You won’t be surprised to learn that Google Home speakers need the internet to function. They also require internet access to set up. When a Google Home or Google Home Mini handles routine activities like turning up the music or adjusting the temperature, life appears more convenient.

Virtual assistants like the Google Home or Google Home Mini are fantastic. The associated Google Home smartphone app, however, may often display various errors, such as “Not Able to Communicate with your Google Home” or “Could Not Communicate With Your Google Home Mini.”

We’ll investigate the most effective methods for resolving this typical problem with a Google Home or Google Home Mini.

3 Common Connectivity Issues with Google Home

The worst connectivity troubles are those that involve a gadget without a screen since they make me particularly crazy. It’s not like my Google Home smart speaker, which costs $60 at Amazon, can explain what’s wrong when Wi-Fi or Google Assistant’s AI goes down.

While establishing a new Google Home smart speaker, trying to manage a gadget with your Google Home, or using Google Assistant to act on the device itself (such as playing music, checking the weather, etc.), connectivity issues are more likely to occur in a few of these specific situations.

1. Setup Error: “Could not Communicate”

Because it makes setting up a new speaker difficult, this is the bane of Google Home enthusiasts worldwide. Even worse, it approaches you covertly. Once the new speaker is plugged in and opened in the Google Home app on your phone, you may configure it.

After telling the app which Wi-Fi signal belongs to you, your new speaker suddenly vanishes from the app after you have finished navigating through all the settings. This might also occur if you simply reset a malfunctioning gadget.

2. Having Trouble Connecting Google Home to your Smart Home

Before you suddenly can’t, you don’t realize how simple it is to use your voice to manage your lights, thermostat, and other connected garage door openers and other smart home appliances.

Even while you could always get up and flick switches with your finger like some sort of caveman, the issue won’t go away unless you fix it.

3. Google Home Reports that “Something went wrong”

Even if you ask Google Home gently, there are times when it just is unable to play music, turn on your lights, or even tell you the time. If your Google Home simply won’t do anything and responds to you by saying, “Oops, something went wrong,” or “There’s a malfunction,” the issue might be a little outside of your control.

Admit that or not, Google servers occasionally experience downtime as they process every action you have with Google Home offsite. You may simply need to wait till Google addresses the issue on their end if you’ve already reset everything and followed every troubleshooting tip you could find with no luck.

What Caused This Error Message to Appear?

The “Could Not Communicate with Your Google Home (Mini)” error message could be a sign that your Wi-Fi connection isn’t working properly, that the setup device’s firmware is outdated, or that you haven’t updated the Google Home App.

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell which issue this notice is attempting to point to, so you might have to try a few different solutions to the problem.

Fortunately, there’s nothing seriously wrong with this issue, so you won’t need to call an expert to fix it. You can tackle this problem as soon as possible using a few tried-and-true techniques that are discussed below.

Ways to Fix the Google Home Couldn’t Communicate Error

To resolve the “could not communicate” problem, let’s start debugging Google Home.

1. Restart All The Devices

The issue can be solved most simply and quickly using this approach. By detaching both gadgets, waiting 2 minutes, and then connecting them back in, you may restart your Google Home and Wi-Fi router.

The issue will be solved on its own after your device restarts.

2. Check Minimum Software Requirements

Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher is required if you’re trying to connect a Google Home speaker with an Android smartphone. Similar to smartphones, Android tablets must run Android 6.0 Marshmallow or above.

iOS 11 is the absolute minimum software required for iOS (iPhone and iPad).

3. Update your Google Home App

If you’re using a smartphone that supports Google Home, make sure the app is current. The Google Home app on your smartphone is probably out of date, preventing communication with the smart speaker.

4. Re-Install the Google Home App after Uninstalling It

The Google Home app needs to be uninstalled from your device if you have the most recent version and are still getting the issue. All current data on your smartphone will be deleted if you uninstall the Google Home app.

Once you install the app again, the Google Home gadget needs to be configured to connect to your home WiFi.

5. Check the Connectivity on your Smartphone

The majority of the time, connectivity problems with the smartphone you’re using are to blame for the mistake. You must conduct some short troubleshooting if the aforementioned methods are unsuccessful in fixing the issue. You should switch your device’s Airplane mode on and off.

If you haven’t already, try setting up the smart speaker by opening the Google Home app. Open the Google Home app and touch on the speaker name to check its status if you’ve previously linked the Google Home.

6. Ensure Bluetooth is Activated

Try setting up your gadget using Bluetooth if all other options have failed. Restart your Google Home device first by unplugging it for 20 seconds, and then plug it back in. Then, activate Bluetooth on your device by going to its settings.

Open the Google Home app, choose “Setup with Bluetooth,” and then begin the process after turning on your Bluetooth.

7. Check that the WiFi Router is Running

Connecting to the same Wi-Fi network should allow your Google Home speaker and smartphone to communicate. Additionally, a live internet signal should be sent by the Wi-Fi router. Playing a YouTube video or visiting any website will test the internet’s connectivity. 

