Google Nest Mini Keeps Disconnecting From WiFi: How to Fix [2023]

My bedroom Google Nest Mini recently has been experiencing issues with its WiFi getting disconnected randomly and this has been a source of annoyance for quite a while.

Although Google has acknowledged this issue after receiving countless reports, there has been no push to fix this issue from their end.

So having been forced to take matters into my own hands, I figured I should just make a detailed troubleshooting guide that might help you fix all your WiFi connection woes.

To fix your Google Nest Mini disconnecting from WiFi, check the hardware for any damages or wear over time and restart both the hardware and software. If the issue still persists, check for any firmware updates and try connecting to a 2.4GHz WiFi signal. If everything else fails, factory reset the Google Nest Mini.

Check The Hardware and Cables

Check The Hardware and Cables

The hardware is a key aspect to properly inspect and test out so that one can properly determine whether the issues faced are due to the hardware's fault at the user end.

Doing a proper check on all your hardware will make sure that the issue is not at the user's end and rather it is the fault of Google or their manufacturing process.

Properly check and make sure the cables are properly fit and sufficient power is relayed to the Google Nest Mini from the power outlet.

If there are any voltage variations with that specific plug point, try changing to a different plug point and make sure all features of the Google Nest Mini are working properly.

Also, look for any wear and tear in the cables. A worn-out cable can cause a lot of issues with the Google Nest Mini.

If any signs of wearing and tearing are noticed, it is best to replace the cables altogether from a certified Google repair store or by using a replacement authentic cable from Google.

Check The Connections

Check The Connections

Check if the network connections are properly configured and enabled. Since networks involve a lot of parts, having one part faulty can trigger issues with the whole system.

Simply check and ensure that the WiFi router and modem are properly turned on. Also, check whether the modem is properly connected to your ISP.

Alternatively, you can also simply connect your phone to the router and check whether you have internet access.

If you are facing any internet issues, then it is safe to assume that the WiFi issues are caused by your router/modem.

In such cases, it is best to check with your Internet Service Provider(ISP) and rectify your Internet issues first before moving on to checking with the Google Nest Mini.

Restart The Devices

Restarting can help clean off any temporary software bugs that existed within the system. A clean reboot usually solves many internet-related issues.

To soft restart your Google Nest Mini, simply follow the following steps:

  • Connect the Google Nest Mini with the Google Home app on the phone/tablet, provided both are linked to the same Google account.
  • Open the Google Home app and navigate to the Your Device option.
  • From the resultant screen, click on the Settings tab.
  • From the hamburger(:) menu on the top right corner, tap on More.
  • Select Reboot.

This safely reboots the Google Nest Mini, cleaning the temporary cache files and bugs along with it.

The router can be set to restart by toggling the power button on and off on the router and letting it settle for about 2 minutes, till the system is back online.

Power Cycle The Devices

A power cycle is similar to a software reboot, but this time it's rebooting the hardware elements of the Google Nest Mini.

It helps in draining any excess charge in the capacitors and restarts the hardware of the Google Nest Mini for a fresh initiation.

To perform a power cycle on the Google Nest Mini, simply follow the following steps:

  • Unplug the Google Nest Mini from the power socket and let it sit idle for a minute or two.
Perform a Power Cycle
  • Plug it back into the power socket and let it sit powered on and idle for another minute.
Perform a Power Cycle

To perform a power cycle on the router and Google Nest points if connected, simply follow the following steps:

  • Unplug the router from the power socket and let it sit idle for a minute or two.
Perform a power cycle
  • During this minute, keep pressing the power button for 10 seconds to drain out any excess charge.
  • Plug the router back into the power socket and let it sit powered on and idle for another minute.
Perform a power cycle

Check For Firmware Updates

Every smart home device only gains benefits from being on the latest and greatest firmware Google pushes out for their devices.

It is fair to assume that Google will eventually push out bug fixes that include fixes for this WiFi issue in the near future, and hence it is best to always stay on top of the updates.

It is also important to be on the latest version of the Google Home app too. To update your Google Home app, simply follow the following steps:

  • Using the Google Play store or iOS app store depending on your operating system, search for the Google Home app from the search bar.
  • Click on Google Home from the results, and this takes you to the store page of Google Home.
  • If you see an option to Update, click on update and wait till the app gets updated.

If there is no option for an update on the store page of Google Home, then you are probably on the latest version of Google Home.

