How to Reset a Google Home or Nest Speaker (All Models)
By the AI SmartHome Hub Editorial Team · Last updated: August 2026
Factory-resetting a Google Home speaker clears its WiFi, accounts, and settings so you can set it up fresh — essential after a move, a new router password, or when a speaker won't respond. Each model has a different reset sequence, and they're all simple button holds.
Common Causes
- The speaker is bound to an old WiFi network (new router or password change)
- The speaker is stuck, unresponsive, or acting erratically after an update
- You bought a used speaker and need to clear the previous owner's account
- You want to move the speaker to a different Google account or home
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Google Home Mini (1st gen) and Nest Mini (2nd gen): hold the mute button
Locate the microphone-mute button (the small switch on the back). Press and hold it for about 15 seconds. The LED lights will spin, then the speaker will chime and say it's ready to set up — that's the factory reset complete.
- 2
Nest Audio and Google Home Max: hold the mute button
On the Nest Audio, hold the mute switch on the back for about 12 seconds until the speaker confirms the reset. On the Google Home Max, hold the mic mute button on top for about 12 seconds.
- 3
Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max: hold both volume buttons
On the back of the Nest Hub, press and hold both the volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. The screen will show the reset progress. The Nest Hub Max uses the same two-button hold on its back.
- 4
Google Home (1st gen): hold the mute button on top
The original Google Home has its mic mute button on the top ring. Press and hold it for about 15 seconds until the LED ring pulses and the speaker announces the reset.
- 5
Set the speaker up again in the Google Home app
After the reset, open the Google Home app, tap Add > Set up device, and follow the prompts. You'll need the speaker's WiFi password and your Google account. Connect your phone to the same 2.4GHz network during setup for the most reliable pairing.
Still stuck?
If none of these steps fixed it, describe your exact situation to our AI troubleshooting assistant for a more specific answer.
Ask the AI AssistantFrequently Asked Questions
How do I factory reset a Google Home Mini?
Hold the microphone-mute button on the back for about 15 seconds until the LED lights spin and the speaker confirms. On the Nest Mini, the mute switch is on the back right side.
Will resetting my Google Home delete my settings?
Yes — a factory reset removes the WiFi connection, linked Google account, and settings from the speaker itself. Your Google account and other devices are not affected.
Why won't my Google Home speaker reset?
Make sure you're holding the correct button for your model and keeping it held the full 12-15 seconds (the reset chime comes at the end, not the start). If the speaker is plugged into a damaged cable, it may not complete the reset — try another outlet.
Do I need to reset my speaker after changing my WiFi password?
Not necessarily — try asking 'Hey Google, connect to my network' first. If that fails, a factory reset and fresh setup is the reliable fix.
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