How to Set up Your First Google Nest Mini
Google Nest Minis are the most affordable way to make your home a lot smarter. First of all, they are adorable, like pastel M&M candies that can be placed or placed almost anywhere. And as cute as they are, they’re also powerful little speakers that can interact with you in a variety of ways, and when you add the power of Google Home automation , you’ll feel like you’re living in the future.
Google Nest Minis are the cheapest way to use Google Assistant throughout your home
The availability of Nest Minis ($49, but often on sale) means you can smartly place a fleet of them throughout your home. For example, leave the Nest Mini in the bathroom to listen to music in the shower, and even change the song by yelling into the speaker while you shampoo your hair. Kitchen Mini can convert cups to tablespoons or remind you at what temperature to cook chicken. He can even read the recipe to you, step by step. The Mini in my office is great for quickly checking the time, getting updates on the weather and upcoming meetings. It can even send SMS, send email and make phone calls. Unfortunately, it can’t call 911, or it would make a great tech replacement for the older members of your family, but overall it can make the home a lot more accessible. (Technically, if you also purchased Nest Aware , a subscription plan that includes Nest smoke control devices, it will activate emergency services on the Minis so they can dial e911 .)
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The second generation Nest Mini comes in either chalk (white) or charcoal (black) and retails for around $49:
The rest of the Mini family
Alternatively, you can consider the various Google Hubs if you also want video capabilities and an even more powerful speaker . For now, let’s talk about how to install one of these candy-colored speakers. First of all, Google has an impressive step-by-step guide you can use that’s perfect for sharing with less tech-savvy family members. If you are alone, follow the instructions below.
Install the Google Home app.
Step one is to set up the Google Home app. If you use Android, especially a Google phone like the Pixel, you’ve probably already done this. If not, download it for Android or iPhone . You will also need the Google app , which is different from the others.
If you have Android, make sure it is running version 9.0 or later; on an iPhone, make sure it’s updated to at least iOS 15. You’ll need a Wi-Fi name and password, as well as a Wi-Fi 2.4 connection. (Most people use both a 2.4 and a 5.0 connection at the same time.) Finally, make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your mobile device.
The Importance of Connecting to the Correct Google Account
Many people have multiple Gmail accounts, perhaps one for work and another for home. You may have a Google Workspace account for your domain, as well as a separate Gmail account. When setting up Google Home, consider which account you’re connecting to – this is especially important if you use Duo (although I don’t know anyone who does) since that’s the account you’ll need to connect to.
Connect the Nest Mini to the Google Home app.
Unpack the Nest Mini and connect it even if it’s not in its final location. If you’re repurposing a Mini you bought used, you’ll first need to factory reset it. Open the Google Home app on your phone, and then set up your home if you haven’t already. Click the button that says Create Home and enter an alias for your home or workplace, wherever the Mini lives. Google will ask for the address, which is important for location services. Google Assistant needs to know where you are to, for example, tell you the correct time and weather.
Add device
Click on the Devices tab and click the plus sign . Now click on New Device from the list of options. Google Home will search for this new device, and as long as you’re near the Mini, it should find it. If not, search again. Once the device is found, click Next . The Mini will beep to let you know it has been found and registered with the app. We continue to follow the tips.
Google now needs to connect the speaker to Wi-Fi for it to show you local networks. Select a major network in your space that will offer a 2.4 connection. It will ask for a password and then connect the device. You’re almost done!
Setting up Google Nest Mini features
Now comes the fun part: setting up the speaker. To manually adjust the volume, touch the speaker to the right or left of the speaker. Right to increase volume, left to decrease volume. You can also turn off the voice assistant altogether by toggling the switch on the side. The Google Home app helps you set up voice matching, which allows Google to distinguish your voice from everyone else’s. Next, you can set up streaming services for radio, music, video, and television. Of course, you can also easily access controls for your devices in Google Home by talking to your assistant.
Now that you’re all set, take your home into the future and set up automation .