Compared to Google Home, Google Home Mini is not just smaller or cheaper. Google Home Mini layout and buttons are also different from those of Google Home.
Although Googe Home, Google Home Mini and Google Home Max all have almost identical functions and features, Google Home Mini layout is substantially different from that of Google Home (and Google Home Max).
As explained in this guide, the look of Google Home and Google Home Mini is different:
- Google Home Mini is smaller;
- Google Home Mini does not have a removable base.
- Google Home Mini does not have a USB port at the bottom.
- Google Home Mini uses a different top touch panel.
The difference between the Google Home Mini layout and buttons and those of Google Home was not discussed.
In this guide, the Google Home Mini layout and buttons will be shown and explained so that you can use Google Home Mini easily.
Please note, this guide is for the 1st generation of Google Home Mini, which is slightly different from Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen Google Home Mini) as explained in this guide. For the layout of the 2nd Gen Google Home Mini (Google nest mini), please check this page.
Top view of Google Home Mini
As shown below, the top of the Google Home Mini is fabric. There are 3 colour options for Google Home Mini: chalk, charcoal and coral (red)
The lower part is a piece of smooth plastic. Unlike Google Home, this part is not removable or exchangeable.
Embracing the minimalist design, Google Home Mini only has one visible USB power port (marked as A in the photos below) and one microphone switch (marked as B as shown in photos below).
You can pull the microphone switch to left or right to enable/disable microphone listening. In Google Home, the microphone button offers an identical function.
In addition, the top fabric part offers some touch controls. Tapping the left side to lower the volume, the right side to raise the volume, and middle to pause.
Please check this guide on how to adjust the volume for Google Home Mini and how to use touch control in Google Home Mini.
The volume controls through touch control or voice command are for media and Google Assistant only. If you want to adjust the volume for alarms and timers in Google Home devices, you have to do it through the Google Home app.
On top of the Google Home Mini, there are 4 LED lights. The meaning of LED lights in Google Home Mini is explained in this guide.
The bottom is rubber-like plastic in red.
If you look closely, you can find the third button in Google Home Mini: the reset button (marked as C in the photo below).
You can hold the reset button for more than 15 seconds to reset the Google Home Mini. This is a factory data reset, which means all your settings and data will be wiped out.
In Google Home, the factory data reset can be done by holding the microphone button. In Google Home Mini, the microphone switch replaces the microphone button in Google Home, and therefore you have to use the reset button to factory data reset Google Home Mini.
Please note, you cannot reset Google Home, Google Home Mini and Google Home Max in the Google Home app, although you can reboot Google Home devices, and change settings for those devices from the app.
Please note, Google Nest Mini (Google Home Mini 2nd Gen) does not have a reset button. You have to use the touch panel to reset the Google Nest Mini.
Do you know the Google Home Mini layout and buttons? Do you know how to use the Google Home Mini layout and buttons?
If you have any questions or encounter any problems with the Google Home Mini layout and buttons, please let us know in the comment box below.
The community will help you.
Other guides for Google Home Mini and Nest Mini can be found in the Google Home Mini Guides section.
Guides for Google Home and Google Home Max are listed in the Google Home Guides section.
If you have any question on Google Home Hub, Nest Hub (including 2nd Gen), or Nest Hub Max, you may check the Nest Hub Guides section.
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When it is shut off is it right to have orange lights displayed? Can the Home Mini be plugged in all the time.
If you mean turning off the microphone (i.e., turn off listening), yes, the orange lights should be always on.
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No that means you muted the mic and the mic should always be on by the way touch on each side level to the lights to turn up and down the volume.
Can’t get Google mini to cut on, no lights. Does it have battery had for 3 yrs or so.
There is no battery in the Google Home Mini. Did you check the power adapter? For Google Home Mini, you can try other USB chargers to see whether the original power adapter is dead.
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No reset button on my mini
Very likely, you got the 2nd Gen Google Home Mini (branded as Google Nest Home Mini, with a wall-mount hole in the bottom). There is no reset button in the 2nd Gen Home Mini.
To factory reset Google Nest Home Mini (2nd Gen Google Home Mini), you need to press and hold the top (touch control part) of the home mini for 15-20 seconds. It should ask you for confirmation after holding the area for about 5-7 seconds. Do not release your hands when you hear the voices prompt.
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