How Google products use Thread in a smart home

Learn about Thread

Thread is a dedicated network for your smart home devices that operates in parallel with your Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi connects your phones and computers to the internet, Thread creates a low-power mesh network specifically designed for smart home devices to talk to one another.

In a Thread network, devices play different roles in forming this mesh network: 

• Always-on devices:These are devices plugged into power, like smart plugs or speakers. They also act as Mesh Extenders, repeating signals to help data move across your home.
• Battery-powered devices:Because the always-on devices handle the heavy lifting of carrying messages, battery-powered devices (like sensors or door locks) can "sleep" when not in use. This allows their batteries to last significantly longer.

• Thread Border Routers:A Thread network needs a bridge to connect to your Wi-Fi network and the internet. This bridge is called a Thread Border Router and allows you to control your Thread devices from your phone even when you’re not home. To set up a Thread device using the Google Home app, a Thread Border Router is required.

Benefits of Thread for your smart home

Thread was made to solve common problems with smart home devices.

• Better Reliability:Thread creates a mesh network. If one device goes offline, the network automatically heals itself by finding a new path for the signal to travel. This eliminates single points of failure.
• Longer Battery Life:Because Thread is an extremely low-power network, devices like door locks and motion sensors can run for a very long time without needing battery changes.
• Extended Coverage:The mesh network extends further with every plugged-in device you add. This allows your smart home network to reach places your Wi-Fi might not, such as a basement, a garage, or even outdoors.

Google Products that can act as Thread Border Routers

Many Google devices you may already own have a Thread Border Router built directly in them. The following Google devices can act as a Thread Border Router:

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

Thread Credentials: How they work

Just like your Wi-Fi network needs a password to keep it secure and for devices to connect, your Thread network uses Thread Credentials to connect devices to each other. However, they work a little differently from Wi-Fi passwords.

Unlike Wi-Fi passwords, you don't type them in for each device. Thread credentials are typically generated and shared automatically by your smart home app or border router during the pairing process. You usually never see or type them in.

When your Thread network is first set up, unique credentials (a secure key and name) are automatically created to ensure all communication is encrypted and safe.

How these credentials are stored depends on your mobile device:

For Android Users:Your credentials will be stored on your phone and can be synced to your Google Account in the cloud.

1. Cloud storage (Recommended):By default, your Thread credentials are securely synced to your Google Account in the cloud.
   • Benefits:This allows you to easily add new devices to your network. It also ensures that if you get a new phone or use a tablet, your Thread network remains accessible without needing to set everything up again.
2. Local storage (Opt-out):You can choose to save your credentials on your phone instead of your Google Account in the cloud.

If you opt out of Cloud storage:

• Credentials are only stored locally on your phone.
• If you lose your phone, switch to a new phone, or want to share access with a family member, it may be difficult to add new Thread devices to your home.
• A factory reset might be needed on your existing devices to set them up again if they become disconnected.

To opt out of Cloud syncing:

1. On your Android phone, go to your phone’s Settings  Google services and preferences All services.
2. Tap Thread networks Network preferencesTurn Off Save credentials.
3. Tap Don’t saveto confirm.

For iOS Users:If you are using an iOS device, your Thread credentials are managed by iOS and are securely stored in the cloud (iCloud). This ensures your credentials are available across your Apple devices for seamless connectivity.