Adding Google Home Thread Network to SmartThings

Devices & Integrations
1

I was finally able to have my Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen’s thread network join my SmartThings thread network instead of the other way around.

With my SmartThings hub completely setup and all thread devices added to it, I reset my Nest Hub. Then deleted cache and data from the Google, Google Play Services, and the Google Play Store, and Google Home apps. I also uninstalled the Google Home app, rebooted my phone, then reinstalled the app.

At this point the SmartThings thread network was showing as unavailable under Thread Networks on my Android phone.

I reset and re-added a leak sensor to SmartThings and my SmartThings thread network was now showing as the “Preferred” thread network.

I then setup my Nest Hub and it automatically joined my SmartThings thread network.

Screenshot_20260329_081252_SmartThings (1)
Screenshot_20260329_081252_SmartThings (1)1080×2340 163 KB

Screenshot_20260329_080945_Google Play services
Screenshot_20260329_080945_Google Play services1080×2340 199 KB

Screenshot_20260329_080912_SmartThings
Screenshot_20260329_080912_SmartThings1080×2340 149 KB

3 Likes
2

My Nest Hub never wanted to join (I didn’t delete all the Play Services data though), even with SmartThings being the preferred network. Now I’m glad it didn’t, I don’t like much the idea of a WiFi-only Thread border router.

Also people in reddit sometimes ask how to disable the Thread network of the Nest Hub 2 because it causes instabilities. The Google TV Streamer has an option to disable its Thread capabilities.

3

I don’t know if it was necessary to delete cache and data from the Google Play Store or uninstall the Google Home app. Clearing cache and data from the Google and Google Play Services app may have been enoungh. But I wanted to be certain all previous thread credentials were deleted.

I haven’t seen any posts of anyone else joining their Google Home thread network to SmartThings. But I believe Google Home is on Thread 1.3 which may be contributing to the instability.

But since it’s not currently possible to disable the Nest Hub’s thread radio, it’s likely best to unify the networks using SmartThings credentials since it’s more stable.

4

I tried back in 2024 and gave up :rofl: I see you replied there a couple months ago so it will help others.

1 Like
5

Yep, back then I was able to get my Smartthings thread network to join my Google Home thread network.

Now we know how to do it in either direction.

2 Likes
6

I have a similar issue but still cant seem to get it to work. What phone do you have? I have a pixel 9 pro.

7

I have a Samsung S21FE.

Key steps are:

  1. Reset all GH thread border routers and leave them unplugged.
  2. Delete cache and data from the Google Play Services app.
  3. Your SmartThings thread network may appear as “unavailable” in your phone’s Thread Network setting.
  4. Reset any thread device and re-add it to SmartThings. The SmartThings thread network should now appear as “Preferred” in your phone’s Thread Network settings.
  5. Setup a Google thread border router as new and it should automatically join your SmartThings thread network.
8

Only devices are nanoleaf and it’s not playing nice. Anyways I have 2 instead of 3. Thanks for the help.