Google Home

Google Home layout and buttons

Although Google Home can do so many things after setting up Google Home, it only has one button.  Most of the controls are achieved through voice.

The touch panel and LED colour also play an important role in using Google Home.

This guide will show you Google Home layout, functions of individual parts and how to change the base of Google Home.

Please note, Google Home layout and buttons are different from those of Google Home Mini (including Google Nest Mini), Google Home Max, Nest Audio (2nd Gen Google Home).

For owners of Google Home Mini, please check Google Home Mini layout and buttons page. Google Nest Mini layout was explained in this guide, and Nest Audio layout in this guide.

Google Home layout: front and top view

Front and top view of Google Home is shown below.

In front of Google Home, actually, there is nothing.

In the top of Google Home, you can find:

  • A touch panel.
  • LED indicators (LED lights).
  • Two microphones

A touch panel

The entire top surface of Google Home is a touch panel. You can swipe clockwise to increase the volume and anticlockwise to reduce the volume.

You can also use the touch panel to pause or play music, or to stop the alarm. Please refer to this guide on how to use touch panel in Google Home.

LED indicators (LED lights)

The LED indicators light up when it is active.

The colours of the LED indicators will tell you the status of Google Home. Please refer to this guide on the meaning of LED lights and colours.

Microphone array

Two microphones are located on the left and right side, as shown. You should not block them.

Google Home uses these two microphones to listen to you.

Google Home layout: Rearview

In the rear of Google Home layout, you can find:

  • a button for turning on/off the microphone in Google Home.
  • a LED indicator for power.

Mute button (microphone button)

The microphone button is the only physical button in Google Home.

Press this button to turn on or turn off the microphone in Google Home.  The LED indicators will turn into orange when the microphone is disabled, as shown in Meaning of Google Home LED lights (and colours) page

.

You will also get a voice prompt when you turn on or turn off the microphone in Google Home.

This button can also be used to reset your Google Home. You can factory data reset Google Home by holding this button for more than 1o seconds.

Please note, after a factory data reset, you need to set up the Google Home again.

Power indicator

This LED indicates the power supply status. If this LED is not lighted up, you may need to check the power adapter or the power cable.

Please note, there is no power button on Google Home, you just need to connect the power adapter to Google Home to power on it.

Google Home layout: changeable base

One of the interesting features of Google Home is the changeable base.

You can choose a different base (at the cost of $20 0r $40)) if the default one does not match your furniture or your taste.

To change the base, you need to unplug the power. Then pull off the base, which connects to the main part magnetically.

Once you remove the base, you can find the hidden micro USB port in Google Home. The micro USB port is for device maintenance. At this time, it is not usable for owners.

Currently, there are 6 different colours you can choose for your Google Home:

  • Mango, Marine, and Violet. These are fabric covered.
  • Carbon, Copper, and Snow. These are metal painted.

Anyway, it is very easy to find a base to match your expectations.

Do you have any questions on Google Home layout?

If you have any questions on Google Home layout or any questions related to the buttons or Google Home base, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will help you.

Please check other Google Home guides here.

For Google Home Mini owners, you may check Google Home Mini guides page.

You can find Nest Audio guides here.

This post was last modified on January 3, 2021 4:52 am

View Comments

    • Thank you for sharing the info. It would be helpful if you can share the name and version of packages installed in BB10 to make Google home app work.

    • Install Google Home app in the phone, then open it. It will search for Google Home devices in the same network.

      If the Google Home device is not connected to any network (for example, a new one), you Google Home app can also find it (if it is not far from the phone) and you can then follow the instructions to set it up.

      What's exactly the problem you got?

    • What do you mean "Google home says not". Your Google Home devices does not check your phone; only your phone checks available devices in the network.

      Open Google Play store app in your phone, search for Google Home. Open that page. If you have the option to install the app, it means you haven't installed it. If you have the option to open it, it means it was installed. You should be able to find the app in apps screen (app drawer) and/or home screen.

  • Someone hacked my google home nearby now it’s a permanent fixture on my home wif

    • Not sure what you are talking about. You may tell the problem in detail so that others can help you.

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