The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To make a Google Home speaker or display less likely to wake by mistake—or more likely to hear you—adjust its per-device “Hey Google” sensitivity in the Google Home app. This is a wake-word setting, not a microphone-gain slider. A physical microphone mute switch is separate and must be checked on the device itself.
Change “Hey Google” sensitivity in the Google Home app
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial, then tap Home settings.
- Open the section for the assistant enabled in your home: Gemini for Home voice assistant or Google Assistant.
- Tap “Hey Google” sensitivity, select the speaker or display, and choose a sensitivity level.
- Return to the device list to adjust another speaker or display.
Google’s menu labels and available sensitivity choices can vary by device or software. The feature is available on most speakers and displays, but not necessarily every device or language. You need Home Admin or Settings access to change it. See Google’s instructions for adjusting “Hey Google” sensitivity.
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Choose a setting based on what is going wrong
| What you notice | What to try |
|---|---|
| The assistant wakes when nobody said “Hey Google.” | Lower sensitivity. |
| The assistant often misses “Hey Google,” especially in a noisy room. | Raise sensitivity. |
| The device gives no response at all. | Check power and the physical microphone mute switch before changing sensitivity. |
The sensitivity setting applies to everyone who uses that particular device. It does not control which speaker or display responds when several are within hearing range.
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Check the physical microphone mute switch
A muted microphone cannot hear the wake phrase, regardless of the sensitivity setting. Check the switch or button on the device itself; its position varies by model. Google’s current guidance places it at the bottom near the power cable on Google Home Speaker (2026), on the back of Nest Audio, on the side of Nest Mini (1st and 2nd generation), on the back of the original Google Home, and on the back of Nest displays. Google notes that sound-detection microphone controls require physical access and cannot be changed in the app. See Google’s sound-detection troubleshooting guidance and Google Nest and Home device specifications.
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If the speaker still does not respond
- Confirm that the device has power and its microphone is not muted.
- Disconnect the power cable, reconnect it, and allow the device to restart.
- Say “Hey Google” and observe whether the device indicates that it heard the wake phrase.
- If it hears you but does not understand the request, speak more slowly or rephrase it.
For further steps, see Google’s troubleshooting guide for “Hey Google” issues.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other voice settings are not sensitivity controls
Gemini for Home offers other voice-related settings, including voice selection and language, Voice Match, Face Match, Personal Results, Continued Conversation, and Home History. Their availability depends on the assistant enabled in the home. Voice Match and Personal Results affect personalization; they do not replace the “Hey Google” sensitivity control. Use them only when you want to adjust recognition or personal responses, rather than how readily the device wakes. Google’s overview is at Learn about Gemini for Home voice assistant.
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