Home / Topics / Google Nest, Chromecast & smart home

Google Nest, Chromecast & smart home

Nest, Chromecast, Ring, Hive, HomePod and smart plugs. 18 guides in 5 sections.

Please note: this is independent guidance and Vision Tech is not affiliated with Google, Apple, Ring or Hive. Menus and apps change between models and software versions, so if your screen looks different, check the maker's own manual or help pages.

Download the Google Nest, Chromecast & smart home handbook (PDF)

Search this topic

Google Nest speakers & displays

Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasySetting up a Google Nest Mini or Nest Hub in the Google Home appA Nest Mini (speaker) or Nest Hub (speaker with a screen) is set up using the free Google Home app on your phone.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasyNest speaker or display says 'Something went wrong' or shows offlineWhen a Google Nest speaker or display says "Something went wrong", or the Google Home app says it is offline, it has usually lost its connection to your internet.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumChanging the Wi-Fi network on a Nest speaker or displayIf you have a new router, a new Wi-Fi name or a new password, your Nest speaker or display needs to be told.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasy'Hey Google' is not responding on my Nest speakerIf you say "Hey Google" and nothing happens, the speaker may not be listening, may have lost its internet connection, or may not recognise your voice.

Chromecast & casting

Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumSetting up a Chromecast with Google TV or an older ChromecastA Chromecast plugs into a spare HDMI socket on your TV.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumChromecast says 'Can't cast' or does not appear in my listWhen you tap the cast icon and your Chromecast does not appear, or you see a message such as "Can't cast", it is nearly always a network problem.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasyCasting to your TV from an iPhone, Android phone or Chrome on a laptopCasting means sending a video, music or a web page from your phone or laptop to your TV, using a Chromecast or a TV with Chromecast built in.

Heating & thermostats

Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasyNest thermostat basics: setting the temperature and scheduleGoogle Nest thermostats can be controlled on the wall and from the Google Home app.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumNest thermostat offline or heating not respondingIf your Nest thermostat shows as offline in the Google Home app, or the heating is not doing what you asked, there are a few simple checks to try before calling anyone.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasyHive heating thermostat basics: temperature, schedule and boostHive thermostats work with the Hive app and a Hive Hub that connects to your router with a cable (some newer or smaller models connect differently, so check yours).

Doorbells & cameras

Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumNest or Ring doorbell or camera shows offlineA video doorbell or camera that goes offline cannot record or send alerts, so it is worth fixing quickly.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumDoorbell or camera alerts arriving late or not at allAlerts that come late, or not at all, are frustrating when you want to know who is at the door.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumSetting up a Ring doorbell or camera and getting the Wi-Fi rightRing devices are set up using the Ring app.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumSetting up a Tapo camera, plug or bulb and fixing connection problemsTapo is a brand of smart plugs, bulbs and cameras made by TP-Link.

Apple HomePod, AirPlay & choosing

Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasyApple HomePod basics: set up, Siri and AirPlayHomePod and HomePod mini are Apple smart speakers.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumAirPlay or HomePod not showing up on my iPhone, Mac or TVAirPlay lets you send music, video or your screen from an Apple device to a HomePod, Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible speaker or TV.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeMediumSelling or giving away a smart speaker, display or camera: wiping it firstBefore you sell, give away or recycle a smart speaker, display, doorbell or camera, you should remove it from your account and wipe it.Google Nest, Chromecast & smart homeEasyChoosing between Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit for beginnersAll three of the big voice assistants can play music, answer questions and control lights and heating.