Skybell Not Working with Google Home? Here's the Solution
Integrating your Skybell video doorbell with Google Home unlocks the convenience of voice commands and video streaming to your Nest Hub displays. When it stops working, you lose a valuable part of your smart home setup. Whether you're unable to link your account, your voice commands are failing, or you can't see the video feed, this guide is here to help.
We'll walk you through the most common reasons why Skybell fails to work with Google Home and provide clear, actionable steps to get them communicating again.
Identifying the Problem: Common Symptoms
If your Skybell and Google Home are not getting along, you'll likely encounter one of these issues:
- Linking Failure: You repeatedly get an error when trying to link your Skybell account in the Google Home app.
- "Device Not Available" Error: Your Google Assistant responds with "Sorry, it looks like the Skybell is unavailable right now" or a similar message.
- No Video on Nest Hub: You ask Google to show your front door, but the video stream fails to appear on your smart display.
- Ignored Commands: Your Google Home or Nest speaker acknowledges your command but nothing happens.
- Device Disappears: Your Skybell doorbell, which was previously visible, is no longer listed in your Google Home app.
How to Fix Skybell and Google Home Integration
Follow these troubleshooting methods step-by-step. Start with the basics before moving on to more advanced fixes.
1. Re-Link the Skybell Service
The most frequent point of failure is the authorisation token between the two services. Refreshing this link is the best first step.
- Open the Google Home App.
- Tap on your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner, then select Assistant settings.
- Go to the Home Control or Devices tab.
- Find your Skybell device, tap on it, and choose "Unlink Skybell" or "Remove device."
- Now, add it back by tapping the "+" icon, selecting "Set up device," then "Works with Google."
- Search for Skybell from the list of services.
- Carefully sign in with your Skybell account email and password. A simple typo here is a very common error.
2. Check Your Network Connection
For seamless communication, all your devices need to be on the same page, network-wise.
- Use the Same Wi-Fi Network: Confirm that your Skybell and your Google Home/Nest device are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network.
- Prefer 2.4 GHz: Many smart home devices, including Skybell, operate more reliably on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. The 5 GHz band is faster but has a shorter range. If your router creates separate networks for each band, ensure both devices are on the 2.4 GHz network.
3. Power Cycle Everything
A simple reboot can clear up temporary glitches and force devices to re-establish a clean connection.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug it from the power outlet, wait for 60 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Reboot Your Google Device: Unplug your Google Home, Nest Mini, or Nest Hub for 30 seconds.
- Reboot Your Skybell: This can be done by pressing and holding the main button for about 45-60 seconds until it begins to flash. Alternatively, you can flip the circuit breaker that powers your doorbell transformer off and on.
4. Simplify Your Device Name
Complex device names can confuse Google Assistant.
- In the Google Home app, find your Skybell device.
- Tap on it and go to its settings.
- Change its name to something simple and easy to say, like "Front Door" or "Porch Camera."
- Try your voice command again, for example: "Hey Google, show the Front Door."
5. Update All Related Software
Outdated software can cause incompatibility.
- Google Home App: Check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for any updates to the Google Home app.
- Skybell App: Do the same for the Skybell HD app.
- Device Firmware: Your Skybell and Google Nest devices update their firmware automatically in the background. Ensuring they are always powered on and connected to Wi-Fi is the best way to keep them up to date.
By systematically working through these checks, you can resolve the vast majority of issues preventing your Skybell from working with Google Home.