Google Nest Mini Keeps Unlinking: How To Fix [2023]

One bug that many faced with their Google Nest Mini was the frequent unlinking of their Google accounts randomly.

The issue persists only on select Google Nest Mini units, making it a possibility for faulty components during manufacturing, but that's not confirmed.

So I figured I should make a one-stop/ troubleshooting guide to solve all your unlinking issues with the Google Nest Mini.

To fix your Google Nest Mini that keeps unlinking, restart and perform a power cycle. If the issue still persists, manually check for updates and perform a factory reset. As a last resort, send bug reports to Google and wait till they push out fixes.

Below I will discuss the possible fixes if your Google Nest Mini keeps unblinking.

Cause of the Unlinking Issue

The primary cause of this issue is still unknown, as only select Google Nest Mini users face this issue. Some models outside of Google Nest Mini have also reported the issue.

Google, after receiving countless reports, came out with a statement that said they did have an idea of what caused the issue, judging from the bug reports they received.

Apparently, the issue happens when the Google Nest Mini auto-checks for firmware updates.

This checks out as many users claimed the device always unlinked around 2:30 AM, judging by the unlinked message they get on their Google Home app.

According to Google, the ongoing firmware update process causes the device to reboot and a bug causes the device to be unlinked during the reboot process.

Since this happens frequently, it's safe to say that the device doesn't get updated, and Google checks and reinstalls the firmware update periodically, repeating the process.

Unfortunately, Google doesn't offer an option to disable the auto-update process making this issue even more painful for users.

The only way to fix this issue from the user end is to look for and implement certain tweaks and troubleshooting checks with the Google Nest Mini.

Check for Hardware Faults

Before jumping straight to blaming Google for all the issues, it's always best to check and verify whether the issues are not a result of mistakes from the user end.

Check the Google Nest Mini body for any signs of damage. If the device was pre-owned, it's best to verify with the previous owners whether the device has undergone repairs.

If the device has been repaired before, chances are the repair center used cheaper components to rectify certain issues. It's best to get it checked if that's the case.

If there is noticeable wear and tear in the cables, it is best to get that checked and replaced too.

Manually Check For Updates

This might seem counter-intuitive but try manually enabling auto-updating the Google Nest Mini using the Google Home app.

This can also help if you suspect something else is the issue that triggers your unlinking of your Google account.

Since Google has already acknowledged the issue and countless bug reports (including yours) have been sent to Google, they might silently release the patch.

You can check whether your Google Nest Mini is on the latest available version from Google's website.

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

• Link your Google account to the Google Nest Mini, if it has been unlinked.

• Open the Google Home app and navigate to the Google Nest Mini speaker that needs updating.

• Tap on Device Settings and select the Current System Firmware button at the bottom of the screen.

As mentioned before, Google doesn't allow disabling or manually updating the firmware of their Google Home devices.

We can only trigger Google checking for updates in the background and auto-updating if new firmware is found.

If this results in unlinking the account, then it's safe to assume the updates are what's causing the issues for you, just like Google mentioned.

Restart the Google Nest Mini

This might be something that has already been tried, but this is a step that works and it's best to do it again.

A restart fixes any temporary inconsistencies and bugs. This might help in the case of properly applying the required firmware update onto the device.

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

• Link your Google account to the Google Nest Mini, if it has been unlinked.

• Open the Google Home app and click on Your Device.

• Select the Settings option and tap on More from the top right-corner menu.

• Click Reboot.

Perform a Power Cycle

A power cycle test is like a reboot, but for the hardware components inside the Google Nest Mini.

It resets the charge inside the capacitors and thus refreshes the internal components of the Google Nest Mini to provide a better charge cycle.

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

• Unplug the Google Nest Mini from the power outlet.

• Let it stay unplugged for a minute.
• Plug it back in and let it sit idle plugged in for another minute.

Clear Cache/Storage of Google Home App

Google Home app is the primary app used to control all the Google Home devices in your network. This is also the app that relays the firmware update onto devices.

If the bug is associated with the Google Home app, it is best to reset the Google Home app and then let Google initiate the updates.

For that, you can simply clear the storage files of the Google Home app, which also includes the cache files of the app.

Do note that this might clear some files of other newly connected Google Home device files too, and you might need to pair them again.

To clear the storage files of the Google Home app, simply follow the following steps:

• Open the phone or tablet system settings. Do note this is not the Google Home settings, but rather the settings that came with your phone or tablet.

• On the search bar on top, search for Apps and click on the listing that opens up the app list on your phone or tablet. Alternatively, you can simply navigate to the menu too.

• From the list of apps, look for the Google Home app and click on the App Info page.

• From the app info page, select the Storage option and click Clear Storage.

Reset Google Nest Mini To Factory Settings

This is a last-ditch effort and will wipe out all personal data of the Google Nest Mini, restoring it to its default factory settings.

This will wipe out all bugs that have been locally hanging on to the Google Nest Mini and make it pristine just like when you first bought the device.

To reset the Google Home Nest Mini back to its factory settings, simply follow the following steps:

• Locate the mic switch on the body of the Google Nest Mini and turn it off.

• When the lights blink orange, long press and hold the touch area above the orange led lights.

• Press and hold till an audio confirmation is emitted.

This initiates the factory resetting process.

Send Feedback Reports To Google

If the factory reset didn't work and you are out of luck with getting the unit replaced, then the next viable option is to send bug reports to Google and hope they fix it.

Bug reports can be a powerful tool for developers, depending on how interested they are in solving that particular issue.

Since Google has acknowledged the issue, chances are that they are still working on a fix, and maybe it's your bug report that can help Google fix the issue for everyone.

To send a bug report or feedback to Google, simply follow the following steps:

• Link your Google account to the Google Nest Mini, if it has been unlinked.
• Give the command: "Ok Google, Send feedback".
• Google gives you 90 seconds to record the issue/feedback you are facing
• At the end of the feedback message, include the following line: "GHT3 28709 Google Nest Mini keep unlinking"

But then again, this is a method reliant heavily on Google, and companies usually don't have the best interests in mind for after-sales services.

They have the freedom to ignore and quietly move on to the next best thing and consumers will follow.

Final Thoughts

Google Nest Mini, despite its glaring drawbacks and bugs, is still a fantastic smart home device to consider for your Google Home ecosystem.

Although the bugs are annoying, they are still tolerable and can be fixed to an extent. This low maintenance factor is what makes this a very special product.

Google pushing for this price segment will only encourage healthy competition for more brands to play for in this price point.

I hope my troubleshooting guide to fix the unlinking issues of your Google Nest Mini has been a fruitful read.

Have a good day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the Google Nest Mini be used without a Google account?

All Google Smart Home devices, including the Google Nest Mini, are required to be linked to a Google Account for proper functioning.

Can Google Nest Mini be used unplugged?

The 2nd gen Google Nest Mini is not supposed to be a wireless speaker, and hence it is required to stay plugged in.

Can Google Nest Mini be used as a Bluetooth speaker without a proper WiFi connection?

Google Nest Mini has Bluetooth support and hence can be used as a Bluetooth speaker without needing a WiFi connection. But the devices should be paired initially with the Google Home app, which requires a working internet connection.

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