A Google Nest Hub can do more than answer weather questions. Because it has a screen, many Google Assistant replies appear as cards, controls, camera feeds, timers, and touchable menus instead of spoken answers only.
These commands apply to Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max devices using the built-in Google Assistant.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you have a Nest Hub on a counter, desk, or nightstand and want the commands that are actually worth remembering. Most begin with Hey Google, but some actions can also be handled from the touchscreen.
Everyday information and media commands
Say Hey Google before each command, or tap the display if you want to use the screen instead of speaking.
- Hey Google, what’s the weather today? The Hub shows a forecast card while reading the answer aloud.
- Hey Google, show my day. This brings up calendar events, reminders, commute details, and other daily information.
- Hey Google, play [song or playlist] on [Spotify or YouTube Music]. Music starts and the screen shows playback controls.
- Hey Google, set a timer for 10 minutes. The timer stays visible so you can glance at it from across the room.
- Hey Google, show me the front door camera. A linked Nest or compatible camera feed opens on the display.
- Hey Google, stop. This cancels an alarm, timer, or current media playback.
For quiet control, swipe down from the top of the Nest Hub display to open Quick Settings. You can also tap the top edge of many Nest Hub models to pause media or silence alarms and timers.
Smart home control commands
The Nest Hub controls devices that are already added to the Google Home app. Voice commands do not replace the initial setup process.
- Hey Google, turn off the living room lights. This uses the room names assigned in Google Home.
- Hey Google, dim the bedroom lights to 30 percent. This works only with dimmable bulbs or switches.
- Hey Google, set the thermostat to 70. Nest and other compatible thermostats can respond.
- Hey Google, lock the front door. Compatible smart locks can be locked from Assistant.
- Hey Google, run my Good Morning routine. Any custom routine you built can be triggered by name.
If a device does not respond, check its name and room in the Google Home app. Assistant depends heavily on clear room and device labels.
Small commands that make the Hub easier to live with
- Say Hey Google, set a timer for [time] called [name] when you need multiple kitchen timers.
- Say Hey Google, turn on Do Not Disturb to quiet notifications and dim the ambient clock in a bedroom.
- Swipe left or right on the home screen to move through weather, smart-home controls, and suggested cards.
- Say Hey Google, what can you do? to see a list tailored to your linked apps and devices.
- Use the on-screen explore or suggestion cards during the first week to learn commands that match your setup.
The most useful Nest Hub commands are the ones tied to your actual rooms, calendars, media apps, and cameras. Once those are connected, the display becomes much more helpful than a plain smart speaker.
Sources
- Google Nest Help – Things to try with Google Assistant (2025)
- Google Nest Help – Control smart home devices with Nest Hub (2025)
- Google Nest Help – Use gestures and touch controls on Nest Hub (2025)