Google Nest users say their devices won’t switch on lights for them anymore

"Hey Google, turn on the lights" isn't working the way it should be.
 By 
Meera Navlakha
 on 
Four mini Google Nests pictured against a white background.
Credit: Google.

Google Nest users have a widespread complaint: that the verbal command "turn off the lights" isn't working.

Recommended deals for you

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds $219.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) $274.00 (List Price $349.00)

Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones $248.00 (List Price $399.99)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Security Camera (5-Pack) $159.99 (List Price $399.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base $249.99 (List Price $599.00)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) $339.00 (List Price $399.00)

WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive $138.65 (List Price $179.99)

Dell 14 Premium Intel Ultra 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 2K Laptop $999.99 (List Price $1549.99)

Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

A writer for Android Authority pointed out that the device didn't work for her, and several users on Reddit have reported the same issue. Some Google Home users say they can still control individual lights, but not groups of lights; others report individual bulbs won't turn on or off; and other times, the Google devices can't understand the difference between lights in separate bedrooms.

The issue seems to be contained to using Assistant voice commands, with most users saying that the controls work as they normally should within the Google Home app.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

You May Also Like

Google responded to several posts on r/googlehome, acknowledging the problem: "Hey all, We're aware of an issue with using voice commands to control some lights. We’ll share an update as soon as possible, thanks for your patience."

This onslaught of complaints follows criticism from Google Home users over the "enshittification" of Google Home smart speakers and hubs. Redditors have been complaining about glitches, delayed responses, and the deterioration of several basic features.

Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer of Google Home and Nest, responded to these complaints earlier in July, reassuring users that Google is "actively working on major improvements" and that the team would have more to share in coming months.

The crisis over Google Home gadgets may be getting worse. According to Tech Radar, US law firm Kaplan Gore has begun investigating a possible class action against Google for "failing to remedy increasing problems with its Google Home 'smart home' service." The law firm is asking Google users to share complaints over failing features, such as "unrecognized voice commands, automations and routines not functioning."

Topics Google

Mashable Image
Meera Navlakha

Meera is a journalist based between London and New York. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Vice, The Independent, Vogue India, W Magazine, and others. She was previously a Culture Reporter at Mashable. 

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Philips' huge Hue refresh brings motion detection to its smart lights
close-up view of new philips hue globe lights

The northern lights are potentially visible tonight. Where and how to see them.
The northern lights in the sky.

Set and forget your home's temperature with $38 off the Google Nest Thermostat
Google Nest Thermostat on purple and pink abstract background

Hinge won't ban users for a single piece of problematic content anymore
screenshots of hinge message about content removal

The northern lights are set to appear tonight. Where and how to see them.
A landscape view of northern lights in the sky.

More in Tech
Streaming just got cheaper: Score Black Friday deals on Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, and more
Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and Prime Video logos with colorful background and black friday icon

The real history behind 'Hamnet'
Shakespeare seated, candlelit, anguished, in front of many scribblings, while his wife stands behind him

Cut the cord? Add Fox One to Prime for 50% off and watch NFL Sundays live
Fox One logo with pink and blue black friday background

The HBO Max Black Friday deal is live: Save 73% on a year of streaming
HBO Max app logo with colorful background and black friday tag

NFL Sunday Ticket Black Friday deal: Watch every out-of-market game for the rest of the season for under $50
NFL Sunday Ticket logo on purple backdrop with Black Friday sticker in corner

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 29, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone

Streaming just got cheaper: Black Friday deals still live on Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, and more
Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and Prime Video logos with colorful background and black friday icon

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 29, 2025
Wordle game on a smartphone

The 23 best Black Friday PlayStation game deals still live (updated)
helldivers II, clair obscur, and silent hill f on pink background

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 28, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!