So you’ve set up your Google Home, but you’re experiencing slow speeds on connected devices. Lag on video streaming won’t do, especially when that’s the one job of devices like Chromecast. Smart displays should be able to handle your video calls. Luckily, the Google Home app includes a speed test that helps pinpoint the source of the Wi-Fi problem.
The Google Home speed test helps you see how quickly your smart home devices transmit and receive data. This test can help sort out problem areas and optimize mesh router placement. It’s worth pointing out that this is only available to home networks using either the Google Wifi or Nest Wifi routers. Here’s how it works.
Previous speed tests are available at the bottom of the Network page. It’s also possible to run a speed test by giving Google Home the voice command, “What’s my internet speed?” In addition to results for the overall network, you can find results for individual devices under their Info tab.
If the Google Home app isn’t able to help you improve your internet connection speeds, there are a few other things you can try to increase the speed.
The Google Home app uses megabits per second (Mbps) to report on how quickly data comes into your home (download) and how fast it’s sent out (upload). Don’t confuse megabits with megabytes. Both of these are units of data, but megabytes are eight times bigger. As you can imagine, mixing up bits and bytes can lead to skewed expectations on data speeds.
This question is primarily for your internet service provider (ISP). Different plans will deliver various internet speeds. If your Google Home speed test is well below the rate of your plan, and your Wi-Fi network is functioning correctly, call your ISP and ask them to examine things on their end. If your download speeds are less than 25Mbps and upload less than 3Mbps, your internet technically doesn’t even qualify as broadband anymore, which is definitely a problem.
The Google Home app is able to help you adjust locations to optimize speed, but there are some best practices you can use to ensure you’re getting good coverage throughout your house.
With all of that, you should be able to accurately assess your connectivity using the Google Home internet speed test. With a bit of work, you should be able to fix any buffering in streaming video, lags in online games, slow file downloads, and choppy video calls.
Besides measuring home internet speeds, the Google Home app has lots of helpful features for tying your smart home devices together. It’s a great way to control a wide range of connected home devices without having to jump into individual apps for each one.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.
Quick Recap: Life with twins and a pile of bottles