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Knowledge Base

Google Home does not understand the names of the devices

If Google Home is not understanding the names of devices, check device names for the following: 

  • Do not use special characters (e.g., *(&%’#_))
  • Do not have typos or grammatical errors.
  • Do not use conjunctions (e.g., and, or, etc.).
  • Avoid having multiple device names that are homophones of each other (e.g., their lights or there lights).
  • To prevent accidental grouping, avoid using plurals of reserved words (e.g., lights, switches, dimmers, shades, bulbs, doors, locks, deadbolts, knobs, garage doors, or gates). Doing so will automatically recognize the device as a group.
  • For possessives (e.g., mom’s or Nick’s) make them plural (moms or Nicks). Unfortunately, Google Home has a difficult time picking up apostrophes and could result in inaccurate responses.

Important: Google Home's primary language must be set to English to function properly.

To see what Google Home heard:

  1. Tap to open the Google Home app.
  2. Tap User.

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  3. Tap My activity.

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  4. Flick to scroll and find the recent commands said to Google Assistant.

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  5. Confirm the device name Google Assistant heard and the device name on the Alarm.com system match. If the names do not match, change the name on the customer's Alarm.com account to match what the Google Home heard. If Google Home does hear everything correctly, see the following Best practices section.

Best practices

  • Device names should flow with naturally spoken language. For example, the action would pick up living room lamp but not lamp living room.
  • Device names can also have up to ten numbers at the end of the device. The number must be spelled out. For example, lamp one would be a compatible name, and lamp 1 would not be a compatible name.

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