Google Mini setup after factory reset hangs on software update

[GarryS]

After a factory reset all goes well setting up the Mini (gen 1) until the update starts. White lights are doing a slow pulsing and the Home app report “update taking longer that expected” .  I’ve tried both a 2.4 and 5 hz networks. The Mini connects to both just fine, but the update never finishes.

[Dan_A]

Hi GarryS,

This is not the experience we want you to have, let me help you. A few questions: when you did the factory reset, was it the same steps as what you see in this link? Is this your first setup? What country are you in and what phone are you using for the set up?

If white LED lights are shown then the update is downloading. Don't unplug Home Mini or adjust the Wi-Fi settings during this time.

If the update has already taken 20 minutes, try the steps below.

1. Reboot Home Mini by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 10 seconds, and plugging it back in.
2. Reboot the router by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about one minute, and plugging it back in.
3. Factory reset the device and connect it to a 2.4 GHz network, if available.
4. Ensure the phone is also connected to the 2.4 GHz.

Note: Google Home Mini won't respond to "Okay Google" or "Hey Google" while getting an update.

If the issue persists, to isolate further, please try setting up your device using a mobile hotspot. Please note that you will need two mobile devices for this setup (one will serve as a router and the other to be used to set up your Google Home/Nest devices). Once done, check if your device will have the same behavior.

Tell me how it goes.

Best,

Dan

[GarryS]

Hi,

Thanks for the help.

I’m in Canada and I’m using an iPhone 14 Pro iOS 16.3.1.  I’ve also tried setting it up using an iPad Pro iOS 16.2

I’ve tried steps 1-4 multiple times using both the Phone and the iPad, no success.

When I use the mobile hotspot approach the Mini setup completes and is functional however, there were no messaged about installing the latest update. Changing the network back to 2.4Ghz forces a setup of the Mini which fails wth a hang during the software update. I’ve tried waiting overnight for the update to complete, which didn’t work.

[LovelyM]

Hello GarryS, 

We appreciate the update. Please try changing your WiFi password encryption type to either WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK. If one of the two is already chosen, switch to the other. You can contact your Internet service provider for help with this. Once the changes have been made, factory reset your Google Home Mini and set it up again.

Keep me in the loop.

Cheers, 
Lovely

[GarryS]

My router only allows Open or WPA2-PSK.  I tried Open ( no password) and it failed on the software update. 😕

[LovelyM]

Hey GarryS, 

Thanks for trying my suggestions. If possible, try changing the WiFi password for your network. Make sure that the new password doesn't contain any special characters or spaces. Try setting up the device again and let me know if the same issue remains.

Thanks, 
Lovely

[GarryS]

Hi, The current password doesn't contain any special characters or spaces. This seems like such a long shot. Yesterday, I factory reset 3 other Minis and all connected to the wi-fi just fine, and one downloaded a software update. The mini I'm having the problem with also connects to the wi-fi just fine. I'd be happy if I could stop the software update.

[Dan_A]

Hi GarryS,

For confirmation, does the update not finish when connected to the 2.4 GHz? Can you command this specific Google Home Mini? During the update, could you describe the LED light shown on top?

We know that you’ve already done the steps provided to you but, could you connect it again to another phone’s hotspot and leave it there or until the update is finished. If the update is successful, go back to the 2.4 GHz frequency without doing the reset. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Touch and hold your device's tile.
3. At the top-right corner, tap Settings > Device information.
4. Next to 'Wi-Fi', tap Forget. You’ll be taken back to the Home app home screen.
5. Follow the setup steps to set up your device on the new Wi-Fi network.

Note: Google Home Mini won't respond to "Okay Google" or "Hey Google" while getting an update.

Keep us posted.

Kind regards,

Dan

[GarryS]

For confirmation, the update doesn’t finish when connected to a 2.4Ghz network.

When the setup or update doesn’t complete all four lights are white and pulsing off and on.

I connected my phone to a hotspot, reset the mini, used Home to set it up specifying the hotspot network. The setup completed normally and there was no mention of doing a software update. At this point the Mini responds properly to “Hey Google”.

I then connect my iPhone to a 2.4Ghz network, perform 1-5 as specified above. The setup proceeds normally, again no mention of doing a software update. The setup completes and says the Mini is ready for use however when I do “Hey Google” it responds with “I can’t reach the internet…”. Again, at this point after the Home app says it’s ready & setup all 4 lights are white and pulsing on & off.

[Dan_A]

Hey there GarryS,

We appreciate all your efforts. We'd be happy to take a look into this for you. Please fill out this form with all the needed information then let me know once done. 

By the way, when and where did you buy your Nest speaker? 

Looking forward to your response.

Thanks,

Dan

[GarryS]

Filled out the form.

Google Mini was bought in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada at the Home Depot. It was a while ago, pre-nest

[Dan_A]

Hi GarryS,

We got your form — thanks for filling it out. Our team will reach out to you via email anytime soon. Please continue the conversation there as this thread will be locked after 24 hours.

Cheers,

Dan