Are you getting a “Could Not Communicate with Your Google Home (Mini)” error in your Google Home app?
Well, it can happen a lot of times…
The good thing about this is it’s very easy to troubleshoot.
Google support? You won’t need that!
Continue reading to discover:
- Several tips to ensure a strong and stable WiFi connection.
- 15 effective ways to fix Google Home Mini that couldn’t communicate.
- IOS and Android versions that are compatible with Google Home Mini.
- 15 causes of “could not communicate with your Google Home (Mini)” error.
- And that’s only the beginning…
Why do I get the error “could not communicate with your Google Home (mini)”?
You’re getting the “could not communicate with your Google Home (Mini)” error due to WiFi and power connectivity issues. Google Home Mini speakers and the Google Home app run via WiFi. Once they get disconnected from a network, they may become unresponsive and fail to communicate with other devices.
“Could not communicate with Google Home (mini)”: 15 causes & fixes
#1: Speaker not plugged in
Are you getting the “could not communicate with your Google Home (Mini)” error?
Then, check first if your Google Home Mini is plugged in.
Google Home Mini speakers have no built-in batteries. So, they have to be plugged in all the time. Even if you’re not using it.
“What happens when I unplug my Google Home Mini?”
Given that the speaker has no power, it won’t activate.
And so, it won’t connect with the WiFi. Which is needed in automating your speaker with other smart devices.
Without power and WiFi connection, you won’t be able to use your Google Home Mini for whatever reason.
I know it’s a very simple problem. But you’d be surprised at how many users often overlook it.
How to fix it:
Check your Google Home Mini speaker and see if it’s plugged in.
Make sure that its plug prongs are fully inserted into the power outlet.
While you’re at it, also assess its power cord for any damages. Such as bite marks or exposed wirings.
If there are no problems with the cord, but the error persists…
Use an outlet tester to see if the power outlet has a charge. You can also try plugging in other devices to see if it’ll work.
If not, then replug your Google Home Mini to another power outlet.
#2: Slow internet speed
If the power connection isn’t the issue, perhaps the problem is with your WiFi connection.
Google Home Mini speakers need WiFi to work.
And compared to similar devices, they consume more data.
That said, your Google Home Mini can get an error if your WiFi speed is too slow.
With slow internet, your speaker device can become unresponsive. Or fail to receive any commands at all.
This is especially true if you’re using your speaker to automate your smart devices at home.
How to fix it:
Well, the speed of your internet connection depends on your WiFi plan.
The more expensive a plan is, the faster the internet speed.
“But I’m subscribed to a premium plan!”
If that’s the case, you may try to soft reset your WiFi router.
Soft resetting is simply refreshing your device’s system.
Note: Soft reset doesn’t delete data. So, no need to worry about setting up your router again.
It greatly helps in fixing software bugs and system glitches. Which may be slowing down your internet.
To soft reset your WiFi router:
- Unplug your router from the outlet (without turning it off).
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Replug your WiFi router.
- Then, power on the router.
Doing this helps resolve basic WiFi connectivity issues.
#3: Congested WiFi network
“I’ve tested my WiFi network. And it has high speed…”
If that’s the case, then maybe your WiFi network is congested.
How many devices are connected to your WiFi? And how many of them are currently in use?
A WiFi connection also slows down when too many devices are connected to it.
In case you didn’t know, your internet has a “bandwidth.” It’s the amount of data you can use at a specific period.
Each device “fights” to receive a percentage of that bandwidth. Causing your WiFi to appear slow.
And so, causing your Google Home Mini to get a communication error.
How to fix it:
You can easily increase your WiFi bandwidth by upgrading your internet plan.
But if that isn’t an option for you, here are two things you can do:
- Manage your data usage.
- Disconnect not-in-use devices from your network.
If you’re a well-organized person, the first option wouldn’t be a hassle for you.
But if you need a quick solution, do the second option. Which is disconnecting smart devices from your WiFi network.
Tip: Factory resetting your WiFi router would disconnect all smart devices at once. But remember that doing this will require you to set up your router again. So, do the option that works best for you.
#4: Low internet bandwidth
“I’ve already disconnected other devices. But it didn’t resolve anything!”
Perhaps you’ve already reached your monthly bandwidth limit.
Bear in mind that Internet service providers (ISPs) set a data limit for each consumer. This helps them manage and control your internet usage (without you knowing it).
Once you’ve reached this limit, your ISP will throttle your internet. Causing your WiFi to become comparably slow.
If your internet suddenly becomes slow, it must be the reason why.
“But I’m paying for unlimited WiFi…”
I’m sorry to break it to you, but your “unlimited” WiFi is technically limited.
So, WiFi throttling can still happen to your network.
How to fix it:
Similar to cause #3, you can resolve low internet bandwidth by:
- Upgrading your internet plan.
- Managing your overall data usage.
The key here is to save enough data for devices that matter.
Make sure to disconnect devices that are not in use.
Inactive devices still consume data. Especially if they have background apps that are running.
#5: Smartphone connected to a different network
Are both your smartphone and Google Home Mini connected to WiFi?
