What you need to know
In a recent update that has left many Google Nest users feeling unsettled, the tech giant has quietly removed the “Call Home” button from the Google Home app. This feature, which allowed users to easily connect with their smart displays from their smartphones, has been a staple for many since its introduction in 2019.
The absence of this button disrupts a convenient communication method that parents, in particular, relied on to check in on their children while away from home. Instead of the familiar interface that once included the “Call Home” option right above the “Broadcast” feature, users are now greeted with a void. Despite the outcry from the community, Google has not provided a clear explanation for this change, leaving support representatives to offer a rather vague “send feedback” response.
As it stands, the only alternative available is to utilize Google Meet on each device, a solution that is far from ideal. This workaround requires users to set up unique Google accounts for each device, making the process cumbersome and account-heavy. Many households may find this setup too complicated compared to the seamless experience that the “Call Home” button provided.
The workaround is clunky
While technically functional, the Google Meet solution lacks the simplicity and ease of use that characterized the previous feature. Users are left grappling with a setup that feels more like a chore than a convenience. This shift seems to echo a broader trend at Google, where the company often opts for streamlined services at the cost of beloved features. A notable example of this is the transition of Google Keep reminders to Google Tasks, which left many users longing for the old system.
The lingering question now is whether Google plans to reinstate the “Call Home” feature in a new format or if it has been permanently retired. Until an official statement is made, Nest owners are left to navigate this unexpected change, either by adapting their smart-home setups or seeking out less convenient alternatives.
