Place your speaker in the right location for best performance

Put the speaker in a central, open location at ear height — a kitchen counter, shelf, or side table. Keep it away from walls, corners, and large objects that block sound and microphone pickup. The kitchen is the most popular and practical location for most households.

Why It Works

Smart speaker microphones work best when they have a clear line to your voice without obstructions. Central placement ensures the speaker can hear you from multiple rooms and that music projects evenly through the space.

Tips

• Keep at least 8 inches from walls for better sound quality
• Place away from TVs, radios, and other speakers that could trigger false activations
• If your home is large, consider a speaker in each main area for whole-home coverage
• Smart displays (Echo Show, Nest Hub) work best on kitchen counters where the screen is useful for recipes and timers