How to configure and use Google Home or Nest speaker groups

AllGoogle Assistant-compatible smart speakerscan be grouped for ease of control. These groups sync audio between devices, so you could join in on the music from any device while it’s playing. We show you how to set up and use Google Home speaker groups from the Google Home app. However, if you’re just getting started with Google’s array of smart home devices, you’ll want toprepare with our in-depth explainer of Google Home.

Compatible devices include Google Home, Google Nest Mini, Google Home Max, Google Nest Audio and Google Nest displays, Google Nest Wifi point, and all Chromecast devices except for 1st gen.

4

Setting up a Google Home or Nest speaker group

Follow this guide to set up your smart speakersin the Google Home app. After setting up your speakers, double-check that your device with the Google Home app is connected to the same Wi-Fi network or linked to the same Google account as your speakers.

Add or remove speakers from a Google Home speaker group

When you add a new speaker or remove one, you must revise your speaker group in the Google Home app. It’s not the most stable app, so take a few moments after adding or removing a speaker to make sure your speaker groups work correctly.

Activate your speaker group by speaking the group name to any Google Home device in your house (for example, “Hey Google, play Christmas music on Chromecast devices”).

/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/lutron-google-home-1-728x425.jpg

Many apps display your speaker group as a device output. For example, Spotify shows your Google Home groups in the same place as your other devices.

How to control the volume in your Google Home speaker groups

You can’t adjust the volume of the entire group at once. You’ll need to tweak the volume on each smart speaker individually. To change the volume of your speaker group, follow these steps:

you may also control volume via voice command or through each device’s volume buttons. However, you’ll need to physically go to each device to change its volume this way. The Google Home app is the quickest way to change the volume for all your Google Home speakers.

The Google Home homepage

All other media controls, for example, pause and skip track, affect speakers simultaneously. It’s only volume controls that need to be adjusted individually.

Unify your Google Home smart speakers

Smart home devices go far beyond speakers, but compatibility issues can be a problem. However, theMatter smart home standardensures your smart home devices work together seamlessly.

Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions

The Google Home ‘Add and manage’ menu

The note-taking app I should have used all along

New colors inbound

google home app screenshot showing two devices

It’s been a while

Change your network settings the easy way

Generative AI, now poolside