How to reset the Google Nest Hub

The other main reason for a factory reset is to troubleshoot problems you might be having with your Nest Hub. If it’s not behaving as expected or has developed issues, a factory reset might be able to solve the problem – and because it can be up and running again in just a few minutes, you won’t lose too much time along the way.

We’re assuming that the Google Nest Hub you’ve got is already set up and connected to the Google Home app (for Android, iPhones or iPads) on a phone or tablet you’ve got.

If that is the case, and your phone or tablet is currently on the same Wi-Fi network as your Nest Hub, you can start the reset process. 

If you’re instead wanting to setup the device, our how to set up Google Nest Hub smart display guide is here to help.

You won’t lose data, such as  Google Calendar schedules or family photos in this procedure, only the local settings (like your choice of clock face) on the Nest Hub.

The only exception to this is video recordings you might have made on the Nest Hub Max – to save these clips, head to the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, then tap Devices and the Nest Hub Max. From here you can view and save any clips you want to keep (Google has more on this process here). 

You’ll need to confirm you want to remove the device from the Google Home app.

With that done, you can safely remove the Nest Hub from the Google Home app. Open the Devices screen, tap on the Nest Hub, then the cog icon up in the top right corner.

Tap the Remove device option at the bottom, then tap Remove to confirm your choice.

Step 2 breaks the link between the Nest Hub and your Google account (so Google Assistant will no longer give customised responses, for example).

However, it doesn’t completely reset the Google Nest Hub: to do this, find the volume controls around the back of the device.

Press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously with two fingers to begin the reset process.

After a few seconds, you’ll see a countdown on screen confirming that you’re about to reset your Google Nest Hub. Keep your fingers pressed down on the volume buttons until the screen goes blank. 

The Nest Hub goes through the reset process, before returning to the original set–up screen – the QR code and the prompt to install the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.

If you want to set up the Nest Hub again, launch the Google Home app, and from the Devices screen, choose Add.