android tv not recognized for speaker group

[keesfluitman]

i want to use my tv in my speaker group so i can use my amplifier. my chromecast ultra is recognized in my bedroom, but it wont let me add my tv. i have a philips oled. 

any ideas?

[darshakparmar]

Here is an irony. Sony Bravia XR X90J is a Google TV. Sony has also programmed it to be compatible with Apple AirPlay 2. So iPhone users are able to speaker group this Sony Google TV  with all AirPlay 2 compatible non-Google devices and we Android users can't speake-group this Google TV with other Google devices!!! Is Google even reading this???

[Wabo84]

After a year they are trying to change the description of compatible device and try to close the topic. Google do not care, you bought it anyway and now it’s to late. Google do not want to explain why it’s not supported…  you will never have an answer.  

[Bookworm3894]

No, Google doesn't read this. At least, not the people who would have any influence to change this at all. This is glorified tech support. Tech support people usually have no contact with developers and production.

If you look at the titles on the people who answer the questions they're "specialists". This could even mean people who have no training who just know enough about Google who have been considered knowledgeable enough to answer these questions. It's BS.

[ZioN2]

I suspect that this is caused by the Google/Sonos lawsuit that Google lost, but it would be nice if someone from Google could confirm. If this is the case, then I would not expect anything to change in the near term, not until this is resolved in courts. 

In general, I feel that (as on January 2023) any non-Google devices with Chromecast functionality built-in cannot be added to a Google speaker group (same with Alexa devices - they cannot be added in a speaker group in the Alexa app). This is because of a speaker group patent that Sonos owns. 

Some people might have added these devices to a speaker group before 2021, but after Sonos won the lawsuit in 2021 there were software updates to remove the speaker group functionalities from non-Google products in the Google home app, which is why many people cannot see their TVs or even their speakers with Chromecast built-in as an option in the speaker group setting. This is why someone else in the thread suggested as a workaround to use a Google product for speaker groups (either Chromecast audio or Chromecast with Google TV). 

[keesfluitman]

exactly this. Ive made the stupid mistake of purchasing harman kardon speakers too. Im gonna switch to BluOS completely now. I boycot both google and sonos for this 😉

[ZioN2]

Never heard of BluOS. Could you please educate us what BluOS is in case it could be something that would be of interest to other people? 😉

[keesfluitman]

sorry i meant to say HEOS. bluOS is also an option. or Sonos.
I meant to say different multiroom options. I've got a Denon Receiver now and will replace my harman kardon speaker for something HEOS compatible once I am able to sell it (noone seems to want it :P)

[Maybejuice]

Not able to add or make a new Speaker group with the Android TV, I can Chromecast to it first, and if I start the current Google Home mini's and go to the Google Home app > media it does show up, but when I tap to have it start playing to the Andriod TV while the speaker group is already playing, it just spins till it decides to stop, anything you can think to try? All devices are on the same network (5.0ghz) only 1 wifi network is on the 2.4 is disabled at present

Google Home App version: 2.46.1.7

TCL model Number: 32S330

TCL Serial number: 2102GTC009748105213

Software version: V8-R851T10-LF1V097.018234

TV+ OS Version: V5.2.0(V8-2101200-MF1V520)

Google Nest mini(a): System firmware version: 277099 / Cast Firmware: 1.54.277099

Google Nest mini(b): System firmware version: 277099 / Cast Firmware: 1.54.277099

[Hille]

I have the same problem with my Sony Bravia with chromecast built-in. It does not show up if I want to create a new speaker group and i can't cast Spotify simultaneously on my Nest Hub an the TV. Would be nice if this will be solved with the next update.

[tsoltan]

Have the same issue with Sony bravia 

[Jeran]

Hey there Maybejuice,

I am really sorry about the late response, thank you for being patient! With the recent developments around speaker groups in particular, speaker groups containing non-Google speakers or Cast-based devices may not work properly in speaker groups if they don’t receive a software update. Customers may notice that those devices don’t play audio in a speaker group. Third-party Cast devices like soundbars with Chromecast built-in will need to be updated to Cast firmware 1.52.272222 and above. However, not all device models will receive software updates. As a result, they may no longer work in speaker groups and will need the Device Utility app to complete each setup.

I hope that answers your question, and  if you have any other questions or concerns for me, please let me know.

Best regards,
Jeran

[tsoltan]

My nest audio is on 1.54.277099 and my sony bravia tv is on 1.56.276447 and I still can't create a speaker group.

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Speakers-and-Displays/Sony-bravia-and-Nest-speaker-group-not-... 

[Maybejuice]

Thanks Jeran, to follow what you shares is that firmware 1.52.272222 is that for all chrome devices the home mini and build in chromecast or is it just for the devices outside the speakers (home mini) i did see that TLC would be making updates, and last the device utility app you mean the 3rd party tv control apps like vizio and such, ill have to check if the TLC even has one being a chrome os TV 

[zigurd]

I recently bought a TCL with Android TV. First thing I did was to run all the updates that were available. Can you provide a version/build number that should enable adding the TV to audio groups?

