Connect to smart speakers when not home?

[sethman900]

I recently attempted to change some settings on my Minis and Nest Home when I was away from the house and the app wouldn't let me connect to any device stating that I needed to be on the same wifi network. Confused by this as you certainly don't need to be on the same network to connect to all my other devices (smartplugs, thermostats, lights, etc.).

Is this accurate?

[JuanCH]

Hi sethman900,

Thanks for posting in the community!  I understand that you were trying to adjust settings on your Google Minis and Nest devices while away from the house, but the app prompted you to connect to the same Wi-Fi network.  It's certainly confusing when you don't have the option to manage devices without being in the same Wi-Fi network. I'm here to help! 

To address the situation I have some questions for you: 

• What would you like to happen on your Home Minis or other Nest devices?
• Do you have any routines created in the Google Home app that you expect to be activated when you're away?
• Is your Google Home app updated? Please check out the following link for your reference: Update the Google Home app

I look forward to your response.

Best regards,
Juan 

[sethman900]

Not sure how the questions you asked are relevant. I want to access my smart speakers while I'm not home. They all show up as offline because I'm not on the local wifi network. I can access all other devices configured in the Home Assistant. 

[JuanCH]

Hi sethman900,

Thanks for keeping me updated! While most smart devices (thermostats, smart plugs, lights, etc.) offer full remote control via cloud services, Google Nest speakers and displays may have more limited controls remotely. Some functions—especially those requiring direct local connection—might not be available from afar.

You can use the Home and Away Routines to manage your Google Nest devices even when you're away.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,
Juan