Trouble with Google Home on new Android 16 beta

It’s only been a few days since the first test version of Android 16 came out, and even though it’s not packed with problems, there are a few things that need fixing soon. These include problems when you switch between apps, some visual mix-ups, and apps that aren’t behaving properly.

The biggest issue reported so far is with the Google Home app. It’s causing a lot of trouble for people using the new Android 16 test version by not letting them control their smart homes.

I’m using Android 16 Beta 1 on my Pixel 8, and the Google Home app just won’t work. It crashes every time I try to open it, which didn’t happen with the last version, Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3. Many others are facing the same problem, as seen on Reddit and Google’s IssueTracker. Adding to the frustration, the Google Home widget doesn’t work either, showing an error message saying “widget not supported.”

Some have tried to fix it by removing and then reinstalling the app, but it doesn’t work for everyone. I’ve had the same experience – the app works for a bit after reinstalling, but then it crashes again. Others have tried stopping the app and clearing its cache, but that doesn’t solve it for me either.

One user described, “This morning my Home app keeps crashing every time I try to open it. It starts to load and then just shuts down with no error message.” Another said, “Reinstalling only helps for a short time before the app starts crashing again.”

However, it’s not all bad news. Not everyone’s Google Home app is broken with this update. Some colleagues at AP say their app still works fine, whether or not they’re in the preview program.

Google has recognized the problem, with a reply in IssueTracker dated January 23 saying, “Thank you for reporting this issue. We have passed it on to our team and will share more as we have updates.”

If you depend on Google Home for your daily smart home control, you might want to wait on installing this Android 16 beta. If you’ve already updated, keep an eye out for any new fixes coming soon.