Automation with a Google Nest Audio means routines in the Google Home app that run when you say a phrase, at a time or when a device changes, and the speaker is the voice that carries them out. Open the Google Home app, tap Automations, and add a household routine. Choose a starter, such as a voice command, a time of day or sunrise and sunset, or a device event, and then add actions: play music, turn on lights, adjust the thermostat, broadcast a message or read the news.
The checks in more detail
For example, a Good morning routine can run when you say it and turn on the lights, read the weather and play the news on the Nest Audio. If a routine does not run, check that the Nest Audio is set as the device for the action in the routine's settings, since media actions play on the speaker you choose, and that it is online. Look at the routine's status in the app and check that its time and days are correct.
A routine triggered by voice needs Voice Match to recognize you in some cases; check that your voice is enrolled in the Nest Audio's settings, and that the phrase is not the same as another command. Linked services such as Spotify and lights must be connected in the app. Make sure the Nest Audio runs the latest software; it updates itself when it is online. Some actions need the speaker to stay awake; a routine that plays audio on a speaker that is in a group may play on the whole group.
For lights and plugs, make sure they appear in the Home app and are assigned to the right room. Avoid trigger phrases that sound like a built-in command. Use the Test button in the routine to check each action and the Google Home activity log to see what ran. If the routine ran but nothing happened, the problem is the action's device. Contact Google support with the speaker's name and the routine's details if automations stop working across devices.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nest Audio routine, schedule or automation is not running”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong speaker set for media
What separates it Audio plays elsewhere or not at all
How to confirm Choose the Nest Audio in the routine's media settings
- 2
The Nest Audio offline
What separates it Nothing runs
How to confirm Check Wi-Fi and power
- 3
A phrase that conflicts
What separates it A built-in command runs instead
How to confirm Choose a different phrase
- 4
A linked service disconnected
What separates it A music or light action fails
How to confirm Re-link the service in the app
- 5
Voice Match not enrolled
What separates it The routine does not recognize you
How to confirm Set up Voice Match
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When the problem began and what changed
- Any message in the app
- Whether other devices at home work
- The model and serial number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedOpen Automations
ReversibleIn the Google Home app.
Create or edit the routine
ReversibleStarter and actions.
Choose the Nest Audio
ReversibleFor media.
Check linked services
ReversibleLights and music.
Test each action
ReversibleUsing the Test button.
Contact Google
ReversibleIf routines stop.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Routine
- A starter plus actions.
- Media device
- The speaker chosen for audio.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the steps do not clear it, contact the maker with the model and serial number
- !Check the warranty before a repair
- !Keep the app and the device firmware updated
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I make a routine for Nest Audio?+
In the Automations tab of Google Home.
Why does it play on another speaker?+
The media device is set elsewhere.
Do I need Voice Match?+
For some personal routines.
Does it need the internet?+
Yes.