Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Some Google Home Speakers are downloading unusually large amounts of data
Some Google Home Speakers are downloading huge amounts of data in the background, with one reported device using more than 200GB in a day.
The problem has been reported mainly on the new Google Home Speaker model, but how widespread it is remains unclear.
The issue may be linked to speakers that fail to download and install a firmware update correctly.
Google says a fix is already rolling out to address the problem.
The concern is that the downloads could use up people’s limited internet data allowance without them noticing.
Google has been asked for more information about the cause and which devices are affected.
Some owners of the new Google Home Speaker have reported that their devices are downloading hundreds of gigabytes of data in the background.
Google said a fix is already rolling out to address the issue.
The cause is unclear, though failed attempts to download or install a firmware update may be involved.
Reports include one speaker that used 132GB over 30 days and another that used more than 200GB per day.
The issue’s reach is unknown, and unusually high usage could exceed data-plan limits.
- Who
- Some owners of the new Google Home Speaker have reported the issue. Google said it is rolling out a fix.
- What
- Some speakers are downloading unusually large amounts of data in the background.
- When
- Reports emerged over the week before October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The reports concern Google Home Speakers in owners’ households.
- Why
- The cause is not confirmed. The issue may be linked to failed attempts to download or install a firmware update.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A speaker reported by 9to5Google downloaded 41GB of data.
Reports emerged of Google Home Speakers downloading unusually large amounts of data.
9to5Google reported that one speaker had used 132GB of data over 30 days and that Google had acknowledged the issue.
The Verge reported that Google said a fix was rolling out.
- Daily use
- One Reddit user reported more than 200GB downloaded in a day.
- 24-hour use
- A 9to5Google speaker downloaded 17GB.
- 30-day use
- One affected speaker downloaded 132GB; another speaker in a different household used 2GB.
- Google response
- A fix is rolling out, according to the company.
- Affected model
- Most reports concern the new Google Home Speaker.
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What people are saying
a fix is already rolling out that should address this for users.
a fix is already rolling out that should address this for users.