Skip to main content

How to adjust Google Nest speaker sound settings

If you’ve recently picked up a new Google Nest Audio speaker — or a couple to create a stereo pair — you’re probably enjoying the overall sound and convenience of voice-controlled music, podcasts, and audio. But you may not know you’ve got options when it comes to how your Nest Audio device sounds. You can easily add bass or treble to the music, as well as adjust some other settings to create a better overall user experience. You can check out our article on choosing a Google Home audio device or new Nest Audio if you need more guidance.

First things first: If you’re having any trouble accessing your device or its settings, a factory reset might be needed. Fortunately, a factory reset of Google Nest Audio is easy:

  • Turn off the mic by flipping the switch on the back of the device.
  • Press and hold the top center-front of the speaker for five seconds.
  • Keep holding while it confirms the reset.
  • Set up the device anew by following the instructions in the Google Home app.

You can adjust a number of settings on your Nest Audio speakers, including sound preferences, equalizer, and pairing or grouping speakers.

Nest Audio speaker in a moody, dark room.

How to adjust equalizer settings on Nest Audio

Here’s how to adjust equalizer or EQ settings, which will let you add bass, level, or otherwise tweak your audio preferences:

  • Go to the Google Home app.
  • Choose your Nest Audio speaker.
  • Look for the slider bars in the top-right corner and tap on them to view bass and treble.
  • Use the slider bar and the More or Less selections to adjust the music to your taste.

How to create a stereo pair with Nest Audio

Want to use two Nest Audio speakers as a stereo pair? It’s quite simple to link them and set left and right channels. Here’s how to do it:

  • Make sure that the smartphone you’re using to set up the speaker pair is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the speakers.
  • Click on the speaker you want as part of the stereo pair.
  • Choose the Settings icon (the little gear).
  • Under the Device Features subtitle, select Audio.
  • Select Stereo Pair and follow the prompts, including choosing the other speaker you want in your pair.

The Google Home app will start playing a tone from one of the speakers to help you confirm which one is left and which one is the right side. Confirm that in the app, and then you’re done.

How to create a speaker group with Google or Nest speakers

While we’re on the subject of linking speakers, here’s how to create and group your Google Nest Audio or other Google speakers:

  • Open the Google Home app, and tap on the Plus symbol in the top-left corner.
  • Choose Create Speaker Group.
  • Make your selections from the available speakers by clicking on them; then choose Next.
  • Name the speaker group.

Now, when you call for music to be played on that group of multiple speakers, it will happen automatically.

How to unpair Nest Audio

If you no longer want to use your speakers as a stereo pair, you can unpair them. Tap the speaker pair, and in the top-right corner, tap Settings> Speaker Pair >Separate Speaker Pair.

Adjust alarm and timer volumes

If you frequently use your Google Nest Audio speaker as a timer or an alarm, you can adjust the overall level of those tones.

Click on your speaker in the Google Home app, then go to Settings > Audio > Alarm &Timers. Use the slider bar to change the default volume.

Lower the listening volume when talking to Google

Another handy sound setting is the ability to have Google lower the listening volume when you’re speaking to your assistant. It keeps you from feeling like you need to shout and also helps the Assistant hear you better.

Click on your speaker in the Google Home app, then go to Settings > Audio > Lower Volume When Listening.

Making adjustments to your Google Audio device is easy and lets you create a customized experience based on how you use the device and your musical or listening preferences.

Editors' Recommendations

Erin Lawrence
Erin has over 20 years of experience as a journalist in the media and news industries, with time both on camera and behind…
Blink Mini 2 vs. Nest Cam (Indoor): Which is the better affordable security camera?
The Google Nest Cam Indoor on a table.

The Blink Mini 2 and Google Nest Cam (Indoor) are two of the best budget security cameras on the market. They both cost less than $100, are easy to set up, and are packed with features despite their low price. You can't go wrong adding either to your home, but there are some key differences to understand if you're looking to get the best security camera for your property.

From pricing and ongoing fees to resolution and more, here's a comprehensive look at the Blink Mini 2 and Nest Cam (Indoor) to help you decide which is the better security camera for your smart home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Google rolls out new Nest Cam features to Google Home for web
Nest Cams on a counter.

While many users access Google Home on their smartphone or smart display, the platform is also available via web browser. The web-based Google Home experience wasn't exactly the best way to access your smart devices, but that's rapidly changing as Google rolls out new updates to the client -- the latest of which adds a ton of new ways to access your Nest Cams.

Google began rolling out the update late last week, and most users should now have access to the improved Google Home for web experience. The big draw is access to your Nest Cam history and the option to download clips. Prior to this update, it was impossible to view recorded clips via Google Home for web, forcing you to instead jump into the official Google Home app.

Read more
How to use the Google Home app on a computer
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home makes it easy to manage all your smart devices through your smartphone or tablet. Giving you access to your camera feeds, smart thermostat, smart lights, and more, Google Home is one of the most popular smart home platforms on the market. But while there's a lot to love about Google Home, it lacks full PC support. However, that's slowly starting to change – here's a look at how to use the Google Home app on your PC and control your devices from a larger display.
Can you use the Google Home app on a PC?
Google Home doesn't have a PC app, but it does have a website. Unfortunately, Google notes that Google Home for web is in Public Preview, meaning not all features are available and you may encounter glitches during use. The website is seeing constant updates, so there's a good chance it'll work just as well as the mobile apps in the future. Be sure to check it out regularly to see what's been added.

There are a few other workarounds you can implement to get Google Home on your PC. Read on to learn about the alternatives.
Use Google Home through your Chromebook

Read more