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How to reset Google Nest smart speakers

Playing up or selling on? Do a hard reset in seconds.

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Google Nest smart speakers are great gadgets to have around the house. They let you play music, make calls, manage other smart home tech, and get quick answers to questions — all by using your voice!

But if your little Google assistant’s acting up, then a full factory reset could help get it back to its best. This is also a good idea if you're planning on selling your device or passing it onto a friend or family member. That way, it'll wipe your data and the next user can easily set it up from scratch.

In this guide, we'll explain how to reset various Google Nest speakers in seconds. All without having to use your voice or the Google Home app on your phone.

Please note: Remember that a full factory reset will remove all the data from the device you're resetting. You won't be able to undo this once completed.

Resetting your Google Nest Mini is super easy — just follow these simple instructions:

  1. Flip the microphone switch on the side of your Nest Mini to the off position (you'll know it's off when the lights on top turn orange).

  2. Press the centre of your Nest Mini (where the LEDs are) and keep your finger held down for 5 seconds.

  3. Your smart speaker will now start the factory reset process — but continue to hold down for 10 more seconds until you hear a chime.

The Google Home Mini (sometimes mistakenly called the Nest Mini 1st gen) is even easier to reset than the 2nd generation model. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Turn your Home Mini upside down.

  2. Press and hold the factory reset button on the base (just below where the power cable is).

  3. After about 15 seconds, it'll play a sound to confirm that it's resetting.

You won’t have to fiddle around with that fancy touchscreen display on your Google Nest Hub to reset it. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Press and hold the two volume buttons on the back of your Nest Hub together for 10 seconds.

  2. A message will appear on the screen to let you know it's resetting (with a countdown).

If you’re rocking the top-of-the-range Nest Hub Max, here’s what you’ll need to do to complete a factory reset:

  1. If you've stored any footage on your Nest Hub Max that you want to keep, make sure to save it first.

  2. Go to the Google Home app on your phone and remove your Nest Hub Max.

  3. Locate the volume-up and volume-down buttons on the back of your Nest Hub Max and hold them down for 10 seconds.

  4. You'll see a message pop up on your device's screen to let you know it's resetting.

Here’s how to reset your Google Nest Audio if it’s not responding or you want to sell it:

  1. Turn your Google Nest Audio around.

  2. Move the microphone switch on the back to the right.

  3. Swivel your Nest Audio back around, and you'll notice the lights are now orange.

  4. Press and hold down at the top of your Nest Audio (in the middle) for about 15 seconds.

  5. You'll hear a short jingle to confirm that your device has been reset.

Why is my Google Nest not responding?

If your Google home voice control device isn't responding to a question, check that:

  • Your Google Nest speaker is powered on.

  • The microphone isn't turned off.

  • The LED dots blink or spin when you say 'Hey, Google'.

If you’ve tried all of the above, reboot your Google Nest speaker by disconnecting and reconnecting the power cable. And if your device still isn't recognising or responding to a question, try speaking slower or ask a different question.

Can I use a Google Nest without Wi-Fi?

Google Nest smart speakers need a Wi-Fi connection to work properly. Without it, many of its features won't be accessible — like voice control and integration with other smart home tech.

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