Device Name Reverts

[jegreenwood]

How do I change the name of a Google home device without it reverting? Changing it within the app works for a short while, but generally within 48 hours it reverts to its prior name.

Specifically, I have a smart speaker, which among other things, works as a soundbar for my TV. I named it Soundbar. But when I say, "Hey Google, play music on Soundbar," it doesn't respond. So I changed the name to Bedroom Soundbar, and it responds to that - for a day or so. Then, all on its own, the name reverts to Soundbar.

I've tried deleting the device and adding it back with the new name, changing rooms, and doing a reset on the soundbar. Nothing works.

I have an iPhone 12 with up to date software.

[JillG]

Hi @jegreenwood 

Can you clarify if the speaker is a Nest speaker? If not what brand? In the meantime, try naming something without the word "sound bar" just to see if that is being problematic.

thanks!

J

[jegreenwood]

The speaker is a Naim MuSo 2.  I have tried quite a few names, some with soundbar, some without. It makes no difference. The name change is made and works for a day or two (sometimes less). Then I look and see the name has reverted to Soundbar.

[JillG · Accepted solution]

The speaker is reverting the name back. If that brand has an app, you can try changing it there. I would also reach out to Naim. Unfortunately, Nest/Google support can't help much with 3rd party devices.

[jegreenwood]

I have reached out to Naim. They say it's a Google problem.  Moreover, the name I've given it in the Naim app doesn't change. Only in Google Home is there a reversion.

Online, I've seen quite a few posts about this issue. And a workaround for Android - returning to an earlier version of the app.  Unfortunately, that's not an option in Apple/iOS sphere.

[JillG]

Thanks for that update and the information from Naim.  I will escalate this thread over to our Google Community Specialists. They may have some info that I am not aware of.  

Did you try naming it something generic in the Google Home app without the room or sound bar name? 

[mejiacruz]

Hi @jegreenwood,

I understand your frustration while naming your devices in the google home app just to get them automatically changed without your consent. I apologize for the trouble you're experiencing.

To assist you better, we'll need some additional information so I'm sending you a secure form where you can provide all the necessary details. Please fill out all the information required.

Here's the contact us form

Once you've completed the form, please let me know so we can investigate the issue further and find a solution.

Best regards,

Josh

[jegreenwood]

Done. Will I get a ticket number I can send you?

[mejiacruz]

Hi @jegreenwood,

Thanks for letting me know, I already confirm and my higher team of support we be taking care of your case, here is your Case ID # 1-6173000037041, you will be contacted via email with the follow up so we can get this resolved as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted in the following 48 hrs. please let me know so I can do a follow up with them.

Best regards,

Josh

[jegreenwood]

Thank you.

Right now my fingers are crossed.  I have a name that has stuck for 2 days - Soundbar Muso.

Maybe putting Soundbar first in the name makes a difference.

[jegreenwood]

And it just reverted to Soundbar (in Google Home, but not in the Naim app). ☹️

[jegreenwood]

No word yet.

And I may have to eat my words at least in part.  It now seems that when I change the name in the Naim app it also changes in Google Home. And when I change the name in Google Home it changes in the Naim app. But that still doesn't explain the reversion, which occurs without my involvement.

This morning, I did the following:

• I deleted the Muso from Google Home
• Did a factory reset on the Muso giving it the name Naim Muso.
• Tried running the Add Device in Google Home (three times). Nothing found.
• Rebooted my iPhone. Now Google Home listed the Naim Muso without a room
• Assigned a Room to it
• And voila the Naim Muso was renamed Soundbar in both the Naim app and Google Home.

Go figure.

[jegreenwood]

So - problem not solved but mooted (apparently):

This all began when I named my Muso 2 "Soundbar," and discovered that, "Hey Google, play music on Soundbar," did not work. (The music played on the Nest device receiving the command.)

But when I experimented, I discovered that even with the Muso named Soundbar, If I say, "Hey Google, play music on Muso Soundbar," it will play the music on the Muso.

Hopefully that will remain the case, and we'll all live happily and musically ever after.