A Google Nest Audio that gives the wrong time, or that shows a wrong status in the Google Home app, takes its time from your Google account and location settings, and the usual cause is a mismatch between the home address, the time zone and the device. The Nest Audio has no clock face, so you hear the time when you ask, and if the answer is wrong by an hour or more, check the home address set in the Google Home app under Home Settings, since the speaker uses it to find the time zone.
The checks in more detail
After a move or a change of daylight saving, the address may need to be updated. Open the Google Home app, tap Settings, Home settings, Address, and check that it is correct. Then check the device. In the speaker's settings in the Home app, look at the Device information and the Wi-Fi network. A speaker that is offline cannot update its time, and the app shows it as unavailable. Restart it by unplugging for a minute, and make sure that the Wi-Fi works.
If the speaker is in a group or linked to a display, check the group's settings. Alarms and timers use the speaker's own time, and a wrong time zone makes alarms ring at the wrong time. Ask What time is it and What is the date to compare against your phone. For a status that looks wrong in the app, such as showing playing when it is idle, refresh the app and check that the app and the speaker's firmware are current.
Sign out of the Home app and back in if the status stays stale. If you have more than one home set up, make sure the speaker is assigned to the home with the right address. A speaker moved to another city needs the home address changed or a new home created. Factory resetting is a last resort and removes the settings; use it only if the speaker stays wrong after the address and network checks. Contact Google support with the speaker's name if the time cannot be corrected.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nest Audio shows the wrong time, state or sensor reading”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A wrong home address or time zone
What separates it The time is off by hours
How to confirm Correct the address in Home settings
- 2
The speaker offline
What separates it The app shows it unavailable
How to confirm Restart and check Wi-Fi
- 3
A move or daylight saving change
What separates it The time shifted
How to confirm Update the address and restart
- 4
A stale app status
What separates it The status is wrong in the app
How to confirm Refresh and sign in again
- 5
The wrong home assigned
What separates it Another home's time shows
How to confirm Assign the speaker to the right home
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 completedCheck the home address
ReversibleIn Home settings.
Ask the time and date
ReversibleCompare with your phone.
Restart the speaker
ReversibleUnplug for a minute.
Check Wi-Fi
ReversibleAnd that it is online.
Refresh the app
ReversibleOr sign in again.
Contact Google
ReversibleIf the time stays wrong.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Home address
- It sets the time zone.
- Online
- The speaker needs the network.
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
Why does my Nest Audio say the wrong time?+
A wrong home address or time zone.
Does it keep its own clock?+
It uses your account and network.
Do alarms depend on it?+
Yes.
Should I factory reset?+
Only as a last resort.