Google Home Radio Streaming Not Working? Fix It in 5 Minutes

Radio streaming on Google Home is a convenient way to enjoy live radio and podcasts throughout your home, but when it stops working, it’s usually a quick fix. Most issues stem from connectivity problems or app conflicts rather than hardware failure, and you can resolve them without technical expertise.

What is Radio Streaming on Google Home?

Google Home speakers connect to radio apps and services like Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and others to stream live radio and podcasts wirelessly through your home speakers. When this feature fails, it’s typically due to connectivity issues, app conflicts, or account synchronisation problems rather than hardware failure. The good news: most radio streaming issues can be resolved in minutes. Current as of: Google Home app 2024 - October 2025

Why Use This Feature?

• Stream live radio stations and podcasts hands-free throughout your home without needing a traditional radio
• Access hundreds of radio stations globally through a single device
• Control playback with simple voice commands from any room
• Enjoy ad-free or premium content if you subscribe to premium radio services

Things to Consider

• Some radio apps require paid subscriptions or have regional restrictions in your country
• Your Google Home speaker requires a stable WiFi connection; poor signal strength will cause streaming failures
• Not all radio services are available in all regions; availability varies by country and app

How to Fix Radio Streaming on Google Home - Step by Step

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

On your phone or computer, open a web browser and visit any website. If the page loads, your WiFi is working. If not, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait 2 minutes for it to fully restart.

Step 2: Check WiFi Signal Strength

Open the Google Home app on your phone. Tap the device icon (usually top left) and select your Google Home speaker. Scroll down and check if WiFi signal strength shows ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’. If it shows ‘Poor’ or ‘Fair’, move your speaker closer to your router or remove physical obstacles (walls, appliances) between them.

Step 3: Restart Your Google Home Speaker

Unplug the power cord from the back of your Google Home speaker for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the lights to cycle through their startup sequence—usually 1–2 minutes. You’ll hear a chime when it’s ready to use.

Step 4: Clear the Radio App’s Cache

In the Google Home app, go to Settings > Linked Services > [Your Radio App Name] > Disconnect. Then on your phone, open Settings > Apps > [Radio App Name], tap ‘Storage’ > ‘Clear Cache’. Wait 30 seconds, then reconnect the app in the Google Home app.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Ask your Google Home: ‘Play [radio station name]’ (example: ‘Play NPR’). If it works, you’re done. If it still fails, note the exact error message—this helps you identify whether the issue is with your subscription, regional restrictions, or the connection itself.

Still Not Working? Advanced Solutions

If the 5-minute fix didn’t work, try these deeper troubleshooting steps:

Sign Out and Back Into Your Google Account In the Google Home app, go to Settings > tap your profile > Sign out. Wait 10 seconds, then sign back in. This refreshes your account connection and often resolves synchronisation issues.

Reinstall the Radio App Completely For persistent issues with specific radio apps, uninstall the app entirely from your phone, restart your phone, then reinstall it fresh from your app store. This removes any corrupted data that simple cache clearing might miss.

Check Multiple Radio Apps If several different radio apps fail (not just one), your Google Home may have a deeper connectivity issue. Try a different radio service to confirm whether the problem is app-specific or device-wide.

Factory Reset Your Google Home If multiple radio apps consistently fail, your Google Home may need a factory reset. Hold the reset button (usually a small indentation on the back) for 15 seconds until the lights flash. This erases all settings but often resolves deep connectivity issues. You’ll need to set up your speaker again from scratch.

Check for Software Updates Ensure your Google Home’s software is current. The app automatically updates, but you can manually check: open the Google Home app > Settings > Device Settings > [Your Device] > System Update. If an update is available, install it and restart your speaker.

Most Google Home radio streaming issues resolve within minutes by checking your WiFi connection, restarting your speaker, and clearing app cache. If advanced steps are needed, a simple account refresh or app reinstall typically solves the problem—factory resets are rarely necessary.