Verify that the device connectivity restrictions of your home Wi-Fi have not been reached. Your Google Home and Wi-Fi connection could be disrupted by another smart speaker or wireless device. While you investigate the Google Home problem, turn off those appliances momentarily.

If you’re using a dual-band Wi-Fi network, you may also wish to switch to the 2.4GHz frequency.

8. Bring All Devices Nearer

Within a certain area, Wi-Fi signals perform at their best. As a result, make sure that you relocate your phone, Google Home, and Google Home Mini nearer to the Wi-Fi router in your house. Go to the Google Home app to attempt to configure or manage the smart device now.

9. Integrate Google Accessories

The Google Home and Google Home Mini speakers are made by Google specifically to operate at their full performance when solely using the power adaptor that Google provides. Unplug the speaker’s power adapter if you’re using a power source that isn’t Google-approved.

A power adapter that was included with the Google Home should be used to power the speaker. If it is online, you will hear a chime. The smart speaker should now attempt to connect.

10. Review your Google Account

The Google Home device must be configured using the Google account that you previously used. To switch to a different Google account that you may have previously used, click the profile image in the Google Home app.

It’s preferable to set up the Google Home device using a personal Google account, such as Gmail email, rather than a work or school-related Google account.

11. Removing and Adding Wi-Fi

If the fault is related to Wi-Fi communication, disconnecting and re-adding the Wi-Fi network should fix the problem.

Try these troubleshooting steps:

• Select the Google Home device by tapping it in the Google Home app.
• In the upper right corner of the following screen, select the settings icon.
• Select Device details by tapping it.
• Select Forget network after tapping the Wi-Fi option.
• Tap the Plus (+) symbol in the top left corner of the Google Home app after restarting it.
• The Google Home or Google Home Mini can now be added to your phone by tapping on the Setup device.

12. Start Using a Different Device

Your Google Home setup device may occasionally be the source of a problem. I occasionally observed that even if the speaker was set up, I couldn’t connect to it using my iPhone.

Try configuring the Google Home device with a different phone or tablet, if one is available. If your Google Home cannot communicate with an iPhone, consider an Android phone. If it works, the issue might have been with the earlier gadget you were using.

13. Perform Factory Reset

The last choice for fixing a smart speaker’s connectivity problem is a factory reset. To restart your smart speaker, take the following steps:

• Whenever you hear the Google Home device telling you that it is resetting, click and maintain the mute button for 15 seconds.
• On the Google Home Mini, firmly press and hold the reset button till you hear a warning that the device will reset. Up until a sound, keep pushing the switch.
• Reset your Google Home or Google Home Mini’s setup procedure at this time.

Additional List of Issues with Google Home, Along with Solutions

Despite being a great voice assistant, the Google Nests and the Google Home app that goes with it don’t always work as expected.

For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of some of the more typical problems with the Home speaker, along with some guidance for fixing them.

1. Google Home won’t Stay Connected to your Wi-Fi Network

This is a known problem with some Google Home units; it happens even when a user installs the device right next to a network or antenna. It’s possible that the Home won’t establish a secure connection to the network or that it won’t be able to do so.

Workaround:

• Try restarting the gadget. Launch the Google Home app on a connected device, then click Devices in the top-right corner to accomplish this. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the Home device, then choose Settings. Select More after that, then touch Reboot. If you think this will take too much time, unplug the Home device, wait about a minute, then plug it back in and reconnect it.
• We advise contacting Google Support and inquiring whether there’s anything wrong with the connection or router if restarting the Home a few times doesn’t resolve the connection issue. Google may be able to help and provide excellent support alternatives for the Home.

2. Google Home Ignores and Fails to Respond to your Voice Commands

• Since it is possible that it was unintentionally switched off, double-check that the Home’s microphone is on. Another useful tool is the speaker’s indicator light; if there are four lights, the microphone is off. Using the button on the speaker’s rear, you can restart the microphone.
• Check the speaker’s physical positioning if it is turned on but doesn’t seem to be reacting. Does there exist a possibility of noise interference? Dishwashers, air vents, and a wide range of other noisemakers could make it difficult for the Home to hear users well. If so, try moving it somewhere calmer and see if it helps.
• Recently, Google Home picked up on multiple user recognition. Open the Google Home app and choose the card that reads “Multi-user is available” to benefit. To train Google to recognize your voice, repeat brief words like “OK Google” and “Hey, Google” after clicking Link Your Account. Repeat up to six times for as many accounts as are required.
• Is the issue limited to specific devices, such as Google Home’s refusal to switch on your lights? Verify that the smart device is still there and still working by going into the Home app. If it is, consider completely shutting off the smart device before trying to pair it with Google Home once more. Hopefully, you can now provide spoken orders.

