Cove Not Working with Google Home? Here’s the Fix.
Integrating your Cove security system with Google Home brings the convenience of voice control to your home's protection. Being able to arm your system with a simple "Hey Google" command is a powerful feature. However, when this link breaks, and Google Assistant responds with "Sorry, I can't reach Cove right now," it can be very frustrating.
This communication failure between the two services can happen for several reasons, but it's almost always fixable. This guide will walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to restore the connection between Cove and Google Home.
The Most Effective Solution: Unlink and Relink
In the world of smart home integrations, connections can sometimes become stale or corrupted. The number one troubleshooting step for a non-responsive service is to remove the integration and set it up again from scratch. This forces a fresh authentication between the two accounts and resolves the vast majority of issues.
Step 1: Unlink Cove from Your Google Home App
- Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- Tap on 'Settings' (the gear icon) on the main screen.
- Scroll down and select 'Works with Google'.
- Under the 'Linked' services section, you should see Cove. Tap on it.
- Choose the option to 'Unlink account' and confirm your choice.
Step 2: Wait and Reboot (Optional but Recommended)
- Wait for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the servers on both ends time to fully process the unlinking action.
- For good measure, it can be helpful to reboot your primary Google Home/Nest device (e.g., unplug your Nest Hub or speaker for 30 seconds).
Step 3: Relink the Cove Service
- Go back to the 'Works with Google' section in your Google Home app settings.
- Tap the search icon at the top and search for 'Cove'.
- Select Cove from the list. You will be redirected to a Cove login page.
- Crucially, enter the same email address and password that you use for your main Cove account. A typing error here is the most common point of failure.
- Follow the prompts to authorise Google to access your Cove system.
After these steps, your Cove system should reappear in your list of linked devices, and your voice commands should start working again.
Other Problems and Solutions
If unlinking and relinking didn't solve the issue, or if you're having a different problem, consider these points.
Are You Using the Correct Voice Commands?
Make sure you are using the commands that Google Assistant understands for security systems. Try to be clear and direct.
- Good examples: "Hey Google, arm Cove to away." or "Hey Google, set the security system to stay."
- Check Status: "Hey Google, is the security system armed?"
Have You Changed Your Cove Password Recently?
If you recently changed your Cove password, the link with Google Home will break because Google is still trying to use the old, saved credentials. You must perform the unlink and relink process described above to provide Google with your new password.
Check for Service Outages
While rare, it's possible that either Cove or Google is experiencing a temporary service outage.
- Check Cove's social media pages or website for any announcements.
- Check a site like Downdetector to see if other users are reporting issues with Google Assistant or Google Home.
If the problem persists after trying all these steps, it may be a more complex issue that requires direct assistance. Reaching out to Cove's customer support would be the next logical step. However, for most users, a simple relinking of the services will have you controlling your security with your voice again in no time.