How to reset your Google Nest Hub

The Google Nest Hub™ (aka Google Home™) is as useful as it is fun. It allows you to track the weather, watch YouTube videos, and run your smart home from the comfort of your couch.

But every once in a while, your device might run into a glitch or a system issue. In that case, you may need to know how to reset Google Nest Hub or try a reboot.

At Asurion, we’re here to help you with all of your tech care needs. Whether you’d like tips on using Google Nest Hub on your computer or are looking for the most interesting features of your Google Nest Hub, we can help. Here is our expert advice for resetting Google Nest Hubs so you can get yours back to its operational best.

Understanding the difference between a factory reset and a reboot

A reset and a reboot are not synonyms, and it's crucial to understand the differences before doing either:

• Reboot: This equates to a simple restart—it does nothing to the existing data and settings. A reboot should be your go-to if you’re experiencing minor glitches or connectivity issues.
• Reset: In a reset, you wipe out all the settings, data, accounts, and personal preferences saved on the device, restoring it to factory settings.

Generally, treat a factory reset as a last resort. It’s a far more drastic step compared to rebooting. You should only opt for a reset if you’re experiencing more serious issues, such as total unresponsiveness. 

How to restart your Google Nest Hub

If your Nest Hub isn’t responding, reboot it by following these simple steps:

1. Unplug the Nest Hub from the power source.
2. Wait for about 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.

The device will restart. It should reconnect to your Wi-Fi and power back up.

You can also restart it using the Google Home app.

1. Open the app.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Then, tap the three dots (More) on the top-right corner.
4. Select reboot.

Reasons for resetting your Google Nest Hub

Has a simple reboot resolved the issue you’re experiencing with your Nest Hub? If not, it might be time to consider a full factory reset.

It’s particularly a good idea to learn how to factory reset Google Nest Hub if:

You’re transferring it to a new owner

If you’re preparing to sell or give your Nest Hub away, resetting it makes the transition easier for you and the prospective owner. A reset makes it easy for a new user to get it running and prevents sensitive personal data from falling into the wrong hands.

(If you're later shopping for a new hub, check out how the Google Home Hub stacks up compared to other smart home hubs.)

You’re facing a slew of troubleshooting issues

Is your Google Nest Hub acting up too often? We’re talking about unresponsiveness, sluggishness, or constant failure to connect to Wi-Fi. If yes, that’s your cue to consider a factory reset.

You want to do away with stale data

Perhaps you're sick and tired of the old configurations or clutter in your device. Or maybe you’re extra cautious about the current, fiercer wave of data breaches. Resetting your Nest Hub restores it to its factory settings.

Steps to factory reset the Google Nest Hub

These steps will work for both the Google Nest Hub and a Nest Hub Max. A factory reset is really as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Locate the volume buttons on the back of your Google Next Hub, on the right side.
2. Using two fingers, hold down both buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds.
3. The device will announce that it's about to reset. 

Tips for keeping your smart home secure post-reset

Now that the Nest Hub reset is behind you, the next important steps are to secure your smart home to keep bad actors at bay:

• A new Wi-Fi password: Change your password after resetting so anyone who might have had unauthorized access to your network can no longer access it.
• Enable 2FA: There’s an option in your linked Google account to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.

Re-enable Voice Match: Are you an avid user of Voice Match for personalized commands? Re-enabling this feature post-reset is a smart way to ensure only authorized voices can access your most sensitive data.