Device Utility

Monumentally useless. Tried to connect an older Nest Mini. Downloaded this utility, then had to turn off WiFi (seriously?). "Couldn't communicate with your device". Tried again. Same thing. Tried a third time turning off mobile data as well (as another reviewer suggested). Same thing. No other information provided. No fix. This used to be an automatic process. I suspect the device will have to be binned. Great for Google - I'll have to buy a new one. Not so great for the consumer or the planet.

Utility finds my Chromecast but can't connect. Rinse and repeat. Following instructions and prompts to the letter doesn't help. Great waste of a couple of hours. Way to go Google! Now here's what to do: After the app tells you to turn off your wifi and finds the chromecast, TURN WIFI BACK ON IMMEDIATELY. Then go back to the Home app and restart the discovery process. When it tells you to go back to the Device Utility app, do that and restart the discovery process there! UNBELIEVABLE!

The core problem with this app seems to be that Android phones won't connect to the Chromecast network without a manual step to resolve the lack of internet. The app doesn't explain this and guide the user through the process, and ultimately wastes time trying to search for a device on a cell connection. Once you figure this out, it works fine, though the Bluetooth step that has you have to disable wifi for is mildly annoying for a Chromecast user.