How to Factory Reset Your Google Home Mini or Nest Mini

If your Google Home Mini has stopped responding, keeps giving wrong answers, or you're getting ready to pass it on, a factory reset is the fix. It takes under a minute, and you can do it directly on the device or through the Google Home app. A factory reset wipes all personal data, unlinks your Google account, and returns the device to its out-of-box state. The rest of your smart home setup, including any other connected devices, is not affected.

This guide covers how to factory reset a Google Home Mini for both Gen 1 (the original Google Home Mini, released 2017) and Gen 2 (the Nest Mini, released 2019).

Key Takeaways

• A factory reset clears all your personal data and unlinks your Google account. Other devices in your smart home setup are not affected.
• The original Google Home Mini (Gen 1) resets with a button on the underside. Hold it for 15 seconds to trigger a reset.
• The Nest Mini (Gen 2) resets with a button on the bottom edge. Plug in the device first, then hold the button for 15 seconds.
• You can also reset either device through the Google Home app. Select the device, go to Settings, and choose "Remove device."
• If you're selling or gifting the device, use the physical button instead of the app. The app method removes it from your account but may not fully wipe the hardware.

When Should You Factory Reset Your Google Home Mini?

Most people reset their Google Home Mini for one of four reasons.

The first is troubleshooting an unresponsive device. If your speaker has stopped reacting to voice commands or won't connect to Wi-Fi, a reset is often the quickest way to clear the issue and start fresh.

The second is resolving persistent software glitches. If routines are misfiring, responses keep coming out wrong, or skills have stopped working despite your settings being correct, a reset is often enough to clear it up.

The third is selling or gifting the device. Before passing your Google Home Mini to someone else, perform a factory reset to remove your account and personal data so the new owner can set it up cleanly.

The fourth is switching to a new Google account. You cannot reassign a Google Home Mini to a different account through the app alone. A full factory reset is required to unlink the device so it can be registered under a new account.

What Happens When You Factory Reset a Google Home Mini?

A factory reset removes all personal data from your device, unlinks any connected Google accounts, and returns the speaker to its factory defaults. Once the reset is done, you'll set it up again in the Google Home app, just like you did the first time.

One thing worth noting is that a factory reset only affects the Google Home Mini itself. Smart cameras, smart plugs, smart lights, and other connected devices remain connected to your account and continue working normally.

How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini (Gen 1)

These steps are for the original Google Home Mini, the first-generation device released in 2017.

1. Turn the device over and find the factory reset button on the underside.
2. With the device plugged in, press and hold the button for approximately 15 seconds.
3. Wait for Google Assistant to confirm the reset has started. You will hear a chime and an audio prompt.
4. Release the button. The device will restart and enter setup mode.

Google Assistant will confirm the reset is in progress while you hold the button. Once it finishes, the device will chime and restart automatically.

How to Factory Reset Google Nest Mini (Gen 2)

These steps are for the Nest Mini, the second-generation device released in 2019.

Unlike the Gen 1, which has its reset button on the flat underside, the Nest Mini's reset button is on the bottom edge. There's also a microphone mute switch on the side, so make sure you're pressing the right one.

1. Turn the device over and find the reset button on the bottom edge of the Nest Mini.
2. Make sure the device is plugged in before proceeding.
3. Press and hold the reset button for approximately 15 seconds.
4. Wait for the confirmation audio cue. The device will chime and restart, then return to setup mode.

Just like Gen 1, you'll hear Google Assistant confirm the reset is underway before the device restarts.

How to Reset Google Home Mini Using the App

If you'd rather use your phone, or if the physical button isn't responding, you can reset your device in the Google Home app. This method works for both the Google Home Mini and the Nest Mini.

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
2. Tap the device you want to reset.
3. Tap the Settings icon, then select "Remove device."
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

This method removes the device from your account, but it may not fully wipe the hardware. If you're planning to sell or gift the device, the physical button method is the better choice. It ensures all data is fully wiped before the new owner sets it up.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If the Reset Is Not Working

If your reset isn't going as expected, here are a few quick things to try.

If the button is not responding:

• Confirm the device is plugged into a working power outlet. The reset won't trigger if the device isn't receiving power.
• Try a different outlet or cable to rule out a power issue.

If the device starts the reset but doesn't complete it:

• Hold the button for the full 15 seconds without releasing early. If the audio cue hasn't played, keep holding.
• Unplug the device, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again after the device fully powers up.

