If you have multiple Google speakers, Nest devices, Chromecasts, or TVs, you can set preferred (default) playback devices. This lets you say simple commands like “Hey Google, play music” or “Hey Google, play Stranger Things” without naming a specific device every time.
Google separates audio (music, podcasts) and video defaults. Here is the current, accurate way to set them in the Google Home app.
Why Set a Default Playback Device?
- Avoid repeating device names in every voice command
- Control which speaker or TV media plays on by default
- Useful in multi-room setups or homes with several Chromecasts/TVs
- Works with music services (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.) and video services
Note: Podcasts and news often play locally on the speaker/display that heard the command, even if you have a preferred device set.
Requirements Before You Start
- Google Home app installed and updated (Android or iOS)
- Your phone/tablet and all devices on the same Wi-Fi network
- All devices linked to the same Google account / Home
- You must be a member of that Home
Method 1: Set Default Music/Audio Speaker
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap Home (or Devices / Favourites depending on your app version).
- Touch and hold the tile of the speaker, Nest Hub, or Smart Display you want to configure.
- Tap the Settings gear icon (top right).
- Tap Audio.
- Tap Default music speaker (or similar wording such as “Default media playback” / “Listen on”).
- Select the speaker, speaker group, or Chromecast Audio device you want as the default.
- Tap Save / confirm if prompted.
Now when you say “Hey Google, play [song/artist/playlist]” to that device, music should start on your chosen default speaker.
Method 2: Set Default TV / Video Playback Device
- Open the Google Home app.
- Touch and hold the tile of a speaker or display linked to your TVs/Chromecasts.
- Tap Settings.
- Look for Display, Video, or Default TV / Watch on.
- Select the Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, or TV you want as the preferred video device.
- Confirm the selection.
After this, commands like “Hey Google, play [movie/show] on YouTube” or Netflix (if supported) will default to that TV instead of asking which device every time.
Tip: To set a Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer as preferred, you often need to long-press a different speaker or older Chromecast tile first, then choose the newer device in the list.
Alternative Path (Some App Versions)
On certain versions of the Google Home app:
- Open Google Home → Profile picture (top right) → Home settings.
- Look under Services or Media for music/video defaults.
- Or go to a specific device → Settings → Default media playback and choose separately for “Listen on” (audio) and “Watch on” (video).
The exact menu labels can vary slightly with app updates, but the path is always: Device tile → Settings → Audio or Display section.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Default option missing | Update Google Home app, restart phone, ensure devices are in the same Home |
| Selection does not stick | Unlink and relink the device, or factory-reset older Chromecasts if needed |
| Music still plays on the wrong speaker | Check for speaker groups overriding the default; reset the default setting |
| Video asks for device every time | Confirm the Chromecast/TV is linked and selected under Default TV |
| Older Chromecast / Home Mini issues | Update Google Home app to latest version (v4.26+ fixed many older-device problems in 2026) |
Summary
To set a default streaming device in Google Home in 2026:
- Open Google Home app.
- Long-press the relevant speaker or display.
- Go to Settings → Audio → Default music speaker (for audio).
- Go to Settings → Display / Default TV (for video).
- Select your preferred device and save.
This is the current official method. The older instructions involving “Developer options” or “microphone port” are outdated and no longer apply.
If the menus look different on your phone, make sure the Google Home app is fully updated and try force-closing and reopening it.
