Google nest stuck on G screen

[Angela_hopkins]

Hiya

hoping someone can help please 🙏

I’ve done a new post as all the ones I’ve read are a few years old, about a week ago my nest wasn’t showing the time when I was in the kitchen so I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it was stuck on the g startup screen. I’ve tried the recommended reset but then it just goes back to the g screen after the 10 second countdown 😞 

it not used that often maybe once/ twice a week and mostly to play music and always plugged in (as used as a clock) 

does anyone know what the problem might be and possibly how to fix it?

thank you 

[DarrenMWinter]

Did you do anything other than plug it in? I've plugged it in and left it to boot, then I tried a factory reset, and after several minutes I'm still just staring at the same grey screen.

[talibandrew]

No I didn't do anything else 

[Phillyphotog]

What did you need to do to get it working?

[talibandrew]

I just plugged it in. If you're stuck in the grey G logo, you can try unplugging it, going to Recovery Mode, and doing a reset.

[Juliegnh]

My Gen 1 is now working too.  I did have a few glitches and had to setup 3 times, but it finally did it.  Hopefully it will stay up and running!  Still can't figure out how it got the update if it wouldn't boot all the way. Maybe it never reset when I asked it to and remembered the wifi settings.

[Laurent4]

Is the update being rolled out in segments or should it have worked by now? I’ve tried power on and off and then factory reset but it always goes back to the « Recovery mode » screen telling me to hold the volume buttons to reset the device….which I have done a dozen times with no luck. #notuserfault

[Locke243]

mine's now plugged in since yesterday evening an still stuck, since than, on the grey G...  (an not even listed in my Routers under connected devices) we'll have to face it: buy a new one... 😑

[Angela_hopkins]

Mine was plugged in all day yesterday and nothing… tried the reset again today and still nothing 🫤

they did say if it doesn’t work after this week to let them know on this post… don’t know what they’re gonna do though?

[DryOtter]

Mine is also still stuck in G grey screen. I checked my Google Wifi and its not connected to the network so no idea how this update is going to work.

[AJ28]

Same here

[Laurent4]

@googlenestco what happens to those of us that this update doesn’t work? Store credit to get a free new device since it wasn’t a user issue?

[Locke243]

after some more or less friendly exchange with european customer support, where I even asked do get a discount on a  new one, because, like you said, it isn't customer's fault, the reply was: "sry that we could't help you, but out of warranty, we can't do anything..." Face it, they just don't care....

[Phillyphotog]

Still experiencing this problem

[jumpinjupiter]

still broken. any updates?

[AJ28]

Any update?

[JaeTM79]

Mine is still stuck in the endless loop. Who do I need to speak too regarding this? 

[Locke243]

"Hey Google", "OK Google": any news about us with our piece of bricked paperweight?

@GoogleNestTeam 

[AJ28]

Hey, so was that just nonsense?

[DarrenMWinter]

Please, Admin, you can see that a lot of people are still having the same issue that you said would be resolved last week. What can we do now? Please don't say to try a factory reset, I've been doing that for a week now.

[JohnK3]

Google is lying to all of you.

If your first gen nest hub was recently bricked by Google's firmware update in early May 2025, please read Google's response to me on May 28th below and note that GOOGLE DOES NOT CARE THAT THEY BROKE YOUR FIRST GEN HUB.

Their lack of accountability is appalling.  

Please like this post for it to gain traction.

Thank you for your message, and for providing the photo of the serial number. We appreciate your patience and the detailed information you’ve shared. Also, make sure that you have performed that recommended troubleshooting. 

We understand how frustrating it is when a device stops working unexpectedly—especially when it seems to be tied to a firmware update. Based on our records and internal policies, the device in question is not eligible for a replacement at this time.

That said, we do want to ensure you're fully informed about what to expect moving forward. Please find below the eight key expectations regarding your situation:

1. Device Not Eligible for Replacement: As you've noted, this specific device is no longer under warranty or covered for replacement under current support policies.
2. Firmware Rollbacks Not Available: Unfortunately, Google does not currently support firmware downgrades or rollbacks, which means we are unable to reverse a problematic update.
3. Gray Screen Indicates Non-Recoverable State: If the device is stuck on the gray screen and not progressing further, it likely cannot be restored via conventional methods (such as a reset or power cycle).
4. No Manual Repair Option Provided: At this time, there is no official repair service offered for Google Nest or Home devices with firmware corruption or boot errors.
5. Discount Offers Are Not Standard Policy: Google does not currently have a program to offer individual discounts on replacement devices due to firmware issues.
6. Feedback Has Been Noted: We’ve documented your case and concerns, including your proposed resolution options. These are helpful for our product and support teams when evaluating future improvements.
7. Purchasing a New Device: If you're considering replacing the device, the latest Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and Nest Hub Max models are available at standard pricing via the Google Store or authorized retailers.
8. Continued Support Available: While this device may be non-recoverable, we’re here to support you with setup or troubleshooting if you decide to move forward with a new device.

We understand this may not be the outcome you were hoping for, but we want to be fully transparent about the current scope of support. If anything changes on our end regarding discounts or extended coverage, we’ll be sure to let you know.

[Laurent4]

Brutal! I will still report them to the Better Business Bureau for fraudulent activity. Seems like a way for them to push folks to buy the next generation device. Break users device and then deny claims. Horrible customer service. @GoogleNestTeam the correct course of action is a credit towards the purchase of new device! Not denial. 

[JohnK3]

Alphabet's code of conduct discusses having the "highest possible standards of ethical business conduct" which is another way of saying 'do the right thing'.

Google forced a firmware update on likely thousands of first gen hubs that broke the devices outside of the warranty time frame.

Google's response to us is that we are unable to help you because your device is no longer under warranty.

If a device is out of warranty, Google should not have the ability to force firmware updates on our devices without our consent post warranty.

The current process of automatic updates allows Google an easy way to break our devices in a veiled effort to force us to buy a new device.

Google - do the right thing.  You broke it, you should fix it.

[JaeTM79]

Im having the same issue and stuck in an endless loop. How will a fix work when it’s no longer connected 

[crippit]

Mine boots, stays on for about 10 min and loops again. It's got lines on the display too now, I'm assuming from overheating in the boot loop process?

[Mr_Borssie]

Same here, factory resetted in recovery mode, so no internet connection could be established I assume? 

[AJ28]

Happened to me too. Device cannot get past Recovery Mode / Reboot prompt.

[jumpinjupiter]

I am in the same boat, Factory reset device and device is stuck

[kylemd]

I am having exactly the same issue as the users above. 

I was about to throw it out but I decided to try a reset again, I managed to get it set up and then it tried to do the update and now it's bricked again. 

Australian Consumer Law will have a field day with this if they can't get it sorted out

[Petee_t]

UK User here...stuck same as everyone else...any update?

[Fwout]

Any update?

[Fwout]

any update?

[plu]

I had this problem and I also tried factory resetting it with no joy. I've had it unplugged since about May 17th. I just plugged it in today and it set itself up like a new Nest display. It took a little while and it seemed like it was hanging but after about a minute or two, it got there. I had to set it up in the app, then the Nest said it was updating. In the meantime, the app said that the linking of my account timed out and I got a blank screen. Eventually after waiting another couple of minutes, the Nest updated and said link account. In the app I backed out of the blank screen. It asked if I wanted to stop setting it up and I said yes. Then I scrolled down in the devices and found the Nest in my local devices, clicked on it then linked it to my account. Its now working again. Hope that helps!