Bringing your Google Home to the backyard seems like a great idea because of its fantastic speaker quality.
Nothing is better than having a fun pool day or barbeque with your favorite tunes playing in the background. But are Google Home devices compatible with outdoor use?
You cannot use a Google Home outdoors because of its temperature sensitivity. Google’s smart devices are designed for indoor use, so the technology isn’t designed to withstand outdoor elements such as direct sunlight and water.
This article will detail why you shouldn’t use your Google Home outdoors, how the device works with water, how to use it if you decide to take it outside, and the best speaker alternatives available if you don’t want to risk it.
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Google Home Device Outside
Your Google Home, now called Google Nest, has specific instructions on caring for it to keep it running well for its entire lifespan.
Temperature is a concern because a Google Home runs through a rechargeable battery.
It would be best if you stored it in an environment that’s between 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
Along those same lines, you shouldn’t expose your Google Home to direct sunlight, whether inside or outside—direct sun exposure causes overheating.
Signs Your Google Home Is Overheating
Your Google Home may be overheating if:
- You store it in temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35° C).
- It’s having trouble connecting to your smartphone or the internet.
- There are interruptions in your music play.
- It suddenly powers down even though the battery is charged.
Luckily, the Google Home device has the capability to regulate its temperature.
Just bring the device into a cooler room before turning it on again.
If you choose to use it outside, pick a day with mild weather and set the speaker in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight.
If you’re going to the beach, keep it under an umbrella. If you’re taking it to the backyard, leave it under a tree or on your porch.
Give it plenty of room to ventilate and self-temperature-regulate.
Is Google Home Waterproof?
Your Google Home is not waterproof; it is an electrical device. When you expose Google Home to water, it can overheat, short circuit, shock you, or stop working altogether. Take caution to keep your device away from moisture and condensation and keep it out of the bathroom.
What To Do if a Google Home Gets Wet
If you accidentally splash water on your Google Home, follow this advice:
- Immediately remove it from the plug.
- Gently dry off your device with a towel.
- Don’t use another heat source to dry it off, like a hairdryer, the sun, or a fireplace. Using one of these methods will further damage your Google Home.
- If there appears to be water inside your Google Home, contact support.
How To Waterproof Your Google Home
Want to take your Google Home to the pool or in the shower?
You can use plastic to keep water and other debris from your device.
To do this, you can either seal your Google Home into a plastic bag or purchase a waterproof bag, like HEETA 2-Pack Waterproof Pouch from Amazon.
Outdoorsmen use these bags to keep their phones, wallets, and other personal belongings away from moisture when kayaking or camping; it should do the same for your smart speaker.
How To Waterproof Your Google Home
If your Google Home has already got wet or dirty, you can clean it by following these steps:
- Unplug your Google Home from its power source.
- Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the surface clean.
- Use bleach-free disinfectant wipes for more stubborn areas.
- Refrain from using chemical sprays or cleaning products on your Google Home. Doing so can damage the product.
Google Nest and Internet
Say you decide to take your Google Home on a picnic or a trip to the beach.
This puts you away from your at-home wi-fi, but you still want to use your speaker.
Does Google Home Work on Public Wi-Fi?
Your Google Home will work on Public wi-fi; it can connect to any wireless internet network.
Be wary of public wi-fi as it is not as secure as your home wi-fi network.
Public wi-fi may not be encrypted, and there is potential for someone to hijack your Google account.
To protect yourself, only use sites with https: before the web address (which should be most of the places you connect to through Google Home) and sign out often.
Can a Google Home Work Without Wi-Fi?
You can use your Google Home without wi-fi by connecting through the Bluetooth feature.
You do not need an internet connection to use Bluetooth.
Just make sure your phone has data available or a downloaded music library to play through the speakers.
Best Outdoor Speakers
If you don’t want to risk it, you can always pick up an outdoor speaker instead to keep your Google Home’s life out of jeopardy.
Best Waterproof
A waterproof speaker can withstand boat trips, camping, and even a dip in the pool. My favorite is the INSMY Portable Bluetooth Speaker that’s available on Amazon.
It can travel with you, gets pretty loud, and even floats in the water.
It also comes in many different colors!
Best for the Beach
Taking your speaker to the beach puts a soundtrack to your relaxing day.
The MusiBaby Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker available on Amazon is portable and has a long run time, so you don’t have to rush home and recharge it. It also works with both Bluetooth and WiFi connections.
Best for the Backyard
Invest in permanent backyard speakers if you’re big on entertaining; it could tie your backyard barbeques together.
The Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers are safe for all weather conditions and can easily be mounted. They’re also waterproof and can withstand rain and direct sunlight.
Can a Google Home Be Used Outdoors? Conclusion
Google advises that you only use your Google Home indoors or risk damaging it.
If you plan to take the risk, be sure to keep your device away from water and direct sunlight and monitor overheating.
Not a risk-taker? Look for waterproof outdoor speakers to set the mood musically.