How to set up a Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini using your smartphone

Smart speakers, like the Google Home Mini and Google Nest Mini, act as personal assistants right from your countertop. Using only your voice, you can command them to play music, make calls, search the web, set reminders, and more.

2021-01-28T20:40:48Z
  • You can easily set up a Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini using the Google Home app on your smartphone.
  • The Google Home app is available on both iPhone and Android, and is used to set up all Google Home devices.
  • You can use the Google Home app to personalize your Google Home or Nest speaker.

Smart speakers, like the Google Home Mini and Google Nest Mini, act as personal assistants right from your countertop. Using only your voice, you can command them to play music, make calls, search the web, set reminders, and more. 

They're convenient, easy to use, and easy to set up — all you need is the Google Home app on your iPhone or Android.

How to set up a Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini

1. Plug in your Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini. The device will light up and play a chime, indicating you can go to the next step.

2. Download the Google Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and open the app. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you'll use for your Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini.

3. Tap "Get Started" in the app to begin.

Quick tip: If you've already set up a Google device using the app, it'll instead open to the "Home" screen. You can add a new device from this screen by tapping the plus icon in the top-left and then selecting "Set up device." Once you've done this, skip to Step Four.

If you've already connected a device, this screen will look different. Emma Witman/Business Insider

4. Confirm which Google account you want to link, and tap "OK."

Select which account you want to use and hit "OK." Emma Witman/Business Insider

4. Choose "Home" or "Create another home" if you're setting up in an alternate location, like an office, and tap "Next."

Choose "Home" or "Create another home," then click "Next." Emma Witman/Business Insider

5. The app will then automatically start looking for devices. When it finds the correct device, tap "Next."

If the Google Home app finds a device other than your Google Mini, tap "Set up a different device," then tap "Next." Emma Witman/Business Insider

6. To test that the connection was successful, your Google device will make a sound. Tap "Yes" in the Google Home app when you hear it.

If you don't hear the sound, tap "Try Again" to ensure your setup is successful. Emma Witman/Business Insider

7. You'll be prompted to agree to Google's Additional Legal Terms. Tap "I agree" to continue your set up.

8. On the next screen, you can opt in or opt out of sending crash reports to Google for your device. Choose "Yes, I'm in" or "No thanks" to continue.

You don't have to send reports. Emma Witman/Business Insider

9. Choose a location for your Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini, then tap "Next."

Choosing a location will help keep your devices organized, if you have multiple connected to the Google Home app. Emma Witman/Business Insider

10. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, set up the Wi-Fi. Tap the same network for your Google Home Mini or Google Nest Mini that you use for your smartphone.

Being on the same Wi-Fi network will let your devices communicate. Emma Witman/Business Insider

From here, you can opt in or out of all kinds of additional settings with the Google Home App, including linking streaming services, setting up Google Assistant, and setting up voice calls.

Google Home Mini Check price at Walmart Check price at Best Buy Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation) Check price at Walmart Check price at Best Buy Check price at The Home Depot

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

Emma Witman Emma Witman is an Asheville, NC-based freelance journalist with a keen interest in writing about hardware, PC gaming, politics, and personal finance. She is a former crime reporter for a daily newspaper, and has also written extensively about bartending for Insider. She may or may not judge your drink order when behind the bar. Follow her on Twitter at @emwity. Read more Read less

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Watch: Watch Google reveal the new Nest Mini, which is an updated Home Mini

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