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

Latest in Wireless Speakers
Apple HomePod 2 vs Apple HomePod
The affordable iPhone 16e is all well and good, but where's my new HomePod, Apple?
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition wireless speaker
The B&W Zeppelin Pro Edition makes a glaring omission – but it doesn't detract from its five-star performance
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition wireless speaker
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition
Zeppelin Pro Edition vesus Zeppelin 2021 banner image
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021) vs Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro: what are the differences?
LG XBoom Go XG8T wireless speaker on wooden garden bench
LG XBoom Go XG8T
Sony LinkBuds Speaker wireless speaker held in hand above lawn
Sony LinkBuds Speaker
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever