The Google Nest Hub is an incredibly powerful smart assistant, but because it relies on voice commands, it is constantly listening for the “Hey Google” wake word. While Google states that audio is only recorded and transmitted after the wake word is detected, you may still feel uncomfortable having an active microphone in sensitive areas of your home, such as a bedroom or a private home office. If you want to use the Nest Hub purely as a digital photo frame or a cast target for music without any voice interaction, you can physically disable the microphone.
How to Mute the Microphone
Unlike many software-based privacy settings, the Google Nest Hub features a physical hardware switch to disconnect the microphone, ensuring absolute privacy.
- Approach your Google Nest Hub.
- Reach around to the back of the device, specifically behind the screen display (not the fabric speaker base).
- Locate the slider switch. Depending on your model (1st or 2nd generation), this switch is located near the top centre of the back panel.
- Slide the switch away from the centre. You will feel a physical click.
- The Nest Hub will immediately provide two forms of feedback:
- An orange or red indicator light will illuminate directly on the switch mechanism.
- A small orange microphone icon with a slash through it will appear at the top of the display screen, confirming the microphone is muted.
While the microphone is muted, the Google Assistant will no longer respond to the “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” wake words. You must interact with the device using the touch screen or by casting media from your smartphone.
Re-enabling the Microphone
To turn the microphone back on, simply reach behind the screen and push the slider switch back to its original central position. The orange indicator light will turn off, and a brief on-screen message will confirm that the microphone is active and listening once again.