A Google Home update is bricking some smart speakers

A Google Home update is bricking some smart speakers
(Image credit: Google)

A background update for Google's Home smart speakers has left some devices unusable. But thankfully a fix is on the way.

The issue was first reported on the Google Support page, as spotted by Engadget. A user by the name of Jennie Funkhouser reported that all four lights on their Google Home Mini were lit solidly and that the device wouldn't reset. 

"Have tried holding reset for minute or more," she wrote. "One solid green light and 3 solid white lights when reset button is held. No sound, volume controls not working. Have disconnected and reconnected power. Nothing at all."

In other words, not good.

Google replied to the thread acknowledging its awareness of the issue, which is common to both Google Home and Google Home Mini devices, and said it is working on a fix.

"It has been very difficult for our team to diagnose this issue and we understand why many of you have been frustrated with this ongoing process," the reply reads. "Our support team will be reaching out to customers on this thread via private messaging to further address this issue and come to a resolution... We appreciate your patience as we work through this."

If you're one of the affected, there are some things you can try. Some users have had some success with the good ol' process of unplugging the power cable and plugging it back in, while for others a factory reset does the trick.

Google has said it will replace affected speakers, regardless of whether they're still under warranty, until the fix is ready.

The problem hasn't affected the Google Home Max, the Google Home Hub or Google's Nest-branded speakers.

MORE:

Save up to 43% on Amazon Echo devices ahead of Black Friday 2019

Best smart speakers

Apple AirPods Pro tipped to launch this month, may cost $260

Best Google Assistant speakers

Best Alexa speakers

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test