How to Join Google Home Preview for Firmware Updates
Step-by-step guide to join the Google Home Preview Program and get firmware 3.79 for older Nest and Home speakers with audio and smart home fixes.
Google is testing a new firmware update for older Home and Nest speakers. The Preview Program lets you install version 3.79.550760 early on devices like the original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini, and Nest Audio.
This update improves audio streaming, Wi-Fi setup, smart home controls, and overall stability. You do not need new hardware. Join the program in the Google Home app to receive it overnight.
What the firmware update includes
Official release notes list these improvements for eligible speakers:
- Audio and media streaming plus volume adjustments
- Setup and Wi-Fi connectivity fixes
- Assistant entry experience (Gemini-related)
- Smart home control responses
- General performance and stability
Production versions remain on 3.78.540761 for most devices. The Preview channel receives the newer build first. Google expects a wider rollout in the coming weeks.
The Google Home Max and the newer Home Speaker (2026) are not part of this specific Preview wave.
How to check your current firmware
Open the Google Home app. Tap the device tile, then Settings, then Device information. Look under Technical information for the Cast firmware version.
Eligible speakers on older builds can move to the Preview channel to pull the update.
Join the Preview Program
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap the speaker tile you want to update.
- Tap the settings gear in the top right.
- Select Device information.
- Tap Preview Program and follow the prompts to join.
If the option is missing, the program is not accepting new members for that device at the moment. Check again later.
Once enrolled, the status shows “Waiting for next preview firmware update.” When the build is available, the status changes to the new version number. The speaker installs the firmware automatically overnight while plugged in and online.
After the update
Restart the speaker if it does not reconnect immediately. Test voice commands for music volume, light controls, and multi-step requests. Pair it with other devices in the same home for group playback.
You can leave the Preview Program the same way you joined. Returning to the production channel happens on the next stable release.
For related Gemini features on these speakers, see our guide on finding your phone with Gemini on Google Home.
Tips for a smooth update
- Keep the speaker plugged in and on a stable Wi-Fi network overnight.
- Update the Google Home app first so the Preview option appears.
- Test one speaker before enrolling the whole home.
- Note that Preview builds can occasionally introduce temporary bugs. Switch back if needed.
Firmware updates arrive in stages. Not every eligible device receives the Preview build on day one.
Conclusion
The Preview Program gives older Google Home and Nest speakers continued improvements without buying new hardware. Join through the Google Home app, wait for the overnight install, and test the audio and control changes.
Check the official Google support pages for the latest firmware versions if your device does not show the update yet.
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