Google Home Not Responding?

"Hey Google." Silence. Or worse, "Something went wrong, try again." Here's how to fix it.

1. Check if the mic is muted

Most Google Home and Nest devices have a physical mic-mute switch:

• Nest Mini, Google Home Mini: slider switch on the back
• Nest Hub, Hub Max: physical switch on the back or top
• Google Home (original): button on top

When muted, you'll usually see an orange LED. Flip the switch to unmute.

2. Check Wi-Fi

Open the Google Home app on your phone. Tap your device. If it's offline, you'll see a warning.

To reconnect: tap Settings > Device information > Wi-Fi > Forget > then set up again.

If multiple smart home devices are offline at once, restart your router.

3. Restart the device

Unplug from wall for 30 seconds, plug back in. Wait 1-2 minutes.

4. Update Voice Match

If Google Home responds to others in your house but not you (or vice versa), Voice Match needs retraining.

1. Open Google Home app
2. Tap your profile picture > Assistant settings > Voice Match
3. Re-teach your voice

5. Check Google's server status

If everything in your house using Google Assistant is suddenly broken, Google's servers might be down. Check status.cloud.google.com or search "is Google down" to confirm.

6. Update the Google Home app

Open the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android), search Google Home, install pending updates.

7. Factory reset

Different methods by device:

• Google Home Mini / Nest Mini: hold the mute switch for 12-15 seconds
• Nest Hub: hold both volume buttons (+ and -) for 10 seconds
• Nest Hub Max: hold the mic-mute switch for 10 seconds
• Google Home (original): hold the mic-mute button for 15 seconds

After reset, set up the device fresh in the Google Home app.

Video walkthrough

Video by Howfinity on YouTube