Since its release, Google Nest Mini has proven to be one of the most useful gadgets you can get to start your smart home journey. It has all the nifty features like alarms, broadcast messages, and recipe walkthroughs. The best part is that it's pretty cheap and is compatible with a lot of other smart home devices on the market.

If you've just bought one, here are the steps for how to set up your Google Nest Mini. These instructions are also applicable to the first-generation Google Home Mini if that's what you have on hand.

Setting Up Your Google Home Mini or Nest Mini

The Google Home or Nest Mini setup is very straightforward and easy to do. Before starting, make sure to have your phone ready and connected to the internet. Then, you can start following the steps outlined here:

  1. Plug the Google Nest Mini using the power adapter and cable it came with. It will play a chime and ask you to download the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
  2. Download the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device. You will use this not only for setting up your device but also for other subsequent uses. If you want to learn more about this app, we covered what the Google Home app is and what it's used for.
  3. Launch the Google Home app.
  4. Tap on the Get started button.
  5. Choose a Google account to use. Then, hit OK.
  6. On the home screen, tap the Add plus icon in the top-left corner.
  7. Select Create new home.
  8. Enter a nickname you want to call your home. Then, click on Continue.
  9. Fill in the details of your home address where you plan on using the Google Nest Mini. Google uses this to give you the most accurate results like weather and traffic information. However, you can choose to skip this part.
  10. Back on the home screen, select the Add plus icon again.
  11. Tap on Set up device > New device.
  12. Select the home you've recently created. Then, tap on Next.
  13. Allow location access by tapping on the Next button and selecting an option from the dialog box.
  14. Turn on your phone's location services by tapping on the Settings button. Then, switch on your location.
  15. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth access. Simply select the Turn on button and choose Allow in the pop-up.
  16. Wait for your phone to find your Google Nest Mini.
  17. Once it finds your speaker, tap on Yes to continue. Your phone will then connect to the smart speaker.
  18. Once you successfully connect to the speaker, you will hear a sound from it. Tap on Yes to confirm.
  19. Share device stats and crash reports with Google by tapping on Yes, I'm in. Otherwise, skip this option by selecting No thanks.
  20. Select the room where you will permanently place the device. Then, press Next.
  21. Optionally, enter a custom name for your room before pressing Continue.
  22. Select the Wi-Fi network that your Google Nest Mini will connect to. Then, tap on Next.
  23. Enter your Wi-Fi password and press Connect.
  24. Wait for the Google Nest Mini to connect to your Wi-Fi.
  25. Once it's successfully connected, press Next on the "Before using your Google Assistant" screen.
  26. Set up Voice Match by tapping on Continue. You can also choose to set this up later. Voice Match will allow your smart speaker to recognize your voice and identify you from the other people who use the same device.
  27. Press on I agree to confirm using Voice Match on devices in the home you selected earlier.
  28. Say the phrases shown on your phone to complete the Voice Match setup.
  29. Save your audio to improve Google's audio technologies. You can choose to skip this by pressing Not now.
  30. Optionally, tap on Turn on to enable personal results. If you have personal results enabled, your Google Nest Mini can provide you with information relevant to you, such as your personal reminders, YouTube playlists, and Google Calendar events.
  31. Finish the setup by tapping on Next.

Now that you've successfully set up your Google Nest Mini, you can now start trying whatever Google Home commands you want.

Start Building Your Smart Home With the Google Home Mini or Nest Mini

With its price point and compatibility, the Google Nest Mini is exactly what you need to get started on building your smart home.

You'll be surprised with how many things you can do with this device, and we're sure you'll also love the Easter eggs. Have fun using your newly set up smart speaker.