Google’s Nest Hub smart displays are powerful tools packed with features that go beyond checking the time and weather or watching YouTube clips. Whether you have the second-gen seven-inch Nest Hub or the first-gen 10-inch Nest Hub Max, there are numerous ways to enhance your experience and get the most out of these devices. This guide will walk you through eleven practical tips and tricks to maximize the potential of your Nest Hub.
Wake Up Gently
Set a gentle alarm on your Nest Hub for a soothing wake-up experience. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, tap the alarm icon, choose a time, and select a gentle alarm tone. You can also enable a Sunrise Alarm for a calming gradient effect on the display and connected smart lights, paired with a pre-alarm sound.
Cast Any Media
Your Nest Hub’s built-in Chromecast functionality allows you to cast various media types from your phone, as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Tap the cast button in your preferred app to send videos, music, or podcasts to your Nest Hub.
Use Gesture Control
Activate gesture controls for convenience, especially when your hands are full. In the Google Home app, select your hub, tap the gear icon, and enable Quick Gestures. You can pause media or dismiss alarms with simple gestures like holding your palm up or tapping the air in front of the display.
Broadcast a Message
Easily broadcast messages to all Nest speakers and displays in your home. Open the Communication tab on your smart display, select Broadcast, and speak your message. For direct communication with a specific speaker, choose Call another room.
Get Your Hub to Recognize You
Set up voice or face recognition to receive personalized results, such as your Google Calendar schedule or YouTube Music playlists. Configure this feature in the Google Home app under Recognition and Sharing, linking the relevant Google accounts.
Enable Dark Mode
Reduce eye strain by enabling dark mode on your Nest Hub. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, tap the gear icon, and choose Display settings. Select from Light, Dark, or Auto, which adjusts based on the time of day and room lighting.
Connect to Your Other Smart Devices
Control all Google Assistant-compatible devices via your Nest Hub. Access the Home control screen on your smart display to manage connected devices, such as turning smart lights on and off or adjusting their brightness and colors.
Create a Digital Photo Frame
Transform your Nest Hub into a digital photo frame. In the Google Home app, select your device, tap the gear icon, and choose Photo Frame. Select images from Google’s curated collection or your Google Photos library to display.
Discover the Google Assistant
Explore the Discover tab on your Nest Hub for useful Google Assistant commands. Ask about recipes, nearby restaurants, your photo library, and more. Start with “Hey Google” and ask anything you want to know.
Pair a Bigger Speaker
Enhance your audio experience by pairing your Nest Hub with a larger Bluetooth speaker. Swipe up from the bottom of the display, tap the gear icon for settings, and choose Bluetooth to connect a new device.
Track Your Sleep
Exclusively for the Nest Hub, utilize its built-in radar to monitor your sleep patterns. Calibrate the device on the Wellness screen and follow the setup instructions. Place the Nest Hub close to your bed to receive detailed sleep data and tips for improvement.
By following these steps, you can unlock the full potential of your Google Nest Hub and make it an even more valuable part of your smart home ecosystem.