And are they connected to the same WiFi network? If not, then that’s what causes the communication error.
Smart devices communicate by sending and receiving WiFi signals. And these signals travel only to one network.
Plus, smart devices can only discover devices from the same network.
So, no matter how much you refresh your devices, they won’t communicate if they’re not connected to the same WiFi.
How to fix it:
First, ensure that your devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
You can go to your phone’s settings to check the WiFi connectivity of your smartphone.
For your Google Home Mini, you can review it through the Google Home app.
Suppose you want to change the WiFi network of your Google Home Mini. You have to disconnect with its current network first.
Then, set up your speaker again to the Google Home app.
You may also wonder: Can you use 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time?
#6: Speaker connected to a 5Ghz network
“My devices are connected to the same WiFi network. What could be causing the error?”
Are you using a dual-band WiFi router? Or are your devices specifically connected to a 5GHz network?
First, Gen Google Home Mini speakers don’t support a 5GHz network.
Second, Gen Google Home Mini speakers support a 5GHz network. But not channel 149 or higher.
Sure, a 5GHz network can provide high internet speed and great connectivity.
But not a lot of smart devices support it (YET). Plus, it only works in a short range. Which makes it not ideal for home automation.
How to fix it:
Reconnect your devices to a 2.4GHz network to prevent WiFi connectivity issues.
This is especially important if you’re using a 1st Gen Google Home Mini.
If you have a dual-band WiFi router, connect your devices only to one network: 2.4GHz.
To avoid your devices from reconnecting with the 5Gz network, disconnect that network to your devices completely.
You can do that by simply clicking “Forget This Network” on the network’s settings.
Important note: Google Home Mini speakers can only recognize one WiFi network. So, make sure to connect it to the right network.
Learn more: How many devices can connect to 5GHz WiFi?
#7: Out-of-range speaker device
Distance can also cause major problems with your device’s WiFi connectivity.
WiFi uses electromagnetic signals. Which can reach a pretty good range.
But also, many things on its path can disrupt the connection. And cause your smart devices to not work.
One of the common things that affect WiFi signals is walls. Or any type of physical barrier.
These barriers shorten the range of the WiFi signals. Causing your devices to receive little to no signals at all.
So, if your Google Home Mini is several feet away from your router, expect a communication error to happen.
How to fix it:
The easiest thing you can do is move your Google Home Mini close to your WiFi router.
Or at least place it in the same room.
Doing this ensures a strong and stable WiFi connection to your device. Allowing you to use your speaker without issues.
But if that isn’t an option, install extra WiFi routers instead.
Extra routers help distribute stable connections throughout your home.
That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about getting your device disconnected from WiFi.
Check out: Can You Have a Smart Home With Satellite Internet? 6 Facts
#8: Connection interference
Aside from physical barriers, WiFi connections can get disrupted by electronic devices.
Most electronics devices support 2.4Ghz networks.
And that’s the usual frequency band that most WiFi routers use as well.
When same-band devices get close to each other, their frequency clashes. Affecting the stability of their connection with the WiFi.
Any object in your home can become a barrier to your devices’ WiFi connection.
One study has even proven that a microwave oven can also interfere with WiFi signals!
Some of the electronics that affect WiFi includes:
- Radio.
- Baby monitors.
- Wireless phones.
- Other wireless devices.
How to fix it:
Look around the room where your WiFi router and Google Home Mini are situated.
See if there are devices that can interfere with the connections.
If there are some, move them to another room. Or at least keep them away from your devices.
If that isn’t an option, you may also try disconnecting such devices from the network when not in use. And turn them off if possible.
Doing this helps prevent connection interference as much as possible.
Want to learn how to set up your Google Home Mini?
Then, watch this short instructional video:
Reading recommendation: 4 Reasons Why Google Home Shows Up as a WiFi Connection
#9: Airplane mode activated
Google Home Mini connects with your phone when automating smart devices.
And since Google Assistant only works with WiFI, your phone should be connected with WiFi.
Suppose you’re getting a communication error with your speaker device.
Check whether your smartphone is connected to a network.
Also, check whether the “Airplane mode” is activated.
When your phone is in “Airplane mode,” it disconnects its WiFi and Bluetooth connection.
As a result, you may get the “could not communicate with your Google Home (Mini)” error.
Such a simple problem, right?
But it happens a lot to other users. Since accidentally activating “Airplane mode” can happen with just a tap.
How to fix it:
Do you see an “airplane” icon on your smartphone’s notification bar?
If yes, then your phone is in “Airplane mode.”
To resolve the communication error, you must turn off “Airplane mode.”
There are two ways you can do that:
- By accessing your quick settings panel.
- By navigating through your phone’s settings.
After this, you have to reconnect your phone to a WiFi network.
You can do that by simply tapping the WiFi icon on the quick settings panel.
#10: Bluetooth not activated
Your Google Home Mini connects to the WiFi to work, right?
But to connect it with your smartphone, your speaker device must be connected to it via Bluetooth.
Smart devices connect with each other via Bluetooth.
This allows them to create a network where they can send and receive command signals.
