So let’s start troubleshooting Google Home and fix the couldn’t communicate error.
1. Restart Device
Start by rebooting your Google Home and router. To reboot, you must unplug and then plug them after 20 seconds. That will do the trick.
2. Check Minimum Software Requirements
If you are trying to set up Google Home speaker from an Android phone, it should be running Android 5.0 Lollipop and higher. Similarly, Android tablets should have Android 6.0 Marshmallow and higher. For iOS (iPhone and iPad), the minimum software needed is iOS 11. Note: You cannot set up Google Home from a computer.
3. Use Original Accessories
Always connect your Google Home with the provided power adapter and cable. Do not connect it via a USB input of your TV or direct USB socket from some other device.
4. Be in Range of Wi-Fi
Don’t be too far away from your router while setting up Google Home. Make sure your Wi-Fi is available in the area where you are trying to connect it to Google Home. Find out how to boost the Wi-Fi signal.
5. Update Google Home App
Since all Google smart speakers such as Google Home, Home Mini, Nest, etc. require the Google Home app to set up, make sure it’s updated to the latest version. Find out how to know if apps need an update on Android and iOS.
6. Uninstall Google Home App
Sometimes, due to incorrect settings or an issue with the app, Google Home fails to connect. So, uninstall the app from your phone. Restart your phone and then download it again. Install Google Home App on Android Install Google Home App on iOS
7. Turn on Bluetooth
If Google Home or Mini continues to throw the ‘couldn’t communicate’ error during setup, turn on Bluetooth. For that, first, reboot your Google Home. Go to Settings on your Android or iPhone and turn on Bluetooth. Then, open the Google Home app and start the set up with Bluetooth turned on.
8. Turn on Airplane Mode
Airplane mode stops all connectivity on your phone. And, by doing that, it helps us in fixing various issues related to the same. For setup issues on Google Home, turn on the Airplane mode on your Android or iPhone. Then, manually turn on Wi-Fi. It will disable Airplane mode. Then, open the Google Home app and start the setup procedure. Tip: Turn off Airplane mode manually if turning on Wi-Fi doesn’t enable all other connectivity services.
9. Forget Wi-Fi Network
Another way to fix the connectivity issue on Google Home speakers is to forget your Wi-Fi network in the Google Home app. For that, follow these steps: Step 1: Open the Google Home app on your phone. Tap on your speaker. Step 2: Tap on the settings icon at the top. Scroll down on the Device settings screen. Tap on Forget next to Wi-Fi. Tip: Did you recently change the password of your Wi-Fi? You should check that too.
10. Check the Linked Account
If you have already configured Google Home and you are getting the ‘couldn’t communicate’ error after setting up, you should check the linked Google account. Are you logged into the Google Home app with the same Google account that was used to set it up? If no, then add the original account, and Google speaker will start working. To check the account, open the Google Home app and tap on the profile picture icon at the top. The first account is the currently active account.
11. Check Number of Devices Connected to Wi-Fi
Does your modem have any restrictions on the number of devices that can connect simultaneously? If yes, that could be the reason. If you aren’t sure about it, try disconnecting some other device from Wi-Fi. Then, try to connect Google Home or Mini.
12. Reset Google Home
If nothing works, it’s time to reset your Google Home speaker. For that, press and hold the tiny button under your Google Home speaker for 15 seconds. Google Assistant will say that it’s attempting to reset the device. Find out how to fix the problem if you get stuck on the green light on while resetting. Note: The reset steps may differ depending on your Google Home speaker. Check out the official guide to reset various Google speakers.
Set Up Using Another Device
At times, it’s a bug that could be either related to Google Home or your phone. So try setting up using another phone, if available. The phone can be an Android or iPhone but it should meet the requirements mentioned above. Use this as an alternative if nothing works. Next up: Want to connect your computer or your phone to Google Home? Find out how to cast media from PC or phone to Google speakers such as Google Home, Mini, or Nest from the next link. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
