ISSUE

"Hey, Google, set a timer," did not elicit a response from Google Assistant.


QUICK REPAIR

In the Home app, change your home address.


THE COMPLETE STORY

My spouse and I determined over the weekend that it was past time to replace our Wi-Fi router. We had been happily working on a reasonably old On Hub router until we received notice from Google that the controls for the On Hub will be turned off in December. We moaned for a while before biting the bullet and purchasing a Nest  WiFi  router and point with a Google discount.


After deciding on a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, we figured that Monday would be the ideal time to finally move from the old router to the new - after all, it shouldn't take more than a few minutes, right?


That's correct.


I won't go into detail about the several little challenges we had before we were able to get things to function. (Hint for OnHub owners: don't just unplug your OnHub from your modem before starting setup; totally shut it off.) But, after a few minor snafus, we were able to get everything in order. We took a seat, and my girlfriend requested Google to set a 15-minute timer for us.


"At this time, I am unable to set a timer." In a few moments, please try again."


He tried one more and received the same result. He asked for information and got it; he asked for the weather and got it; he urged the speaker to turn down the level and got no answer.


I requested Google to set a timer out of curiosity. No issue, I've set the timer. It also turned down the volume for me.


Except for the pleasure I derived from the realization that our new router loved me more, this was clearly an issue. The Google Support page recommended that we "uninstall everything," which we didn't want to do. Finally, after much digging, I discovered a solution on Google's community sites that worked for us.


If your Google Assistant won't set a timer for you or perform any specified tasks, try this:


HOW DO YOU FIX IT?

  • Select the Settings icon in the Home app.

  • Select Home information > Home address from the drop-down menu.

  • Remove > Remove is the option. Your present home address will be fully removed as a result of this action.

  • Add your home address by tapping the Add button.

  • Google will begin to show addresses as you type; select yours by tapping Next >. Done


Any timers or other requests that Google Assistant has previously ignored should now function properly. Best of luck!