So, you’ve set up your Kasa camera, and you’re ready to integrate it with your Google Home app, but it’s not showing up. Frustrating, right? I’ve been there, but luckily, it was a quick fix for me, and hopefully, it’ll be the same for you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of troubleshooting any issues your Kasa cameras are having with the Google Home app. All so you can benefit from this integration, and monitor your home securely and conveniently.
Key Points
- Kasa cameras may not appear in the Google Home app due to various issues, including problems with the linked account, outdated apps, poor connectivity, etc.
- To solve these issues, go through step-by-step troubleshooting, like updating apps and firmware, relinking the Kasa account to Google, and testing Google Assistant.
- If a specific camera is malfunctioning, a factory reset may be necessary.
- The Kasa Smart app has better features and functionality than the Google Home app and will offer better video playback.
- Contact TP-Link’s support if the issue persists and you cannot view your cameras inside Google Home.
What Causes Kasa Cam Viewing Issues in the Google Home App?
Kasa cameras do integrate with the Google Home App, but there can be various issues usually due to improper setup, outdated apps or firmware, app malfunctions, poor connectivity, or some device faults.
Now, don’t worry; some of these fixes are really quick. I’ll also talk about preventing these issues from happening again. So let’s get into it.
A Detailed Breakdown of Kasa Camera and Google Home Issues
1. Update All Apps and Camera Firmware
Before anything else, you should ensure everything is updated to the latest version. So here’s a list:
- All the Kasa cameras should be updated to the latest firmware. This can be done through Device Settings in the Kasa app.
- The Kasa Smart app should be updated from the respective app store.
- The Google Home app should be updated.
Also, ensure that each camera's remote control is enabled in the Kasa app. This may already be enabled for most devices, but it’s best to double-check.
Once everything’s updated, reboot your phone, restart (or power-cycle) your cameras, and check if they’re working now. This process of rebooting/power cycling is something you should do regularly to fix any intermittent issues.
2. Check Network Connectivity
Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as network issues, so check the network connectivity of each Kasa camera and your phone. They should all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for best performance, and at least 5 Mbps of bandwidth should be available.
You can try restarting/resetting the router so that all the devices’ internet access is refreshed. Also, if possible, try using hardwired connections to your cameras, like Ethernet.
3. Unlink and Relink your Kasa Account with Google Home
This is the most important step, as quite often, there may be an issue with the link between TP-Link’s Kasa platform and Google Home, so the best way to fix this is to relink it.
In Google Home, go to ‘Devices’ > ‘Add Devices’ > ‘Works with Google’ > TP-Link Kasa should already be linked to your account. Click on it, and then click ‘Unlink’.
Now, close the Google Home app, and restart it. Repeat the steps above, but this time, TP-Link Kasa should no longer be linked. Search for it by typing ‘Kasa’ into the search bar, and then link it again by entering your account details and password.
Then check if the Kasa cameras are working properly in the GHome app, and if you’re able to view the camera feed.
4. Check Device Names and Rename Them
Having different names for multiple cameras is very important. Sometimes there can be an error in Google Home due to long/complex names, so try renaming them to something simple that you can still easily differentiate.
To rename your device, open the TP-Link Kasa app and go to Device Settings. Each camera will have its own page with a settings icon at the top right corner. Tap on it and then change the camera name. Do this for each camera you need to rename and choose simple names.
Distinct names also mean you can easily access the live feed of a particular camera, and you wouldn’t get it confused for another.
5. Test Google Assistant Voice Commands
Sometimes, there may be a problem with viewing Kasa cameras in the Google Home app, but the Google Assistant still works with voice commands.
So test a command like ‘Hey Google, show me my Living Room camera’s live video’, and see if Google Assistant can respond. If it is, then at least that functionality works. If it doesn’t, try relinking your Google Home and Kasa accounts, as in step 2, and restart your phone.
6. Reset Kasa Cameras Individually
If the problem is with all your Kasa cameras not appearing in the Google Home app, or if you can’t view the video for any of your cameras, skip this step.
But if you can’t view the video of one or a few Kasa cameras while the others are working, this could point to a device issue.
In this case, try resetting the Kasa camera to factory default settings. This will erase your preferences, so note them down first. You can reset it by physically long-pressing the RESET button on the back of the camera.
7. Contact Customer Support
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and the issue still persists, it’s time to contact customer support. You can do this quickly via the Kasa app.
If your device is under warranty and is showing signs of defect, don’t hesitate to get in touch with support. This will help you resolve your issue faster, and you may be eligible for a replacement.
When you contact support, give them all the necessary information about the issue. Clearly describe the issue and mention the steps you’ve already taken. It helps in resolving your issues faster.
Important Notes About Kasa Cameras and Google Home
1. Kasa Smart App Is Often Smoother and Better Optimized
While Kasa cameras do work with Google Home now, the Kasa Smart app still works much better and is more optimized for smooth video streaming of the live feed. That’s because TP-Link regularly updates the app for bug fixes and better features.
If you face any issues in Google Home and you urgently need to access your cameras, it’s best to use the Kasa app again. Also, the Google Home live feed will have a restriction of 10 minutes, after which you’ll have to restart the playback.
2. Optimize your Network Setup
Since Kasa cameras require significant network bandwidth for good performance, it’s best to check your local network and optimize it as much as possible.
This includes a new router with more antennas, using the latest Wi-Fi protocol, adding Wi-Fi extenders, and hardwiring the cameras for direct internet access.
If you have multiple devices connected to your network, the bandwidth may be distributed unevenly, affecting the performance of your Kasa cameras.
Adjust the QoS settings on your router to prioritize the bandwidth for your cameras, ensuring they function optimally even in a crowded network environment.
FAQs
Can I control the settings of my Kasa Cameras through the Google Home app?
Do I need a Google Nest to view my Kasa Cameras in the Google Home app?
Can I share access to my Kasa Camera’s live feed with other Google Home app users?
Conclusion
While integrating Kasa cameras with Google Home is meant to be a user-friendly experience, occasional glitches and issues arise. By addressing each potential issue step-by-step, as in the guide above, you can resolve most problems independently.
If all that seems too frustrating and GHome doesn’t work as expected, you can stick to the Kasa Smart app, which has more available features and better performance. But if you face any other difficulties, it’s always best to contact TP-Link’s support channels.
