Google Home to Discontinue Phone-Related Automations in May
In a recent development, Google Home users have reported receiving messages from their devices indicating that certain phone-related automations will be discontinued starting in the first week of May. This announcement has raised concerns among users who rely on these features for daily tasks.
The specific message conveyed by Google Home devices states:
> “…just so you know, phone actions and automations will no longer be available starting in the first week of May.”
This notification has led to speculation about the future of Google Home’s automation capabilities. However, Google has clarified that while certain phone-related actions are being phased out, the core automation features of Google Home will remain intact.
A Google representative addressed the concerns by stating:
> “We wanted to clarify that we are not removing automations in May. We are removing phone-related actions in automations (i.e., check the battery level, set/unset Do Not Disturb, and set the volume of your phone). Home automations will continue to work, and any Home-related actions will remain part of your automations and fully functional.”
The phone-related actions slated for removal include:
– Setting or unsetting Do Not Disturb mode on the phone
– Checking the phone’s battery level
– Adjusting the phone’s volume
These actions are typically initiated through the Google Home app on a user’s smartphone and are not applicable to devices like the Nest Hub. The decision to discontinue these specific automations suggests that they may not have been widely utilized by the user base.
It’s important to note that this change does not affect other automation features within the Google Home ecosystem. Users can continue to create and manage automations related to their smart home devices, such as controlling lights, thermostats, and other connected appliances.
This move follows a series of adjustments and feature removals by Google in its smart home offerings. For instance, in December 2025, Google removed the Call Home feature from the Google Home app, which previously allowed users to initiate calls directly to devices like the Nest Hub Max. The removal of this feature was met with disappointment from users who found it convenient for communicating with family members at home without the need for a traditional phone line.
Additionally, in January 2026, it was observed that many apps on the Nest Hub had disappeared over time. Features such as Broadcast, Calendar, Contacts, Duo, Games, Netflix, Meet, News, Pandora, Podcasts, Reminders, Shopping, Timer, Weather, YouTube Music, YouTube, and Zoom were no longer accessible, leaving only a handful of applications like Search, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Stories. This reduction in available apps has led to questions about the future direction of Google’s smart display functionalities.
Despite these changes, Google has expressed a commitment to improving and expanding its smart home ecosystem. In October 2025, the company acknowledged the challenges and user concerns associated with its Home, Nest, and Gemini products. Google stated that it is committed to earning back your trust by addressing issues and enhancing the user experience across its smart home devices.
For users who have integrated phone-related actions into their daily routines, the upcoming change may require adjustments. However, the continued support for other automation features ensures that the Google Home ecosystem remains a versatile tool for managing smart home devices.
As the first week of May approaches, users are encouraged to review their existing automations and make necessary modifications to accommodate the discontinuation of phone-related actions. Staying informed about these changes will help users maintain a seamless smart home experience.
