Google Home devices like Google Nest Minis, Displays and the Speaker usually work seamlessly to help bring Google Assistant to your home or office. Occasionally, though, they flub—and when they do, a soft reboot is the best first step.
Why Google Home may need a reboot
The most likely issue a Google hub will run into is a lost wifi connection. In some instances, even with wifi working, Google Assistant won’t respond. Regardless of what issues you’re having with your hub, the first step is usually a soft reboot, also known as power cycling.
How to power cycle your Google Home
Power cycling is as easy as unplugging your hub, speaker, etc, either where the power connects to the hub itself, or where the power cord connects to the outlet. Leave it unplugged for at least a minute, and then plug it back in. The hub will take a minute to come back online, playing a short chord of notes and flashing on the front of the hub to indicate the process.
Cycling the modem and router as an addition step
If that doesn’t solve a connection problem, you may want to reboot the modem and router, as well as the speaker. This involves repeating the same process with your modem, unplugging it, and then plugging it back in so that the power cycles on and off. This will force the wifi to reconnect across the whole system.
As a last resort, consider a factory reset
If this still doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to consider additional measures. Google Home is widespread and well-documented, so you’re likely to find some solutions by searching online. It’s also worth considering connecting to Google support, which is available all the time via chat or phone. As a last resort, you might consider a factory reset of your hub.
