
Nest Protect comes to the Google Home app
Nest app’s days are numbered as smart alarm finally abandons ship
Nest Protect, the smart smoke and CO2 alarm, is finally moving to the Google Home app.
This move is part of Google’s gradual effort to unify its Nest and Home platforms and the news was revealed by the search giant in a blog post, which talks about “a broader Google Home app experience.”
Many Nest users have had a problem having to switch between two apps (Google Home and Nest) to view their camera feeds and check the status of their Nest Protects.
This update, which is part of a public preview launching this week, means there’s actually no real reason for the Nest app to exist now; In November last year, Google expanded Home app support to the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and IQ Outdoor cameras, meaning you can now technically manage all your Nest Cams in one place.
To make the change, you’ll first need to join the Public Preview using the Google Home app or Home web portal.
If you’re already registered, you should see prompts in the Home app to guide you through the transfer process.
If you are having problems, make sure you have the latest version of the Google Home app installed: version 3.27 or higher.
Once you have transferred your Protects, you will be able to:
- Receive emergency notifications and warnings about smoke and carbon monoxide
- Receive critical status alerts, such as battery status or device issues
- See when alarms were last tested and run a system-wide security check
- Create a schedule for automatic sound checks when you’re away from home
- Modify your settings: change system-wide and alarm-specific settings
- View live feeds from your camera directly from the emergency alarm card
- E911 Calling: If you’re a Nest Aware subscriber in the US, you can use the Google Home app to quickly connect with an emergency call center near you, even if you’re not home.
Google also revealed that it is improving the functionality of smart locks connected through Matter, adding features like password management, auto-lock, one-touch entry, push notifications, and more.
All of these updates are only for the public preview of the Google Home app for Android for now; We’re told iOS support will arrive in early 2025.