If neither of these steps resolves the issue, Google's support page is the best next step for anything beyond these basics.

Do You Need to Deregister Your Google Home Mini Too?

A factory reset and removing a device from your Google account are two separate actions, and they don't happen automatically together.

Removing a device from your Google account unlinks it from your profile in the Google Home app, but it doesn't wipe the device's stored data. A factory reset wipes the device, but the listing may remain in your Google Home app until you manually remove it.

Here's what to do depending on your situation.

For troubleshooting: A factory reset alone is sufficient. You don't need to remove the device from your account.

For selling or gifting:

1. Factory reset the device using the physical button.
2. Open the Google Home app, go to the device, tap Settings, and select "Remove device" to clear it from your account.

Doing both steps ensures the device is fully wiped and your account is cleanly disconnected, so the new owner can set it up without any leftover data.

Tapo Smart Home Devices That Work with Google Home

Whether you're resetting your Google Home Mini to fix a glitch, handing it to someone else, or simply taking a fresh look at your setup, a reset is a good time to consider which other devices would fit naturally into your Google Home setup. Tapo makes a range of devices that connect directly, so they're easy to add to what you already have. Check product details for compatibility.

Smart Cameras

Tapo security cameras are compatible with Google Assistant, so you can ask your Google Home Mini to pull up a live feed. When you ask, the stream displays on a connected Chromecast or Nest display. You can connect them through the Tapo app or add them directly in the Google Home app. For more on how third-party service connections work in the Tapo app, see Tapo's Third-Party Compatibility FAQ.

Explore Tapo's smart home security cameras to see which models fit your home.

Smart Plugs and Home Automation

Smart plugs are one of the simplest ways to start automating your home. Once connected to Google Home, you can use your Google Home Mini to turn plugged-in appliances on or off with a voice command, or build routines around them. Something as simple as scheduling your morning coffee maker or turning off a lamp from the couch becomes part of how your home runs day to day.

Browse Tapo's home automation devices, including smart plugs, switches, and more.

Smart Entry: Locks and Doorbells

If front door awareness is on your list, Tapo's smart locks and video doorbells work with Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to check the lock status, and compatible video doorbells let you see who is at the door on a Chromecast or Nest display. It's a natural pairing for a Google Home setup, especially in a household where people are often coming and going.

See Tapo's full range of smart entry devices for options.

Your Reset Is Done. What Is Next?

Resetting a Google Home Mini or Nest Mini is quick, and both generations use a simple physical method. The Gen 1 button is on the flat underside; the Gen 2 button is on the bottom edge of the device. Either way, 15 seconds is all it takes to factory reset your Google Home and start fresh.

Once you're set up again, Tapo has a full range of Google Home-compatible devices to explore when you're ready to expand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I factory reset my Google Home Mini?

For Gen 1, turn the device over, find the factory reset button on the underside, and hold it for 15 seconds while the device is plugged in. For Gen 2 (Nest Mini), the button is on the bottom edge. Hold it for 15 seconds with the device plugged in. In both cases, you will hear an audio confirmation before the device restarts.

What is the difference between resetting a Google Home Mini and a Nest Mini?

Both devices use the same 15-second hold method, but the button locations differ. On the original Google Home Mini (Gen 1), the reset button is on the underside of the speaker. On the Nest Mini (Gen 2), it is on the bottom edge. The reset process and outcome are otherwise identical.

Will a factory reset delete everything on my Google Home Mini?

Yes. A factory reset removes all personal data, clears saved settings, and unlinks your Google account. The device goes back to its out-of-box state, so you will go through setup again before it is ready to use. Other smart home devices connected to your account are not affected.

Can I reset my Google Home Mini without the app?

Yes. The physical button works independently of the app. It is the recommended method whenever you need a complete wipe, such as before selling or gifting the device. The app's "Remove device" option handles account unlinking but does not always fully clear the device.

What Tapo devices work with Google Home?

Tapo cameras, smart plugs, smart lights, smart locks, and video doorbells are all compatible with Google Home. You can connect them through the Tapo app under Me > Third-Party Service > Google Assistant, or link them directly from the Google Home app. Matter-compatible Tapo devices can also connect to Google Home without going through the Tapo app.

See how to connect Tapo devices to Google Home for step-by-step instructions. Check product details for compatibility.