How to reset the Google Nest Hub

The Google Nest Hub has a simple reset process that will return it to the state it was in when you first got it out of the box (though maybe with a few more fingerprints attached). It's not difficult to do, and there are a few reasons why you might want to do it. 

One is that you're passing on or selling the device to someone else, in which case they will want it in its original factory state, without any connection to your Wi-Fi network or link to your Google account. 

The other main reason for a factory reset is to troubleshoot problems you might be having with the 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 you 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's 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. 

1. Backup

Step 1: backup videos, if applicable

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.

2. Remove from app

Step 2: remove 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.

3. Hard reset

Step 3: find the volume buttons

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.

4. Hold down buttons

Step 4: hold down the volume buttons

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.

5. And you're done

Step 5: back to setup

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.