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How Google products use Thread

​What is Thread

Thread is a technology designed to connect your smart home and its smart devices. It creates a Thread mesh network which allows your smart devices to communicate with a faster response, greater range, and increased reliability.

Google products are designed to work together so they can communicate with you and each other in a variety of ways. They typically use Wi-Fi networks, but can also use Thread wireless mesh networks.

  • In a Thread mesh network, Thread devices relay information to each other through Thread mesh extenders.
  • Homes can have one or more Thread mesh extenders so if one of them goes offline, your Thread devices can find another Thread router and continue communicating with each other.
  • Special Thread devices called Thread Border Routers enable devices to communicate between a Thread network and other networks (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Why Thread matters for your smart home

Thread offers a range of benefits that elevate your smart home experience:

  • Stronger Connections: Thread creates a robust mesh network, which means your devices can connect through multiple pathways. This ensures that even if one connection is lost, your devices can still communicate to keep your smart home connected.
  • Enhanced Reliability: Thread's mesh network also enhances the overall reliability of your smart home. It minimizes the risk of devices going offline or experiencing communication issues.
  • Efficient Power Usage: Thread is designed to be energy-efficient, so your devices can stay connected without draining their batteries quickly. This is particularly beneficial for battery-powered devices like sensors and smart locks.
  • Scalability: Thread can handle a large number of devices, which makes it perfect for growing smart homes. You can add more devices to your network without worrying about performance issues.

For an illustration of how Thread and Matter devices connect to each other in your home, go to the Thread Group's smart home page.

How Google products use Thread

Google products can use Thread and Wi-Fi for various purposes, like downloading software updates, sending app notifications, and communicating between devices. Products usually use Wi-Fi or Thread as their primary network to communicate with other devices.

Google’s Thread border routers:

Displays: Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max
Wi-Fi routers: Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E)
Streaming devices: Google TV Streamer (4K)

Verify your device’s Thread connection

You can use Google's Thread border routers to create a Thread network, or if a Thread network exists in your home, your Google device can be used to extend the existing Thread coverage to the entire home.

Android example

Here's how to check a Thread network connection in case you need to troubleshoot.

Note: Before you start, make sure you have the following:

To verify if your Google device is connected to your Thread network, do the following:

  1. Set up your Thread Border router with the Google Home app.
  2. Set up your smart home device with the manufacturer’s app (Nanoleaf, for example) on the same mobile device.
  3. Make sure that the firmware version of the manufacturer’s app is updated. If not, update the firmware.
  4. Confirm the connection type is “Thread” in the smart home device app.

    Note: To test if the Thread network works, on the smart home device app’s dashboard, select your smart home device and tap a scene to activate it. If you turn off Bluetooth, you should still be able to control the device.

Thread credentials are saved on the Android device and backed up in the cloud so they can be used when Matter devices are available.

Enhanced Thread network setup with cloud sync

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi passwords, Thread credentials are complex, machine-generated codes that manage access to your entire Thread network. These credentials ensure that only authorized devices can join and communicate within your network. Storing them securely in your Google Account offers several key advantages:

  • Simplified setup: When you add a new Thread device, it can automatically retrieve your credentials from the cloud and eliminate the need for manual entry or complex pairing processes.
  • Seamless integration: Cloud storage enables your Thread devices to seamlessly interact with other Google Home devices and create a more integrated smart home experience.
  • Enhanced security & reliability: Storing credentials in the cloud adds an extra layer of protection against loss or damage. If you lose or replace your phone, your Thread network remains intact, and your credentials are safeguarded by Google's robust security infrastructure.
  • Effortless network management: As your smart home grows and evolves, cloud storage ensures that your Thread network remains adaptable and resilient. Whether you add new devices, replace old ones, or even switch phones, your credentials will be securely stored and easily accessible.

Your Thread credentials are stored with utmost security and privacy. We do not share Thread credentials to third party devices and services without your explicit consent.

If you do not want to store your Thread credentials in the cloud, you can remove the data from your Google Account.

Additional Resources

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