Google investigating unresponsive Home & Home Mini devices likely due to a recent update

02.45 pm (IST): A Google community manager says the team has identified the cause of this issue and stopped the software rollout. Those affected are further advised to reach out to Google Nest support in order “make things right.”

Original article (from December 15) follows:

A significant number of users are reporting that their 1st generation Google Home and Home Mini speakers are suddenly not working. Rather than powering up as expected, these devices are displaying a troubling pattern with their lights fixed on four dots that refuse to blink or exhibit the customary animation.

The issue is quite new, with reports only coming from this month since the smart speakers have been perfect prior to this incident. Interestingly, the Google Home and Home Mini are no longer receiving new major software updates having already been discontinued, so it’s hard to tie this issue to a recent major update. But since they both are still receiving security fixes, it’s probably such an update causing this problem. Google last updated the official firmware versions and release notes page on December 6 but it’s hard to tell whether the listed v2.57.375114 is the culprit. Notably, I have the same firmware version on my 2nd-gen Nest Mini speakers but I don’t have this issue.

Ideally, these speakers should continue to operate seamlessly. And given Google’s track record, it seems improbable that the company would intentionally render fully functional devices useless. Fortunately, it appears that Google is actively addressing the issue with Home and Home Mini speakers not working properly, so you can look forward to a resolution sooner than later. A community manager is also encouraging affected users to submit device reports and feedback through the Google Home app. In an effort to gather more information, the company has posed several questions to users grappling with these issues:

• Are lights solid or strobing?
• Are lights stuck on before a reboot is completed? Or do they turn on after boot and stay on?
• Can you cast music to the speaker from a mobile app?

Additionally, videos or photos of the frozen state are highly appreciated. Google has also assured users that they can monitor this community forum thread for forthcoming updates on the ongoing issue.

This unexpected blackout has understandably left many fans of these classic smart speakers in the dark. However, Google’s prompt response and call for user feedback offer a glimmer of hope. Hopefully, a fix will arrive soon, restoring the familiar voice assistant functionality and bringing light back to these seemingly bricked devices.

Featured image: Google