Fix issues with "Hey Google" on a Google smart speaker or display

If your voice assistant doesn't respond to a question or command after you say "Hey Google" to your Google smart speaker or display, the following steps may fix the issue.

Initial checklist

To begin, verify that:

1. Your speaker or display is powered on and plugged into a wall outlet.
2. The microphone isn't muted.
   • For Google Nest Audio: On the back of the device, next to the power cord, turn the microphone switch on or off. Your voice 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, turn the microphone switch on or off. Your voice assistant will say whether the microphone is muted.
   • For Google Home: On the back of the device, press the microphone mute button. Your voice 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 voice 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 voice assistant answers other questions, ask the unanswered question in a different way.

General troubleshooting

If you've checked off all of the steps above and your voice assistant still doesn't provide an answer, try 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 the power source.
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 Google smart speakers, check if the LED dots on the top of your device spin or blink.
• For Nest displays, check for 4 colored dots at the top corner of the screen.

Step 3: Make sure your device recognized the question correctly

1. Ask your voice assistant the question again.
2. Say "Hey Google, repeat the question" to make sure your voice assistant understood you correctly.
3. If it's still not recognizing the question, 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 voice assistant is to "Hey Google."

Advanced troubleshooting

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

Send feedback from the Google Home app

Step 1: Turn on device reports

Step 2: Share your feedback

1. Open the Google Home app Google Home app.
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Initial.
3. Tap Feedback and then the device type for which you want to provide feedback and then Get Started.
4. In the field provided, enter the details of your feedback. Make sure not to include sensitive information.
5. Tap Send .
6. Edit or remove your screenshot if needed.
   • Tap Attach a screenshot if you unintentionally remove it.
7. Tap Continue.
8. Select either Yes or No when prompted to receive email information or updates about your feedback.