Google Home Mini has been your trusty little helper. It plays your favorite songs, sets timers for you, answers random or boring questions, and sometimes controls your smart lights. But over time, maybe it’s not responding like it used to, or you’re planning to sell or give it away. Due to these, you might want to know how to factory reset Google Home Mini.
Factory resetting your Google Home Mini isn’t so hard. You don’t need much energy or time to finish it. Just follow the steps we provided below.
Why Would You Reset Your Google Home Mini?
There are a few common reasons people might want to reset their Google Home Mini:
- Glitches: Maybe it’s not responding to your voice or keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi.
- You’re moving: If you’re setting up in a new house or switching networks, a reset can clear up old settings.
- You’re giving it away: It’s a good idea to wipe your data before handing over your device to someone else.
- Starting fresh: Sometimes, a clean slate is all you need to get things working smoothly again.
Whatever the case, resetting your Mini is like giving it a fresh start.
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What Happens When You Factory Reset Your Google Home Mini?
Resetting means erasing everything:
- All your Wi-Fi settings are gone.
- And the linked accounts will disconnect or disappear.
- All custom routines or smart device connections will be wiped clean.
After the reset, you’ll need to set it up again if you want to reuse the Google Home app.
Related: How to Connect Google Home to Wi-Fi? Step-by-Step Guide
How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini?
The resetting process varies slightly depending on the version of your Google Home Mini. You should figure out the version of it first – 1st or 2nd generation Google Home Mini.
Here’s how to reset your Google Home Mini (different version):
How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini (1st Gen)?
The first-generation Google Home Mini is a tiny, voice-activated speaker that came out in 2017. Resetting it is pretty simple.
- Find the Reset Button: Flip your Mini over and check the bottom. You’ll see a small button near the power port.
- Press and hold: Hold that button down for around 15 seconds. You’ll hear Google Assistant chime in, and the LED lights will start flashing orange.
- Be patient: The reset process kicks in. It might take a minute or two. Once it’s done, you’ll hear a sound confirming it’s all set.
- Set it up again: Now your Mini is like new. Open the Google Home app and follow the steps to connect it back to your network.
How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini (2nd Gen)?
The second-generation Google Home Mini, which came out in 2019, has a reset process that’s almost the same as the first one, but with a few small differences.
- Find the Reset Button: Turn the Mini over and look at the bottom. The reset button is near the power cable.
- Press and hold: Press the button and keep holding it for about 12 to 15 seconds. You’ll hear Google Assistant say it’s resetting.
- Let it finish: Once the reset starts, the LED lights will blink orange. Wait for the device to reboot. When it’s done, you’ll hear a confirmation sound.
- Set it up again: Grab your phone, open the Google Home app, and follow the steps to connect your Mini again.
Key Differences Between the Two Versions
Resetting both the first and second-generation Google Home Minis isn’t all that different. The basic steps are pretty much the same, though there are a couple of small differences. The second-gen model has a slightly updated design, and you might notice it takes a little less time to kick off the reset.
A Few Extra Tips
- Restart before you reset: If your Mini is acting up, try restarting it first. Just unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Sometimes, that’s all it needs.
- Check your app: Make sure the Google Home app is up to date. Outdated software can cause connection issues.
- Place it in a good spot: After resetting, pick a central location for better voice detection and Wi-Fi strength.
What to Do After the Reset
The instructions above don’t mean you have done everything, there are still some steps that need to be refined.
- Download the Google Home app: If you don’t already have it, grab it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Turn on your Mini: Plug it in and wait for it to boot up. You’ll hear it say, “Welcome to Google Home.”
- Open the app: The app should detect your device automatically. If not, tap the “+” icon and select “Set up device.”
- Follow the prompts: Connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Google account, and customize your settings.
FAQs: How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini
1. Will resetting delete my Google account?
Nope. Your account stays intact – it’s just unlinked from the device.
2. Do I need to reset if I’m just changing Wi-Fi?
Not necessarily. You can update the Wi-Fi settings in the Google Home app without a full reset.
3. Can I reset it remotely?
Unfortunately, no. You have to physically interact with the device to reset it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to reset your Google Home Mini frequently. But it’s good to know how to factory reset Google Home Mini when the time comes. Especially when it starts showing signs of slowing down or when you’re thinking of selling it.
You can start fresh and enjoy all its smart features again. So, just follow the steps.