To update the firmware of your Google Nest Mini, simply follow the following steps:

  • Open the Google Home app. Make sure the Google account linked with the Google Home is also linked with the Google Nest Mini.
  • From the Device settings option, select the Google Nest Mini speaker from your list of connected smart home devices.
  • Tap on the Current System Firmware option at the bottom of the screen to check for updates.

You can also verify whether the firmware is of the latest version by going to Google's website.

Use Different Names For Dual Band WiFi

After countless reports, Google finally started experimenting with relaying certain troubleshooting steps to users facing these frequent WiFi connection drops.

One of the logical steps they provided was to use different names for the 2.4GHz signal and 5GHz signal respectively.

The reasoning for such a bizarre condition, according to the Google support team is that Google Nest Mini can only store one SSID and password at a time.

But this doesn't make a whole lot of sense as the Google Nest Mini is meant to be able to connect with multiple WiFi networks.

Nonetheless, this is a workaround Google has offered, and hence, it is best to follow it just in case.

To change the names of your dual-band signals, simply follow the following steps:

  • Log in to your router using the router Gateway.

This is different from logging in with your WiFi. Router login and password vary between brands. They are usually etched or stuck on the body of the router or the router box.

After identifying the router username and password, from a browser of a computer or phone connected to the internet from this specific connection, visit the router gateway.

The router gateway can be accessed by searching for 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1 from the browser address bar.

Alternatively, you can head over to portforward.com to check for a list of all router passwords and usernames depending on the brand of your router.

  • Navigate to the WiFi settings and configure the SSID settings.
  • You will notice the two separate SSIDs that relate to the dual bands of your router. Change the name and save the changes before logging out.

Every router has a different layout in its gateways, so fiddle around and check for your WiFi settings.

The settings can get awfully confusing for an average luddite and it is best to contact your ISP or refer to a router guide if you have any doubts while renaming your SSID configurations.

Switch to 2.4GHz Band

Switch to 2.4GHz Band

A fix some Reddit users pointed out was to just switch to the 2.4GHz signal for the Google Nest Mini, and apparently, it worked for a lot of users.

This could be an inherent hardware issue, specifically in the WiFi sensor Google used on the Nest Mini, and maybe the sensor catches on to 2.4GHz signals much better.

This might also explain why Google couldn't push out proper bug fix patches for the Nest Mini and instead relied on cryptic troubleshooting steps such as renaming the dual-band signals.

It could have been Google's sneaky way of moving on to other iterations of their products, but I'm theory crafting on thin ice here and I digress.

If you use dual-band WiFi, make sure you connect to the 2.4GHz band and not the 5GHz band.

Factory Reset

Factory resetting can help solve all issues relating to the software side, including WiFi disconnects, and is typically the final step you can do to eradicate your disconnect problems.

Doing this will completely wipe out the Google Nest Mini and will restore it to its factory defaults. This also delinks your Google account.

To factory reset the 2nd generation Google Nest Mini,

  • Toggle the mic switch off from the body of the Google Nest Mini.
Factory Reset
  • Long press the touchpad area over the orange led lights to begin the process of factory reset.
Factory Reset

To factory reset the 1st generation Google Home Mini, press and hold the factory reset button located on the underside of the body.

This usually takes a minute or two and completely resets the Google Nest Mini to just how it was out of the box.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Issues have always plagued smart devices that launch keeping budget constraints in mind, and Google Nest Mini is no exception.

The WiFi disconnection bug is just one issue amongst many that the Google Nest Mini suffers from.

But the fact that the workarounds exist thanks to the growing and helpful community behind the Google Home systems, and it will only grow by the day.

I hope my troubleshooting guide has been helpful in fixing the frequent WiFi signal disconnects that the Google Nest Mini suffers from.

Have a great day!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Can you use the Google Nest Mini without WiFi?

It is possible to use the Google Nest Mini without WiFi, but it only functions as a nonsmart Bluetooth speaker at this stage.

Can the Google Nest Mini be used wireless and unplugged?

The Google Nest Mini does not have an internal battery pack and hence cant work without cables as it is not intended to be a wireless speaker.

Does the Google Nest Mini extend WiFi?

The Google Nest Mini does not function as a router and therefore doesn't increase the range of the WiFi signal. Alternatively, Google Nest Points can extend the WiFi range of signals from a Google Nest router.

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About Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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