Fix issues with “Hey Google” on a Nest speaker or display

If your Google Assistant doesn't respond to a question or command after saying "Hey Google," to your Google Nest speaker or display, the following steps may fix the issue.

Initial checklist

To begin, verify that:

1. Your Nest speaker or display is powered on and plugged into a wall outlet.
2. The microphone isn't muted.
   • For Google Home: On the back of the device, touch the microphone mute button. Your Assistant will say whether the microphone is muted.
   • For Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) and Google Home Mini (1st gen): On the side of the device, toggle the mic switch. Your Assistant will say whether the microphone is muted.
   • For Google Nest Audio: On the back of the device, next to the power cord, toggle the mic switch. Your Assistant will say whether the microphone is muted.
   • For Google Nest displays: On the back of your display, use the switch to turn on the microphone. Your Assistant will say whether the microphone is muted.
3. The LED dots on top of your speaker or display spin or blink when you say “Ok Google” or "Hey Google."
4. If your Assistant answers other questions, try to ask the unanswered question in a different way.

General troubleshooting

If you've checked off all of the steps above and your Assistant still doesn't provide an answer, try one of the steps below and ask your question again. If you still don't get an answer, move to the next step.

Step 1. Reboot your speaker or display

1. Disconnect the power cable from your device.
2. Reconnect the power cable.

Step 2. Make sure your device recognizes the hotword

Say “Hey Google” to your speaker or display. To check if your device recognized the hotword:

• For Nest speakers, check if the LED dots on the top of your device spin or blink.
• For Nest displays, check for four colored dots at the top corner of the screen.

Step 3. Make sure your device recognized the question correctly

1. Ask your Assistant the question again.
2. Say "Hey Google, repeat the question" to make sure your Assistant understood you correctly.
3. If it's still not recognizing the question, try to speak slower or try another question.

Step 4. Adjust the hotword sensitivity of your device

If your speaker or display often has trouble activating when you say “Hey Google” or "Ok Google,” you can adjust how sensitive Google Assistant is to “Hey Google.”

Advanced troubleshooting

If your Assistant still can't answer the question, submit a feedback report from the Google Home app.

From the Google Home app

Step 1. Turn on device reports

Step 2. Share your feedback

1. Open the Google Home app .
2. At the upper-right corner, tap your Google Account profile picture or first initial of your name.
3. Tap Feedback  the device type for which you want to provide feedback.
4. Tap Get Started.
5. In the field provided, enter the details of your feedback. Make sure not to include sensitive information.
6. Tap Send .
7. Highlight or hide info if needed. You can also remove the screenshot, or tap Attach a screenshot if you unintentionally removed it.
8. Tap Continue.
9. Select either Yes or No when prompted to receive email information or updates about your feedback.