[MrKennyBoy]

Hi,

I just bought, installed and upgraded an TCL635 series TV and I can't add it to a speaker group either which bothers me having invested heavily into nest speakers and Google solutions. I don't want to run a Chromecast in my Google tv just to be able to play music...

[Dan_A]

Hi MrKennyBoy,

I'm sorry to hear that you're having concerns adding your new TCL635 series TV to a speaker group. Let me give you an insight first:

• Most Google Nest speaker, display, and Chromecast devices should receive an over-the-air update to allow those devices to continue to function in speaker groups. Refer to the Cast firmware versions below for the minimum versions:
  • Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Wifi Point > 1.56x
  • Chromecast Audio, Chromecast (2018), Chromecast Ultra, Nest Hub (1st gen), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Home Max > 1.54x
• Speaker groups containing non-Google speakers or Cast-based devices may not work properly in speaker groups if they don’t receive a software update. You may notice that those devices don’t play audio in a speaker group. Third-party Cast devices like soundbars with Chromecast built-in will need to be updated to Cast firmware 1.52.272222 and above.

Note: Not all device models will receive software updates. As a result, you may no longer work in speaker groups and will need the Device Utility app to complete each setup.

Refer to the Find your device's firmware version help center article for how to find a device’s firmware version using the Google Home app.

May I know what Nest speakers are in your speaker group now? Are they working properly? You can check out this guide for additional information and troubleshooting about speaker groups.

Keep me posted.

Best,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hey there,

I wanted to follow up and see if you still need help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Regards,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hello MrKennyBoy,

We haven't heard from you in a while so we'll be locking this thread if there is no update within 24 hours. If you need assistance or want to discuss topics, feel free to start a new thread.

Cheers,

Dan

[zigurd]

This remains an issue with my tcl Android TV. The response re home and Chromecast devices does not mention Android TV's.

[Dan_A]

Hi zigurd,

Apologies for the inconvenience. Could you refer to the info above to know about the status of your device's firmware version to check its compatibility with your Nest devices. Kindly send me your devices firmware version.

Best,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hey there,

I wanted to follow up and see if you still need help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Thanks,

Dan

[MrKennyBoy]

Hi,

Sorry life got in the way. It's cast version 1.56.292394

[MrKennyBoy]

The nest speakers (just regular white Google Nest models) work fine and run on 1.56.324896

[Dan_A]

Hi MrKennyBoy,

Apologies for the delayed response. May I know the type of Chromecast you have attached to your TCL TV? Or is it a built-in Chromecast? Also, could you check what type of Nest speaker you have there, if it has a hole at the bottom where you can use to mount it on a wall then that's a Nest Mini. About your TV, If it has a built-in Chromecast or Google Assistant, it would help a lot if you could also contact your TV manufacturer to gain more information and troubleshooting steps since they're the ones who integrated Google Assistant or Built-in Chromecast to your TV. Tell me how the conversation goes.

Best regards,

Dan

[MrKennyBoy]

Hi Dan_A,

The TV has a built in Chromecast and is marketed as a Google TV and Ok Google and the Nest speakers are 4x Nest Audio speakers. I have contacted TCL who pointed me back to here since it's probably regarding Google Home and software. If I connect my Google Chromecast to the TV it works fine however I don't want to buy a 4k Chromecast just to be able to play music on my Google devices.  

Google TV cast version 1.56.292394

Google Nest audio cast version 1.56.324896

[Dan_A]

Hey there,

Thank you for confirming about our TV having a built-in Chromecast. The reason we had you go to your TV manufacturer is because they're the ones who integrated the Chromecast to their TV, which makes the settings and build-up different from Chromecast dongles. For more info and troubleshooting steps and the requirements needed, click the link: Create and manage speaker groups.

Best,

Dan

[Juni]

Hello there,

Buzzing in — do you still need our help? Don't hesitate to reach back if you do.
 

Regards,

Juni

[MrKennyBoy]

Hey there,

Thank you for checking in ☺️ I'm curious to know if you have any correspondence with TCL in order to improve user experience regarding this issue. I would assume in my naivity that built in Google TV should work together with other Google products even though it's in another manufacturers hardware? It's both challenging and time consuming for me as a customer to write in two separate forums regarding something I can't fix myself. I'm all for trying to give feedback, solutions and suggestions but at some point a cooperation and communication needs to be established between Google and TCL to in order to resolve this matter. I'm quite traversed in how grouping and managing speakers work, however as implied, it might be TCL integration or something from your side according to TCL. Regardless that is beyond my knowledge and hope to get help from the professionals. I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Best regards, 

MrKennyBoy

[Juni]

Hi MrKennyBoy,

Thanks for the response. We don’t have any correspondence right now, but you can definitely submit feedback using this link. A few things: Are you able to control your TV using your Google Home app? Are you able to cast to your TV? What troubleshooting have you tried so far?

