Google Nest Hub Max Display and Camera Not Working

The Google Nest Hub Max combines a 10-inch display with a built-in camera for video calls and monitoring. This guide covers display, camera, and connectivity issues.

Common Symptoms

  • Display black or unresponsive
  • Touch screen not working
  • Camera not showing in Nest app
  • Video calls poor quality or failing
  • Google Assistant not responding
  • Photo frame not displaying images

Display Issues

Screen Won't Turn On

  1. Check power adapter connection
  2. Try different outlet
  3. Use original Google power adapter
  4. Unplug for 60 seconds, then reconnect

Touch Not Responding

  • Clean screen with soft cloth
  • Restart device by unplugging
  • Ensure hands are clean and dry
  • Remove any screen protector

Brightness Problems

  1. Swipe down from top for quick settings
  2. Adjust brightness slider
  3. Disable Ambient EQ if causing issues
  4. Settings > Display > Ambient EQ

Camera Issues

Camera Not Working

  1. Check physical camera switch on back—ensure not covered
  2. In Google Home app, verify camera streaming is enabled
  3. Say "Hey Google, show me my camera"
  4. Restart device if camera feed is black

Poor Video Call Quality

  • Check internet speed (need 2+ Mbps upload)
  • Move closer to router for better WiFi signal
  • Ensure adequate lighting for clear video
  • Close other video streams on network

Google Assistant Problems

Not Responding to Voice

  1. Check microphone isn't muted (switch on back)
  2. Verify "Hey Google" sensitivity in settings
  3. Speak clearly and wait for indicators
  4. Restart device if consistently unresponsive

Wrong Account Responding

  • Set up Voice Match in Google Home app
  • Each user should train their voice profile
  • Re-train Voice Match if having issues

Photo Frame Not Working

Photos Not Displaying

  1. Check Google Photos connection in Home app
  2. Verify selected albums have photos
  3. Ensure photos are backed up to Google Photos
  4. Try selecting specific album instead of auto-curated

Wrong Photos Showing

  • Curate albums in Google Photos
  • Remove unwanted photos from selected albums
  • Disable auto-curated if not desired

WiFi Connectivity

Reconnecting to WiFi

  1. Swipe down > Settings > WiFi
  2. Select your network and enter password
  3. Wait for connection
  4. If network not showing, restart device

Frequent Disconnections

  • Move Hub Max closer to router
  • Reduce WiFi interference from other devices
  • Try 5GHz network if 2.4GHz is congested
  • Update router firmware

Duo Video Calls

Can't Make Calls

  • Ensure Duo is set up in Google Home app
  • Link phone number to Duo
  • Verify contact has Duo installed

Incoming Calls Not Ringing

  • Check Do Not Disturb isn't active
  • Verify call notifications are enabled
  • Ensure camera isn't switched off (disables video calls)

Factory Reset

  1. Press and hold both volume buttons for 10 seconds
  2. Continue holding until reset confirmation
  3. Device will erase all settings
  4. Set up fresh through Google Home app

When to Contact Support

Contact Google support if:

  • Display has physical damage
  • Device overheats frequently
  • Camera hardware failure
  • Speakers produce distorted audio