Troubleshoot Nest Aware sound detection for your Google Nest or Home speaker or display if you experience the following:
- Your speaker or display does not detect the sound of a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or glass breaking when it occurs.
- Your speaker or display incorrectly detects a sound as a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or glass breaking.
- Google Home Max does not support sound detection.
If your speaker or display can't detect sound
Important: Sound detection on your speaker or display won’t work when it’s playing audio, such as music or weather updates. While playing, it won’t be able to detect sounds from smoke, carbon monoxide alarms, or glass breaking.
Step 1. Check that power and Wi-Fi are turned on
Your speaker or display needs a power source to operate and a working Wi-Fi to send notifications about detected sounds.
- Ensure that the power is turned on in your home and that your speaker or display is plugged into a wall outlet. If there are power issues in your home or with your outlet, contact your energy service provider for assistance.
- Make sure your speaker or display is connected to your Wi-Fi network. If your device is turned on but still says it’s disconnected, troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection issues.
Step 2. Check that the microphone is turned on
You need physical access to your speaker or display to turn the microphone on or off. You can’t use the Google Home app to change the microphone setting. Your device tells you when you successfully turn your microphone on or off.
Step 3. Check your device's firmware version
Important: Sound detection is not available on the Google Home Max. Check the list of supported devices.
Your speaker or display can't use sound detection if its Cast firmware version is older than:
- 1.44.199633 for Nest Hub Max
- 1.44.191160 for all other speakers and displays
- 1.46.209330 for Google Nest Wifi point
Your speaker or display should update automatically as the new firmware becomes available.
To learn how to check your speaker or display’s firmware version, visit our Google speaker and display firmware versions and release notes.
Step 4. Remove clutter around your device
Your speaker or display may not detect sounds as easily if the area around it is cluttered. Make sure your device is placed on a clear surface. Don't cover or enclose your speaker or display.
Step 5. Place your speaker or display in the same room as the alarm or window glass
Your speaker or display should be placed in the same room as your smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or glass window. If they’re in different rooms, your speaker or display may not detect sounds from the alarm or glass breaking.
Step 6. Avoid closed doorways that block sound from the alarm to the device
If your speaker or display incorrectly identifies a sound
Step 1. Move your device away from other things that sound like alarms or glass breaking
False alerts can happen when your device detects sounds that are similar to window breakage or alarms.
- If you drop a plate or drinking glass in your home, your speaker or display might detect the sound it makes as a glass breaking.
- Devices that play loud, high-pitched sound such as alarm clock or timer) in your home may be detected as a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
- Loud outdoor noises like security alarms on cars or back-up beepers on trucks may be detected as smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
To fix the issue:
- Move your speaker or display away from the source of the false alert.
- If the sound comes from outside, consider closing your windows in the room your device is in.
Step 2. Turn off sound detection for a specific device
If moving your speaker or display doesn’t help, you can turn off sound detection in the Home app.
Turn off sound detection in the Home app
- Open the Google Home app
.
- Tap Settings
.
- Choose Subscriptions.
- Tap Nest Aware.
- To turn off sound detection for your home, turn on Sound detection.
- To turn off sound detection for a specific device, go to “Devices,” then turn off Sound detection.
Related resources
Google Nest speakers and displays
Learn about sound detection for speakers and displays