How to reset a google home device

If your Google Home or Nest Mini has stopped talking back to you or stopped listening to your commands, it could be time for a factory reset. The process only takes a couple of minutes to complete and should make your device function like it's right out of the box.

Here's how to factory reset your Google Home or Nest Mini to fix problems and get it working like new.

How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini

The Google Home Mini was introduced in 2019 and provides a home with a plethora of different features like controlling smart home devices and weather updates, just to name a few.

None of those features are any good if the device stops working. You can reboot your Mini, as detailed further down the page, but it doesn't always solve the problem. A factory reset is your best solution when all else fails.

When you factory reset your Google Home Mini, all of your settings and personal data will be wiped from the device. Typically, factory resets are only used before selling your Mini or if you have consistent issues.

Actually completing the reset is fairly easy to do, but you'll want to determine what generation model you have first. Google Home Mini and Google Nest Mini have some differences but look very similar. One of the most significant differences between them is the method used to perform a factory reset.

Resetting Your Google Home Mini

The first-generation model is easier to factory reset than the second generation, even though both only take a couple of minutes.

1. Turn the device over to access the rubber-coated base
2. Press and hold the small, circular button for at least 15 seconds
3. You should hear a chime, alerting you that the Home Mini has been reset

After resetting, you will be able to set up the Google Home Mini as if it just came out of the box. Once you're finished, you can start using the full list of commands again.

Resetting Your Google Nest Mini

The second-generation model does not come with a factory reset button on the bottom of the device so you'll use a slightly different method.

1. Turn the microphone switch off. The LED lights will pulse orange
2. Press and hold the center of Google Nest Mini for 10-15 seconds
3. Wait till you hear the chime

The process after resetting will be the same as the first-generation model. Go through the initial setup to begin making commands.

Occasionally, this method of resetting the Nest Mini won't work. If you don't hear the chime after tapping and holding the center of the Nest speaker, you can try this alternative reset method.

1. Unplug the power cable from the Nest speaker and wait for 10 seconds
2. Plug the cable back in and wait until all four lights on top are lit.
3. Repeat both previous steps a total of 10 times
4. After plugging in for the 10th time, wait a few moments, and you should hear "Welcome to Google Home"

Rebooting Your Google Home Mini

Before factory resetting your device and losing all of your personal data and settings, you should try to reboot your Mini first.

Go through the power cycle to reboot by unplugging the device for about one minute and plugging it back in. You can also reboot by using the Google Home app for iOS or Android.

1. Open the Google Home app and select your Mini or Nest speaker.
2. Tap the Settings button (the gear icon) and then tap the More button (three dots).
3. Tap Reboot in the menu, and confirm the action to reboot.

Get Your Home or Nest Mini Speaker Working

Although it does mean having to set the speaker up from scratch, performing a factory reset can sometimes be your only option. The methods above are guaranteed ways to factory reset your Google Home or Nest Mini. And in most cases, will help to get it working like new again.

With great sound, responsive microphones, and a plethora of features ranging from smart home control to the ability to act as a language interpreter, the Google Assistant-powered Home Mini gives you a ton of bang for your buck.

The current-generation speaker, the Google Nest Mini, costs around $50. But you can often get a deal and purchase the device for around $30. The original model or first-generation Google Home Mini is an amazing player for a smart home of any size, and first- and third-party developers have created all kinds of interactive skills and features that are powered by the ultra-responsive Google Assistant.

Contents

• How to reset Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
• How to reset Google Home Mini (1st Gen)
• Just need to reboot?
• Selling or trading in your Google Home Mini

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

• Google Home Mini

Despite the value, with all of the new smart speakers and displays coming onto the market, you might be staring at your Home Mini and thinking to yourself, “I wish I had a smart display,” or even, “I wish I had an Alexa device instead.”

If you’re thinking about swapping out your Home Mini for one of Google’s larger smart speakers or displays, or for another brand entirely, you can get a few bucks in cash or trade-in value out of your old hardware. Before you go trading gear in, you’re going to want to factory reset your speaker.

We also share some tips on how to net a decent chunk of change from your old speaker. We’ll teach you how to perform a full reset of your Home Mini in this article. These guides will also help you factory reset a Google Home Hub or fix Google Nest Mini issues.

How to reset Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)

There are currently two generations of the Google Home Mini. If you’re not sure which one you own, flip the speaker over. If there’s a wall-mount screw slot, it’s a second-gen model -- commonly known as the Google Nest Mini. If there’s no screw slot at all, it’s a first-gen.

Step 1: On the side of your device, you should see a microphone on/off switch. First, flip that to the off position. The LED lights on the top of your speaker should pulse orange.

Step 2: After about five seconds, your device will automatically begin the factory reset process. Continue to hold for about 10 seconds. You should then hear a chime, indicating the reset process is complete.

Related

• Get the Google Nest Hub at 50% off in Best Buy’s 24-hour sale
• What is Amazon Alexa, and what can it do?
• How to replace your AirTag battery

How to reset Google Home Mini (1st Gen)

For the first-gen Mini, the reset button is located below the power cord on the bottom of your device. Do note that a factory reset cannot be performed with the Google Home app. For both generations, the only way to perform a reset is with the buttons on the speaker. Completing a factory reset will clear the data from the device, and it will get the speaker ready for a new user.

Step 1: Press and hold the reset button for about 15 seconds to factory reset your device.

Step 2: Similar to a second-gen reset, you’ll hear a chime once your factory wipe is complete.

Just need to reboot?

If you’re trying to reboot your Home Mini instead of performing a full-on factory reset, you can try a simple power cycle.

Step 1: Begin by unplugging the device, leaving it unplugged for about one minute, and then plugging it back in.

Step 2: You can also use the Google Home app and go to Settings > Device Settings, then press the More button (the three dots), to select Reboot.

Selling or trading in your Google Home Mini

You can exchange your Google Home Mini for another product in numerous stores. Target and Walmart will shell out approximately $4 for a properly operating Google Home Mini. The benefit of selling or trading your device at these megastores is that it is a convenient and swift process. Be aware that you probably won’t make as much money as you might if you sold it directly to another person. Still, your particular situation may warrant a speedy business transaction instead of more money.

You can trade your Home Mini with an interested buyer on many different websites such as Swappa, eBay, or LetGo. Swappa’s standard rate is around $20, so you’re sure to earn bigger bucks than you would if you tried to sell it at Target or Walmart. You’ll need to invest some time and effort if you want to see that payoff come full circle. Keep in mind that you might have to wait an extended amount of time before a customer comes along and makes an offer on your product. If you’re ready to walk the extra mile, we believe you’ll earn a better return on investment.

You always have the choice to make your device a tax-deductible donation. Doing this allows you to collect something for your item during tax time, even though you're giving it away.

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