Are you an Amazon Alexa user wondering if you can control your Google Nest devices through your Alexa devices?
There's no need to worry, Nest is compatible with Alexa. If you have Nest cameras, doorbells, or thermostats, there is a smart home skill to connect your Nest device to Alexa. We'll show you everything you need to know.
Which Nest Devices Can Be Controlled by Alexa?
- All Nest Learning Thermostats
- Nest Thermostat E
- Nest Cam (outdoor and indoor models)
- Nest Cam IQ (outdoor and indoor models)
- Nest Hello
- Nest Hub Max
If you're still shopping for a Nest camera, check out our guide to the available models.
Migrate Your Nest Account to a Google Account
This can be a sticking point, particularly if you are an early-adopter Nest user. For Nest users who created their account prior to August 19, 2019, you will need to go through the steps of migrating your Nest account to a Google account. There are some potential drawbacks to consider before moving forward with the migration.
First, if you are currently using the Nest app on an Android TV or Apple TV device, that will no longer work. If you've given access to home members, the connections will be lost, and you'll need to re-invite them and manage their access through the Google Home app. Finally, your existing Works with Nest connections will no longer work.
When you're ready to migrate an older Nest account, follow Google's instructions to make the switch.
Enable the Google Nest Skill for Alexa
The Google Nest skill is available for Alexa through the Google Home app, available on Android or iOS. To enable it:
CloseHow to Add a Nest Device to Alexa
Before you can control your Nest devices with Alexa voice commands, you'll need to add it to Alexa. Adding a compatible Nest device to Alexa is simple:
Alexa Controls for Nest Thermostats
Now that you've discovered that Nest works with Alexa, let's see what we can accomplish with it. To control your thermostat via Alexa, you must give it a name. You do this in the Google Home app. To do this:
CloseOnce you've named your Nest device, you can use Alexa voice commands to control it. Popular options are asking what the current temperature is "Alexa, what's the temperature in the hallway?" or setting the target temperature for the thermostat "Alexa, set the temperature in the hallway to 67 degrees."
You can also ask the Nest to change the temperature by a specific increment, "Alexa, increase the temperature in the hallway by 2 degrees" for heat mode or "Alexa, decrease the temperature in the hallway by two degrees" for cooling.
If you're new to using Nest thermostats, check out this guide to get started with your new device.
Nest Camera and Doorbell Commands and Announcements
As with naming your Nest thermostat, you need to name your Nest cameras. You do this by following the same method as naming your thermostat, but select the camera icon instead of thermostat.
The main feature of Alexa connection to a Nest video doorbell or camera is the ability to show the video on Alexa devices. This requires an Alexa device with a screen—one of the Echo Show options or a Fire TV setup.
To ask Alexa to show you the live feed from a specific camera, say "Alexa, show the [camera name]." Alexa will also show you live video feeds from your Nest doorbell, even allowing you to answer the door and speak with whoever is on your porch. Simply say, "Alexa, answer the [doorbell name]."
Another feature of Nest video doorbell and camera compatibility with Alexa is announcements. You can set these devices to make an audible announcement over an Alexa device when certain events occur. For video doorbells, this is when a visitor arrives. Cameras can be set to detect and announce motion. To enable announcements:
When this is complete, you can turn motion detection on and off via your Alexa app for iOS or Android.
Nest and Alexa Work Together for a Better Smart Home
As you can see, Nest works well with Alexa. Once you have converted a pre-August 2019 Nest account to a Google Home account, It's easy to set up and use your Alexa devices to control your Nest devices.
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