So, if you’re getting a connection error, perhaps your speaker isn’t connected with your phone.
You must have accidentally turned it off. Causing the connection between devices to get lost.
Trivia: Bluetooth uses a 2.4GHz band. Meaning, connection devices can happen with Bluetooth-enabled devices as well.
How to fix it:
A Google Home Mini speaker automatically has its Bluetooth connection activated.
So, you don’t need to do anything with it.
If you want to connect devices, you have to do it on your smartphone.
Open the Bluetooth connection of your smartphone. And connect with your Google Home Mini.
You can do that by simply tapping the Bluetooth icon on the quick settings panel.
Bluetooth is open once its icon turns color blue.
#11: Smartphone in “Power Saver Mode”
“Power Save Mode” in itself is a great feature.
This greatly helps your smartphone to save energy once its battery becomes too low.
When activated, “Power Saver Mode” closes apps that consume battery.
And it can even sometimes disconnect your phone from the WiFi. Depending on your phone’s setting.
As a result, your phone may get disconnected from your Google Home Mini. Causing your speaker device to get a communication error.
If you’re getting an error, check whether the “Power Saver Mode” is activated on your phone.
You’ll know if it’s on when you can only access limited apps.
How to fix it:
To resolve the issues, you just have to turn off your phone’s “Power Save Mode.”
Depending on your phone, you can exit this mode by tapping the exit icon on the top-right corner.
If you can access the quick settings panel, just tap the “Power Saver Mode” icon once.
After this, the communication error notification should disappear. And you should be able to use your Google Home Mini without problems.
#12: Outdated app software
Sometimes, outdated app software can cause communication errors as well.
Developers often update the app’s software. This helps improve the app’s features and security functions.
“Okay, so how does it become a problem?”
The problem can occur once the phone’s software becomes outdated.
Unlike smart devices, you have to update the app’s software manually.
Well, you can enable the “app auto-update” settings on your phone. But it can sometimes miss some apps.
So, you must check your app store for available app updates as well.
When the Google Home app becomes outdated, it can fail to connect with your WiFi. Causing your Google Home Mini speaker to malfunction.
How to fix it:
If your Google Home app is lagging or crashing, its software must be outdated.
To update your Google Home app:
- Go to the app store.
- Search for “Google Home.”
- Then, click “Update” if available.
Note: While the update is ongoing, you can’t launch the Google Home app.
#13: Outdated phone software
“I’ve already updated my Google Home app. But the error remains…”
If that’s the case, then maybe it’s your phone’s software that’s outdated.
Your phone has a software as well. And it gets updated from time to time.
Same with Android and IOS apps, you have to manually update your phone’s software.
Normally, you’d receive a notification once an update is available.
Likewise, outdated phone software can cause WiFi connectivity issues.
This happens when new updates don’t match your current software version. Causing some settings on your phone to malfunction or turn off automatically.
How to fix it:
You’ll know if your phone’s software is outdated if your phone is lagging.
Or when other apps, aside from Google Home, don’t work as well.
To update your phone’s software:
- Go to settings.
- Scroll down to the bottom.
- Select “Systems & update” or similar.
- Click “Software update.”
- Then, tap “Update Now.”
If there are no updates available, try restarting your phone. As doing this can fix basic connectivity issues.
#14: Outdated router firmware
If that doesn’t work, perhaps the problem is with your WiFi router.
WiFi routers receive firmware updates regularly. It keeps your WiFi network stable and secure.
When it becomes outdated, your WiFi connection can become slow.
Or worse, get completely disconnected. Affecting all your active smart devices at home. Including your Google Home Mini.
But this is not only “irritating”…
It can compromise your devices’ security as well. Which, of course, you wouldn’t want, don’t you?
Normally, WiFi routers update themselves automatically. But they can sometimes fail to do so due to some errors.
How to fix it:
If you’re experiencing WiFi connections errors, update your router manually.
First, you have to connect it to a computer via Ethernet.
After that, you have to follow this instruction:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website.
- Download your router’s latest update.
- Log in to your web management page.
- Then, select the update file to update your WiFi router.
Note: While the update is ongoing, your devices won’t be able to connect with your WiFi network.
#15: Incompatible smartphone
“I don’t understand. Nothing did work!”
If the error remains even after doing the troubleshooting steps above…
Then your smartphone must not be compatible with Google Home Mini.
Google Home Mini speakers should be able to work with other devices, right?
Technically speaking, that isn’t true. Because it requires minimum requirements to work.
To connect your Google Home Mini to the Google Home app, you must be using at least:
- iOS 12.0.
- Android 6.0.
If your phone’s iOS or Android is lower than this, your Google Home Mini speaker won’t work with it.
And so, you’ll continue to receive “could not communicate with your Google Home (Mini)” errors.
How to fix it:
There are no tricks in troubleshooting devices that are incompatible.
To resolve the communication error, you have to meet its minimum requirements. Meaning, you have to use another smartphone that matches it.
And remember to always keep your phone’s software up-to-date. To avoid communication errors in the future.
Read next: Google Home Crackling: 7 Causes & Ways To Fix It Now