that I need the utility app but that the app is made for an older version android phone. 

I also purchased Nest doorbell and Nest camera and I was able to add these items just fine. It is insane that this is happening for the most simple smart speaker. Google can you please help us out with a solution?? We are a Google/Pixel household I have no other way to add my Nest mini.

[RWF]

I'm having the same issue. I was trying to convert from Alexa to Google, but can't because of this.  So I guess we stick with Alexa because it works.

[tarehart]

Same issue with Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 pro. Guess I'll get help from a coworker with a non-pixel and give them a cautionary tale about the Google device ecosystem.

[David_K]

Hi all,

To confirm, Google is actively investigating this issue. To help in troubleshooting this, as Jenniffer mentioned, it would be helpful if you can share this information:

• What is the model of your mobile device?
• What is the specific version of Android are you using?
  • Open your device's Settings app.
  • Near the bottom, tap About phone or About tablet then tap Android version.
  • Find your 'Android version', 'Android security update' and 'Build number'.

[RWF]

Pixel Fold

Android Version 14

[RWF]

Pixel Fold

Android Version 14

Build: AP2A.240905.003

Security Update: 9-5-24

[tarehart]

Pixel 6
Android Version 14
Build AP2A.240905.003.F1
Security update September 5 2024

Pixel 8 Pro
Android Version 14
Build AP2A.240905.003
Security update September 5 2024

[AuldHecate]

I have Pixel 6, android 15 build AP3A.241105.007

I don't have another android device, apart from a Google TV dongle. Can't download the device utility app in order to set-up a 2nd generation nest mini. 

How is it possible that a key piece of device activation software in your ecosystem isn't kept up to date with android OS? This is farcical. 

[Gatorguy87]

I have a pixel 7 Android version 14.

[junk3333]

Android version 12 is my current phone I am working from but I have tried others and we are all having the same issue. I have found that I can't hold the phone and do this. I have to place it on a stable surface. That seems to help but it is still indeterminate if and when it will work.

[N-Crowd]

"Google is actively investigating this issue" -- how long does it take to fix this simple issue that a great many people are having - and for a very long time now? 

This is absolutely ridiculous that Google can't fix this issue for their own software product running on their own phones!!!  Heads should roll!

[GoogleNestTeam · Accepted solution]

Hey everyone,

We’re aware of the issue preventing download of the Device Utility app for some Pixel phone users running Android 14 and higher. The team is currently investigating. As a workaround in the meantime, you can use another device or Pixel running an older Android version to connect your speakers to the Google Home app.

We appreciate your patience, and we’ll keep you updated when there’s more to share.

Thank you,
Google Home & Nest Team

[Georgie2]

I had the same issue on an older device, my Pixel 3a which is running Android 12 ( as detailed in my previous post above).

This would have been the device I see up my existing Google Nest Mini on.

In my experience the issue certainly isn't limited to Android 14 and higher. I think it's more far reaching.

The recommended 'workaround' above has also failed. 

[darrelljgriest]

3d  yet 

[Georgie2]

I tried the 'workaround' and had the same issue on my old Google Pixel 3a which is running Android 12, so in my experience it's not limited to Android 14 and higher.

[BJBll123]

So from what I am reading, this issue was reported two months ago and it has not been fixed? I bought a new Nest Hub Max 2E12 and and unable to set it up because I am unable to download the Google Device Utility app. Why hasn't this issue been fixed yet?

I have a Pixel 8, running Android version 14

I do not have any older versions to try. I have plenty of other Nest products including a mini screen, thermostat, Nest doorbell.

[Frankie4]

I used an older version of Android to set up the Google nest mini. Now I'm not able to add the new speaker to any groups I have set up, nor am I able to create a new group and include the new speaker. This really sucks. I'm done with Google products. I'm returning the new speaker and switching to Alexa.

[Takoyaki_uwu]

Any update on this issue?

i just got a home mini and cant set it up

[Xavier3]

Still no fix for this? I have the same issue when adding my chromecast to google home it says to activate the device using device utility. Currently using pixel 7 Android v14

[Church38]

Can you please provide an update?

[Wellesbournered]

I've just bought a Pixel phone and cannot connect my speaker to the Google Home app, because it needs the Device Utility app - which is not available to me.