Google Home Speaker bug caused repeated update downloads and hundreds of gigabytes of data use
A server misconfiguration made some Google Home Speaker smart speakers download a software update over and over, with one user reporting about three terabytes of traffic on his home network. Google says the problem has been resolved.
Some Google Home Speaker smart speakers, which run the company's Gemini AI assistant, have been putting heavy strain on owners' home internet connections over the past two weeks. Reddit posts, reported by the tech site 9to5Google, describe the cases. One user said his Wi-Fi usage statistics showed about three terabytes of data going to the device.
Google told Wired that the bug affected only some devices. A spokesperson explained that a server misconfiguration caused certain speakers to repeatedly download a software update, and that the issue has now been resolved.
A Wired writer's own experience
The Wired author, who tests smart home products, checked her household's internet usage and found the same problem. Her Google Home Speaker had used 487 GB in ten days, nearly as much as the rest of the home combined between August and September. She unplugged the device for the time being to avoid exceeding the two-terabyte cap on her internet plan per billing period.
Checking every device in the home also turned up other odd figures. An Amazon device, linked to a Ring smoke detector, was listed at 22 GB over the past week, and an unidentified device labeled “WATCH” at about 21 GB.
How to check data usage
Usage can be viewed in a router's app or web interface. Asus routers offer a Traffic Analyzer section, while TP-Link users can open Traffic Usage in the Deco or Tether apps. Netgear routers show only total traffic rather than per-device figures, and detailed information on Eero systems requires a paid subscription. Another option is the app of your internet service provider, though it generally shows less detail and lists only a handful of high-volume devices.
Checking can be worthwhile if your plan has data limits or if unknown devices are slowing down your network.
