You can’t download or install apps on a Google Nest Hub. It doesn’t have an app store. Instead, you “add” services by linking them in the Google Home app on your phone, and you can cast from apps on your phone to the Hub. To link a video service like Netflix or Disney+, open the Google Home app, go to Settings > Video, tap Link next to the service, and sign in. Then say something like “Hey Google, play Stranger Things on Netflix.”
What you can add to a Nest Hub
- Video services: YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Max, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and more, depending on your country.
- Music and podcasts: YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and others.
- Smart home devices: Lights, plugs, cameras, thermostats, and doorbells that work with Google Home.
- Photos: Google Photos albums for the Photo Frame screen.
- Cast from phone apps: Any app with a Cast button that supports displays.
How to link video services
- Open the Google Home app on your phone, signed in to the same account as your Nest Hub.
- Tap Settings (or tap your profile picture > Assistant settings, depending on your app version).
- Tap Video.
- Tap Link next to a service and sign in to your account for that service.
- On your Nest Hub, say “Hey Google, play [show] on [service].”
Once linked, you can also open these services from the media controls on the Hub’s screen, and the Nest Hub Max has an app launcher for linked video services.
How to link music services
- In the Google Home app, tap Settings > Music.
- Choose a service and tap Link (or the link icon), then sign in.
- To make it your default, select it as your Default music service.
How to cast from a phone app
- Make sure your phone and Nest Hub are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open a supported app, like YouTube, Spotify, or Google Photos.
- Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) and choose your Nest Hub.
Some apps can’t cast video to Nest displays even if they cast to TVs. If you don’t see your Nest Hub, the app probably doesn’t support it.
Add smart home devices
- In the Google Home app, tap Devices > Add.
- Choose Works with Google Home for devices from other brands, or Google Nest or partner device.
- Sign in to the brand’s account, and the devices appear on the Hub’s Home Control screen.
Why you can’t install apps
Nest Hubs run a limited operating system designed for Google Assistant, Cast, and smart home controls. Google hasn’t offered a way to install Android apps or browse the web, and there’s no supported way to sideload them.
Haven’t finished setting up your display yet? Start with how to set up a Google Nest Hub, then come back to add apps and services.
Related: turn on the camera on a Google Nest Hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch Netflix on a Nest Hub?
Yes. Link your Netflix account in the Google Home app under Settings > Video, then ask Google Assistant to play something.
Does Nest Hub have a web browser?
No. Some older workarounds opened a browser through voice commands, but there’s no supported browser.
Can I add Amazon Prime Video?
Availability varies. If Prime Video doesn’t appear in Settings > Video for your region, it isn’t supported on your Hub.
My Nest Hub isn’t responding after I linked a service. What should I do?
Restart it by unplugging it for a minute. If that doesn’t help, see how to reset a Google Nest Hub.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.