Swann Security Not Working With Google Home? Let's Fix It.
Integrating your Swann security system with Google Home allows you to use voice commands to stream camera feeds to your Chromecast-enabled devices, like a Nest Hub or a TV. When this link fails to work, you miss out on a key convenience feature. This guide will walk you through the professional steps to troubleshoot and resolve issues with the Swann and Google Home integration.
Understanding the Integration
The connection between Swann and Google Home relies on a cloud-to-cloud link. You are not connecting your camera directly to Google. Instead, you authorise Google to access your Swann account. When you say, "Hey Google, show my front door camera," Google sends a request to Swann's cloud, which then directs the video stream from your camera to your chosen Chromecast device. A problem with the account link or device setup will break this chain.
Step 1: Pre-flight Checks in the Swann App
Before you even open the Google Home app, you must ensure everything is working correctly on the Swann side.
- Check Camera Status: Open your Swann Security app. Can you see a live view from all your cameras? Are they all showing as 'Online'? If a camera is offline in the Swann app, Google Home will not be able to access it.
- Verify Account Credentials: Do you know the exact email address and password for your Swann Security account? You will need these to establish the link. Try logging out and back into the Swann app to confirm they are correct.
Step 2: Relinking the Swann Service in Google Home
Often, the authorisation token connecting the two services can become stale or corrupt. The most effective fix is to remove and re-establish the link.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap the '+' icon in the top-left corner.
- Tap 'Set up device'.
- Under the 'Works with Google' section, tap 'Have something already set up?'.
- You will see a list of linked services. Find 'Swann Security' and tap on it.
- Tap 'Unlink account' and confirm. This will remove all your Swann devices from Google Home.
- Now, repeat steps 2-4. In the list of services, find and select 'Swann Security' again.
- You will be redirected to a Swann login page. Carefully enter your Swann Security account email and password.
- Grant permission for Google to access your devices.
After linking, Google Home will sync your Swann devices.
Step 3: Organise and Assign Your Cameras
Once the cameras are synced, you need to tell Google where they are.
- Assign to a Home: Ensure the cameras are added to your primary Home within the app.
- Assign to a Room: You will be prompted to assign each camera to a room (e.g., 'Living Room', 'Garden', 'Front Door'). This is crucial for voice commands to work reliably. If a camera is not assigned to a room, Google may not be able to find it when you make a request.
- Check Camera Names: Google will import the names you gave your cameras in the Swann app. Make sure they are simple and easy to say. A name like "Cam_01_Front" is harder for Google to understand than "Front Door Camera". If needed, rename them in the Swann app, then say "Hey Google, sync my devices."
Step 4: Using the Correct Voice Commands
Ensure you are using a supported command. The primary function of the integration is streaming video.
- "Hey Google, show [camera name]."
- "Hey Google, show the [camera name] on the [Chromecast/TV name]." (e.g., "show the garden camera on the living room TV").
- "Hey Google, stop casting."
Advanced commands like "record a clip" or "turn on the siren" are generally not supported through the Google Home integration.
If you have followed all these steps and are still experiencing issues, try restarting your Swann recorder/camera, your Google Nest Hub/Chromecast, and your router to clear any temporary network glitches.