Hey Google not working: how to fix the problem

It can be very frustrating when your Google Home or Google Nest speaker doesn't respond to "Hey Google" or "Ok Google". You're not the only one experiencing this, because it's a common problem with several possible causes. In this article we help you step by step to identify and fix the problems that stop your smart speaker from listening to your commands.

Why isn't Google Home responding?

There are several reasons why your Google Home might not respond to the wake words "Hey Google" or "Ok Google". It can range from simple problems such as a muted microphone to more complex network problems. Let's go through the most common causes and solutions.

Check the basics first

Before you start extensive troubleshooting, it's wise to check the most obvious things first. Often the solution is a simple action.

Solution 1: Check that the microphone is on

The most common reason Google Home doesn't respond is that the microphone is turned off. This is easy to check and fix.

How do you check the microphone?

Look for the microphone button on the back or side of your Google Home. On the Google Home Mini these are the orange lights on the side; other models have a physical switch.

If the microphone is off:

  • On Google Home Mini: Four orange lights are on
  • On Google Home: The lights don't respond to sound
  • On Google Nest Hub: A crossed-out microphone appears on the screen

Solution: Press the microphone button to turn the microphone back on. You'll hear a sound confirming that the microphone is active again.

Solution 2: Check the power supply

Another simple but often overlooked cause is a problem with the power supply.

Steps to check the power

  1. Check that the power cable is properly connected to the speaker
  2. Check that the plug is firmly in the outlet
  3. Try a different outlet
  4. If you use an extension cord or power strip, try plugging directly into a wall outlet

Restart by disconnecting the power

Unplug it from the outlet, wait 30 seconds and plug the speaker back in. This simple restart solves many problems.

Solution 3: Check your Wi-Fi connection

Google Home needs a stable internet connection to work. Wi-Fi problems are a common cause of speakers that don't respond.

Identifying Wi-Fi problems

Check via the Google Home app:

  1. Open the Google Home app on your phone
  2. Tap your Google Home speaker
  3. Tap the gear icon (settings)
  4. Scroll down to "Wi-Fi" to see the connection status

If there is no connection:

  • Restart your Wi-Fi router by turning it off for 30 seconds
  • Wait until the router has fully started up (this can take a few minutes)
  • Restart your Google Home as well
  • Check whether other devices do connect to Wi-Fi

Setting up the Wi-Fi network again

If the problem persists, you may need to set up the Wi-Fi network on your Google Home again:

  1. Open the Google Home app
  2. Select your speaker
  3. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Forget network
  4. Go through the setup process again to connect

Solution 4: Update the Google Home app

An outdated Google Home app can cause communication problems with your speaker.

Updating the app

On Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Search for "Google Home"
  3. If an update is available, tap "Update"

On iPhone/iPad:

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right
  3. Scroll down to the available updates
  4. Update the Google Home app if an update is available

Solution 5: Check the Voice Match settings

If Voice Match isn't set up correctly, the speaker may have trouble recognizing your voice.

Retraining Voice Match

  1. Open the Google Home app
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right
  3. Go to "Assistant settings"
  4. Select "Voice Match"
  5. Choose "Retrain voice model"
  6. Follow the instructions to register your voice again

Make sure you do this in a quiet environment without background noise.

Solution 6: Check the language settings

If the language settings aren't correct, the speaker may have trouble understanding your commands.

Checking and changing the language

  1. Open the Google Home app
  2. Tap your profile picture
  3. Go to "Assistant settings"
  4. Tap "Languages"
  5. Check that the language you speak to it in is set (for example, Dutch (Netherlands))
  6. Add a second language if you want

Solution 7: Do a factory reset

If none of the solutions above work, a factory reset may be the answer. Note: this deletes all settings and you'll have to set up the speaker again.

Factory reset per model

Google Home Mini (1st generation): Press and hold the reset button on the bottom for 15 seconds until you hear a confirmation sound.

Google Home Mini (2nd generation) / Nest Mini: Turn off the microphone, then press and hold the top of the speaker for 15 seconds.

Google Home: Press and hold the microphone button on the back for 15 seconds.

Google Nest Hub: Press and hold both volume buttons at the same time for 10 seconds.

Solution 8: Check for interference

Other electronic devices can cause interference with your Google Home's microphone.

Possible sources of interference

  • Other smart speakers in the same room
  • Baby monitors
  • Cordless phones
  • Microwaves
  • Bluetooth devices

Solution: Place your Google Home farther away from these devices, preferably at least one meter away.

Solution 9: Reduce ambient noise

If there's a lot of background noise, the speaker may have trouble hearing the wake words.

Tips for better voice recognition

  • Don't place the speaker next to loudspeakers or the TV
  • Keep things quiet when you give commands
  • Speak clearly and at normal volume
  • Don't stand too far from the speaker (5 to 6 meters maximum)

Solution 10: Contact Google Support

If you've tried all the steps above and the problem persists, there may be a hardware problem.

When should you get in touch?

  • After trying all the solutions
  • If the speaker makes strange noises
  • If the lights don't behave normally
  • If the speaker is still under warranty

You can reach Google Support via the Google Home app or the Google support website.

Preventive measures

To prevent future problems, here are some tips:

Regular maintenance

  • Restart your Google Home once a month
  • Keep the Google Home app up to date
  • Check your Wi-Fi connection regularly
  • Dust the speaker with a dry cloth

Optimal placement

  • Place the speaker on a stable, flat surface
  • Leave at least 20 cm of space around the speaker
  • Avoid damp rooms such as the bathroom
  • Keep the speaker out of direct sunlight

Frequently asked questions

Why does Google Home respond to "Ok Google" but not to "Hey Google"?

This can be caused by the sensitivity setting for the wake words. Try both variants and speak clearly. If the problem persists, retrain your Voice Match. Sometimes the speaker recognizes one wake phrase better than the other because of your specific pronunciation or accent.

Can I adjust the sensitivity of "Hey Google"?

Yes, you can adjust the sensitivity in the Google Home app. Go to your speaker, tap Settings and look for "Hey Google sensitivity". You can choose from several levels, from less sensitive to more sensitive. A higher sensitivity means the speaker responds faster, but it can also activate by accident more often.

My Google Home responds to the TV. How do I prevent this?

This is a known problem. You can lower the sensitivity in the settings or place the speaker farther from the TV. Google has also built in technology that is supposed to recognize and ignore ads and TV programs, but it doesn't always work perfectly. A lower sensitivity setting is often the best solution.

Does Google Home work when my phone is off?

Yes, Google Home works completely independently of your phone. The speaker only needs a Wi-Fi connection and power. Your phone is only needed for the initial setup and for changing settings. All voice commands are processed directly by the speaker over your Wi-Fi network.

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