To factory reset a Google Home Mini Gen 2 (the model most people call the Nest Mini), press and hold the small reset button on the underside of the speaker for about 15 seconds. Release it once you hear the confirmation tone and see the top LED lights start cycling. The device wipes its WiFi credentials and Google account link, then reboots into first-time setup mode.
That button is the detail separating this model from its predecessor, and it is why the reset process differs depending on which Mini is on your shelf.
Where the Reset Button Sits on Gen 2
Flip the speaker over. Near the power cord input, you will find a single physical button recessed into the base, flush with the fabric-wrapped housing.
The original 2017 Google Home Mini never had this. Google added a dedicated button to the second-generation Mini (sold as Nest Mini) so people would not need touch controls to trigger a reset.
Step-by-Step Factory Reset on Gen 2
Keep the speaker plugged into power for the whole process. A reset started on a loose connection can leave the device half-reset.
Press and hold the reset button for roughly 15 seconds. You will hear a spoken confirmation and the top lights begin a rotating pattern. Keep holding until that pattern starts, then let go.
The Mini reboots on its own and broadcasts its setup network again, ready to be added fresh through the Google Home app.
How to Confirm You Actually Have Gen 2
A reset button on the bottom means Gen 2 or newer. The original Mini relied on touch controls instead, with a different sequence entirely.
If you cannot locate a physical button, that touch-based method is not the same procedure. It is covered separately in the guide on how to factory reset a Google Home Mini with no button.
When You Need a Full Reset Instead of a Restart
Unplugging the speaker for 30 seconds fixes most freezes, dropped WiFi, or unresponsive voice commands. Try that first.
Reach for a factory reset when selling the device, switching it to a different Google account, or when WiFi reconnection keeps failing no matter how many times you re-enter the password. It clears every stored credential, so treat it as the last step, not the first.
If you are troubleshooting a mixed voice-assistant setup, the steps to reset Alexa to factory settings follow the same restart-first, reset-only-when-necessary logic.
What Happens Immediately After the Reset
Expect the Mini to lose its WiFi network, linked Google account, any routines tied to that device, and its assigned room name. Music and calendar links stay intact since those live on Google’s servers, not the speaker.
You will need the Google Home app to set it up again: WiFi network, Google account sign-in, room name. If you are rethinking how much you want tied to a cloud assistant, it is worth reading about running a local voice assistant without the cloud before rebuilding the same setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does holding the reset button erase my Google account entirely?
No. It only removes that device’s link to your account and WiFi. Your Google account, saved routines, and other linked devices stay untouched.
What if I hold the reset button and nothing happens?
Confirm the speaker is powered and plugged directly into an outlet, not a dead power strip. If there is still no tone or light change after 15 seconds of holding, the button itself may have failed and the device likely needs service.
Can I reset a Google Home Mini Gen 2 without the Google Home app afterward?
No. The reset wipes setup data, and the app is required to reconnect the speaker to WiFi and your account. Have your phone and WiFi password ready before you start.
