Google Nest Hub and Google Audio are fighting

[phk46]

I have a Google Nest Hub in my kitchen and a Google Audio in my living room. The rooms are open to each other, separated by a partial wall, about 15' apart. Spoken commands typically reach both devices, though volume should be different at each.

My primary use for the hub is as a kitchen timer. So I am constantly telling it "set a timer for N minutes". When practical I walk right up to the hub and speak quietly to it. Even so, often the Google Audio in the living room will respond. Sometimes the hub pops a dialog on its screen asking if the proper device answered. I try to tell it "no" when it is wrong. But doing so doesn't seem to help.

I realize it can be hard for the devices to figure out which one should answer. ISTM that the model of operation is wrong here. All the google assistant devices in the home should be cooperating to serve the users. Timers should be shared among the devices and the alert played on all. If they hear the same command they should realize that.

I don't know how to make things work better. Any suggestions?

Also, in the last week or two the hub has had another problem: When I issue a command the Google Audio will respond. A few seconds later the hub will speak up saying "Something has gone wrong". What is this about?

[Dan_A]

Hi phk46,

This is not the experience we want you to have, let me help you. A few questions: when did your issue begin? Were there any recent changes made? 

It would help a lot if you could do a sequential reboot first: 

1. Unplug the power cord of your router, followed by your Nest speakers.
2. Plug them back in after 3 minutes.
3. Restarting your phone might also help.

Also, you can set Google Assistant’s “Hey Google” sensitivity. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. At the bottom, tap Home.
3. Touch and hold your speaker or Smart Display.
4. At the top right, tap Device settings > Audio > “Hey Google” sensitivity.
5. Choose how sensitive you want Google Assistant to be when it responds to you.
   • To change this setting on another device, tap Adjust more devices.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Dan

[phk46]

This is not the experience we want you to have, let me help you. A few questions: when did your issue begin? Were there any recent changes made?

No, I haven't made any changes recently. Nor is the fighting new. Its been going on since I installed the hub a year or so ago. (I've had the Audio longer.)

The "something went wrong" has also happened intermittently all along, but seems to have increased in frequency recently. I have these devices on a 5 GHz SSID and I'm thinking it might be a problem with wifi signal strength. (The hub has a wall with plumbing in it between it and the nearest access point.) I have a separate SSID for 2.4 GHz. I am thinking about switching to see if that helps. But I'm confused by the instructions for changing. Do I need to totally remove the device from Google Home and start over as if it was a new device? Something I read led me to get the idea that all the google speakers and displays must be on the same SSID and frequency? (That would be a messy change.) Will these devices work on an SSID with both 2.4GHz and 5Ghz channels? Note that I also have two access points supporting the same SSIDs on distinct channels.)

Regarding your other suggested actions: I will do them, but I can't do so right away. I will hopefully get to it within a couple of weeks. I will report back when I have results.

[Muddi]

Hi phk46,

Chiming in, if you will connect your devices to a new network or even on a specific bandwidth you will need to factory reset your speakers because it can only save one network at a time. That means; once you set it up on a specific network, it will stay connected to the same SSID and password even if it can switch networks from 2.4 to 5.0 GHz.

Also, we recommend that all devices should be connected to the same network for the Nest Hub and Audio to control them properly, but it doesn't mean that it's not compatible with dual-band routers that switch networks. It will still work, however, you might experience some issues controlling your smart devices because the router will connect some of your devices to a band with a higher signal.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Muddi

[Muddi]

Hi there,

How was your device? If you have additional questions or concerns about your device, please do not hesitate to update the thread, and we're glad to help.
 

Cheers,

Muddi

[Muddi]

Hey phk46,

Just bumping this up to make sure that you've seen our responses. I'll lock this thread if we won't hear from you in 24 hours. Feel free to create a new one if you have more questions or have other concerns in the future.
 

Cheers,

Muddi

[phk46]

I'll be delayed longer than that, so go ahead and lock this one. I'll start again when I'm ready to follow through.

Thanks.

[Muddi]

Hello phk46,

I understand. We'll keep the thread open so you don't need to start over again. We'll just follow up if we wont hear anything from you after a week.

Cheers,

Muddi

[Muddi]

Hey there,

How was your device? Have you had the chance to try the steps?

Cheers,

Muddi

[Muddi]

Hi phk46,

Just bumping this up to make sure that you've seen our responses. I'll lock this thread if we won't hear from you in 24 hours. Feel free to create a new one if you have more questions or have other concerns in the future.
 

Cheers,

Muddi