You can do a sequential reboot. First, unplug your TV for 30 seconds, then do the same thing to your Wi-Fi router to refresh both devices and your Wi-Fi signal.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

Juni

[zigurd]

I have been experiencing this problem continually. Thank you for providing a Chromecast version number that is supposed to be relevant to the problem. I just checked the Chromecast version on my TCL TV and is 1.61.329909. 

Can you clarify if this version should work in a speaker group?

[Juni]

Hi zigurd,

Thanks for the response. Speaker groups containing non-Google speakers or Cast-based devices may not work properly in speaker groups if they don’t receive a software update. You may notice that those devices don’t play audio in a speaker group. Third-party Cast devices like soundbars with Chromecast built-in will need to be updated to Cast firmware 1.52.272222 and above.

Hope this helps. 

Regards,

Juni

[Juni]

Hi there,

I just wanted to follow up to see if you still need our help. Please let us know as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Best,

Juni

[zigurd]

Seeing that despite having Android versions subsequent to the minimum versions posted here, and still not being able to use the TV in a speaker group, this issue remains unresolved. Further information is needed from Google and/or TCL as to why this is so.

[zigurd]

Notice that the firmware version you posted is lower than the version this TCL product currently runs, and yet it is not selectable to add to a speaker group.

A previous poster suggested that resolving this issue needs cooperation between Google, the people who post as community specialists, and TCL.

I have done some embedded Android work though not specifically on TVs. If I were looking for why a device that should be includable in a speaker group isn't, I would look at all the build options for Android TV to see if the OEM made a configuration error.

[Marbie]

Can we all just be honest here please?

I have a sound bar that has a really old Chromecast firmware (1.36.145853) to be exact that works just fine in a speaker group.

3rd party Android TV based hardware (Shield TV, Mibox, various TV’s, etc..) were wittingly dropped  from speaker group support to promote the purchase of Google/Nest based hardware or hardware from Google partners.

It is a shame that it’s been over a year in this thread and “Specialists” are still giving the community the run around.

Articles, knowledge bases and information direct from Google have all been manipulated to suit their needs.

I apologize community, there is nothing that will likely change here.

[Muddi]

Hey folks,

We apologize for the confusion. Please note that Android TV's are not supported in the speaker group. There's an ongoing discussion about supported devices for the speaker group on this link, feel free to post your feedback. I'll duplicate this thread on the main one for us to collate feedback easily.

Thanks for understanding.

Cheers,

Muddi

[zigurd]

On a more general topic, it is a bit annoying that the default approach to old open issues is to check if they can be closed for lack of interest, without investigating if anything has changed that would resolve the issue or make it irrelevant, especially for long-lived products like TVs. It also feels like Google could do more to encourage OEMs to update OS versions and support un-upgraded versions with moodule updates and bug fixes.

In the case of this issue nothing has changed in the symptoms. Updates that purported to fix the issue did not, and that has been noted in subsequent responses here.

Does TCL have any information to add to the discussion here?

[Sundaze]

Would love a solution for this. Ive read it's an issue with many other brands running Android/GoogleTV as well. What I've heard was that it also used to work years ago for those same devices but now they cannot be added into speaker groups anymore.

Pretty much the only solution currently would be for me to connect a physical Chromecast unit to my tv so that I can add it to a speaker group. 

[carlsunder]

Hello,

I have several Google products (Minis and Chromecasts).  I have those devices set up in a group. This allows me to send music from Spotify to the "Inside" group, which then plays music thoughout my home.  I have a Chromecast that's part of this group, which I had plugged into the previous TV we had before we purchased this new one. On the old TV, I would tune the TV to the Chromecast input, then I would be able to hear the music that is being played on the "group" on the big speakers attached to the TV.  I hope this makes sense so far.

Hello, 

I have a newly purchased TCL 65R646 TV. I purchased this TV because of the integrated Google TV. In this way, I could use it like the Chromecast I had connected to the old TV, but without the physical Chromecast taking up an input.

I was able to set up the TV and have the "ambient" mode running fine.  However, inside the Google Home app, I don't have a way to add the TV to the "Inside" group, meaning the TV will not play the audio that's being played on the other speakers.

What setting do I need to change on the TV that would then allow this TV to be added to the group?  I hope this makes sense.  Thanks for your time.

[Muddi]

Hey carlsunder,

We apologize for the confusion. Please note that Android TV's are not supported in the speaker group. There's an ongoing discussion about supported devices for the speaker group on this link, feel free to post your feedback. I'll duplicate this thread on the main one for us to collate feedback easily.

Thanks for understanding.

Cheers,

Muddi