Integrating Ezviz with Your Google Smart Home
Connecting your Ezviz security cameras to Google Home and Google Assistant allows you to use voice commands to view your camera feeds on devices like the Nest Hub or a Chromecast-enabled TV. It's a convenient way to keep an eye on your home. However, when the integration doesn't work as expected, it can be frustrating. This guide provides a clear set of troubleshooting steps to resolve common issues and get your Ezviz cameras working seamlessly with your Google ecosystem.
Common Problems with Ezviz and Google Home
If you're facing difficulties, they likely fall into one of these categories:
- Camera Not Appearing: Your Ezviz camera doesn't show up in the Google Home app after linking your account.
- Account Linking Failed: You receive an error message when trying to connect your Ezviz account to Google Home.
- Voice Commands Don't Work: Google Assistant responds with "Sorry, I can't help with that" or doesn't recognise your camera's name.
- No Video Stream: When you ask to see the camera feed, you get a black screen, an error message, or an endless loading spinner on your smart display.
- "Stream Unavailable" Error: The Google Home app or your display specifically states that the camera's stream is not available.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these instructions to diagnose and fix the integration.
1. Confirm Camera Compatibility
First, ensure your specific Ezviz camera model supports Google Assistant integration. Not all models do. Check the product's packaging, manual, or the official Ezviz website to verify compatibility.
2. Disable Image Encryption
This is the most common cause of streaming problems. For security, Ezviz enables image encryption by default, but this blocks third-party services like Google Home from accessing the video feed.
- Open the Ezviz mobile app.
- Select the camera you want to link.
- Tap the gear icon to go to its Settings.
- Find the "Image Encryption" toggle and turn it off.
- Save your settings.
3. Relink Your Ezviz Account
An expired or corrupted link between the services is another frequent issue. Refreshing the connection can solve many problems.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap "Devices" and find your Ezviz camera. If it's there, select it, go to its settings, and choose "Unlink Ezviz".
- Next, tap the "+" icon in the top left corner.
- Select "Set up device", then "Works with Google".
- Find Ezviz in the list of services. If it's already linked, select it and tap "Reconnect account" or "Unlink account" and then add it again.
- Follow the prompts to log in with your Ezviz username and password and authorise the connection.
4. Check Your Camera and Device Names
Google Assistant needs a simple, easy-to-understand name for your camera.
- In the Ezviz app, give your camera a simple name like "Porch" or "Living Room". Avoid special characters or complex names.
- Ensure this name is correctly reflected in the Google Home app. If not, you can assign it a nickname within the Google Home app itself.
- When using voice commands, be precise: "Hey Google, show the Porch camera on the Living Room TV."
5. Restart Your Devices
A system-wide reboot can clear up network and software glitches.
- Unplug your Ezviz camera, your Wi-Fi router, your Google Home/Nest device, and your Chromecast/smart display from power.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug in the router first and wait for it to fully connect to the internet.
- Plug in the other devices one by one.
- Once everything is back online, try the voice command again.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues preventing your Ezviz camera from working with Google Home, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of voice-controlled home monitoring.