3. My Google Phone, Laptop, and Other Gadgets are Likewise Activated by My Voice Commands

• It is undoubtedly unpleasant to begin directing a phone rather than the Home device, or both at once. You can’t prevent this, unfortunately. The activation phrase or “hot word” for either gadget needs to be changed, though. The Home and other Google gadgets are activated to listen by the default command “OK, Google.” While the prompt for your phone or browser can be changed, “OK, Google” is the only option for your home.
• Install the Open Mic+ extension on the device to enable the ability to alter the “hot word,” which may now be changed from “OK Google.” You can now choose between “OK, Jarvis” and “Hey, Jeeves.”

4. After Starting to Play Music, Google Play Music Would Then Abruptly Stop

This is a well-known issue with both Google’s service and streaming services like Spotify.

Your best option is to reboot the device and see if the music plays as it should after making sure the Home is updated.

• Select the Home device in the app, then pick Settings by tapping the three dots in the top-right corner.
• Choose More from the Settings tab, then touch Reboot.

If all of this seems like too much trouble, just unplug the Home, let it sit without power for about a minute, then plug it back in and reconnect it. But this is not a surefire solution, and it might not last long.

Google seems to be actively resolving this issue and will likely release updates to do so.

5. I ask my Home for Information, but It Rarely Responds

• It might help to unplug the Home, wait a moment, and then plug it back in. A reboot can also be necessary to get things going.
• If it doesn’t work, make sure the Home is connected to a Google account that has location enabled. Additionally, make sure the Google account can respond to inquiries about calendars, flights, and other choices made during the initial setup.
• Set up a voice match to help Google comprehend your voice instructions more effectively. Additionally, try rephrasing your query because Google Home usually understands shorter, more concise questions better than long, winding ones.

6. My Home’s Precise Location isn’t Showing Up on Google

• This creates a challenge when requesting nearby services, weather forecasts, and other location-dependent information. Giving the app your home address will give it your precise location, which may make a difference.
• Open the Home app to add this information. To access other settings, select the button in the top-left corner after that. Go to Google account settings by selecting More settings, then select Personal info. Select Home & work locations after that. Just enter a street address here to see if it can find the house.

7. Only The Message “try again in a few minutes” Appears on my Google Gadget When Something is Wrong

• The degree of network connectivity in a location is likely to be the cause of this problem. The Home is making an attempt to connect to the internet, but it is either unresponsive or taking an abnormally long time. Before completely restarting your router if you find that other smart devices in your house aren’t working, make sure that the internet is operational.
• We advise trying to restart the Home device itself if you discover that the internet is operating normally on other devices. We advise a full restart, which calls for unplugging the device and waiting a minute or so before connecting it back in. If you’re still having problems for any reason, get in touch with Google Support and thoroughly explain your situation.

8. Unable to Locate a Fresh Nest Device in the Google Home App

• Verify that your device’s Google Home app has been updated. Because app updates don’t always happen automatically, it’s crucial to have the most recent version.
• Ensure that your device is in setup mode, which is denoted by white LED lights that are blinking.
• While connecting, keep your new device nearby—at least a few feet away.
• Verify that your device’s Home app has location services turned on. The Home app may occasionally require this during setup (you can usually disable it afterward if you prefer).
• You might want to try repositioning your Nest device. There can be obstructions or other problems with the existing situation.
• Turn off the Wi-Fi and completely shut down your mobile device. Restart your device and activate Wi-Fi once more, then try again.

9. The Google Home App is not Responding

• Restart the device that has the Home app running. This will frequently end app freezing issues.
• Delete the app and then redownload it from your app store if it keeps freezing.
• On an Android smartphone, you may locate the option to delete the app cache by going to the app settings and choosing Google Home. By doing this, you may be able to avoid frequent program crashes or freezes.

Final Remarks

If you follow the troubleshooting instructions provided in this post, the aforementioned Google Home or Google Home Mini error can be swiftly fixed. These are tried-and-true procedures that have been guiding users toward the solution to the issue.

FAQs

1. Why does My Google Home Continually Report a Problem?

A soft restart of the smartphone will typically solve the issue if your Google Assistant keeps informing you that something went wrong.

However, you should attempt one of the other remedies listed above if the issue continues. Remember that you should only execute a factory reset as a last alternative.

2. Is a Google Home Reset When it is Unplugged?

Remove the power cord from your Google Home or Nest device, let it relax for 1 min, then connect it back in to restart the device without conducting a complete factory reset.

Alternatively, you can restart it from your connected phone by using the Google Home app, pressing and holding the device’s icon, and then choosing Settings > More > Reboot.

3. Can Someone Hack my Google Home?

It’s possible to hack Google Nest devices. Hackers can access your Google Home by taking control of your Wi-Fi router or by using any dodgy third-party software you install, among other methods.

However, there are several things you can take to safeguard yourself.

See Also – How to Make a Folder in Google Docs?

Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by Apeksha Soni