The Preview Program is a user opt-in channel that updates your Google streaming device, Google Nest or Home speaker or display with the latest firmware version before it's made broadly available. This gives members of the program early access to features and improvements on their device, and helps Google find and fix bugs before features are released to everyone.
Note: The Preview Program is distinct from Public Preview, which is for early access to the latest features for Google Home app on mobile, WearOS, and the web.
Why join the Preview Program?
Why join the Preview Program?- Test drive newest features: You’ll get to experience new features when you get the latest software updates sent to your streaming device and speaker or display before they’re released broadly.
- Give early feedback: If you have a great idea or you found a bug while you’re using the Preview firmware, send it our way. Your suggestions could help make the product even better.
- Stay up to date: Never worry about missing a single update. You’ll be emailed as soon as your device receives the newest firmware.
Is this a Beta program?
How to join the Preview Program
How do I join the Preview Program?- Open the Google Home app .
- Tap Favorites or Devices ..
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings Device information Preview Program.
- If you can't find the "Preview Program," we're unable to accept new members at this time. Please continue to check back as opportunities become available.
- Choose whether to receive email notifications by moving the slider to the right or left. Note: It's recommended to allow email notifications so you’ll know when new updates are pushed to your device.
- If you opt-in to email notifications, you'll be asked to sign into your Google Account if you haven’t already.
- Review the contents of that page, and tap Join Program.
- Review the contents of the page, then tap Ok, got it.
- Open the Google Home app .
- Tap Favorites or Devices ..
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings Device information Preview Program.
- If you're a member, you'll find "On" or "On (Preview firmware: #)." If you'd like to become a member, refer to the “Join Preview Program” instructions above.
If you opt-in to the Preview Program email list, you’ll receive an email each time we release a Preview firmware to your device.
To opt out of email notifications:
- Open the Google Home app .
- At the top right, tap your account.
- Tap Home app settings Email Notifications.
- Turn Preview program for Chromecast and Google Nest off .
This list of Preview statuses will help you understand the current status of the Preview Program on your device.
Status | Description |
On (Waiting for next preview firmware update) |
You’ve joined the Program and are ready to receive the next Preview firmware. |
On (Preview firmware: #) |
A new Preview firmware has been pushed to your device. |
Off (Waiting for next public firmware update) |
You've chosen to leave the Program and are waiting for the next production firmware to be pushed (this could take a week or 2). |
Off | You're not part of the Preview Program. |
Leave the Preview Program
How do I leave the Preview Program?- Open the Google Home app .
- Tap Favorites or Devices ..
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings Device information Preview Program Leave program.
- You'll now find "Leaving" under Preview Program within Device Settings.
Important: Although your device is set to “Leaving” status, you'll have to wait for the next production firmware to be pushed to officially exit the program. This may take a week or 2.
Submit feedback about the Preview Program
If I run into an issue with my device, what should I do?- Share feedback about Chromecast or Google TV Streamer devices and the Google Home app
- Share feedback about speakers or displays
Important: Please provide feedback from your mobile device, not Chrome, if possible.
- Factory reset your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer
- Factory reset speakers or displays