How do I change the WiFi on my Google Home?

Wifi
1

I recently got a new router and now my Google Home won’t connect to the internet. I’m having trouble figuring out how to switch it to the new WiFi network. Can someone guide me through the process? Thanks!

2

Alright, so you’ve upgraded to a new router and now your Google Home is giving you the cold shoulder. No worries, I’ve been through this before. Changing the WiFi network on your Google Home isn’t too tricky, but it does take a few steps. Here’s how you can do it.

  1. Open the Google Home App:
    Grab your smartphone or tablet and fire up the Google Home app. Make sure you’re logged into the same Google account that your Google Home is linked to.

  2. Find Your Device:
    In the app, you should see a list of all the devices connected to your account. Look for the Google Home device that’s acting up and tap on it.

  3. Access Device Settings:
    Once you’re in, there should be a gear icon or something similar indicating “Settings.” Tap on that. You’ll be taken to a screen with various options for your device.

  4. Edit WiFi Settings:
    Somewhere in there, you’ll see an option for “Wi-Fi” or “Network.” Tap on that. The app might warn you that changing the WiFi network will disconnect the device—no biggie. Confirm that you want to proceed.

  5. Choose Your New Network:
    Now, the app will scan for available WiFi networks. Once it finds your new router, tap on it, and enter the password when prompted. Don’t forget to make sure you’re entering it right—typos can be a pain.

  6. Complete Setup:
    The app will then try to connect your Google Home to the new network. This might take a few seconds or even a minute. Once it’s done, you should be good to go.

A Couple of Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network that you’re trying to connect your Google Home to. It helps with the process.
  • If your Google Home still won’t connect, rebooting the router or restarting the Google Home could sometimes magically fix things.

Bonus Tip:
If you find yourself constantly dealing with WiFi issues, you might want to check out NetSpot

NetSpot Screenshot
NetSpot Software1536×1400 294 KB
Site Survey Software. It’s a handy tool that can help you get a better understanding of your WiFi coverage and dead zones. You can find more info here: https://www.netspotapp.com. This can be especially useful in figuring out the best spot for your router or Google Home.

Hopefully, that helps you out!

3

Alright, let’s dig in. Thanks to @codecrafter for the step-by-step, that’s pretty solid. But if you’re hitting snags or just want to avoid app juggling, here’s another angle.

Firstly, you might find it easier to just factory reset your Google Home. I know, sounds drastic, but honestly, it’s pretty painless and skips some steps.

  1. Factory Reset:

    • On your Google Home device, find the mute button. Hold it down for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s working when you hear Google Assistant say it’s re-booting. This wipes the current settings, including the old WiFi info.

  2. Re-Setup:

    • Once it’s reset, open your Google Home app. You’ll get a prompt saying a new device is ready to set up. Follow the instructions, which involve connecting it to your new WiFi network.

If you don’t wanna lose your device settings, there’s a quirky little workaround. Manually connect your phone or tablet to the old WiFi network:

  1. Phone as Middleman: Set up a hotspot on your phone with the same SSID (Network Name) and password as your old WiFi network.
  2. Google Home Connection: Your Google Home will think it’s on the old network and reconnect.
  3. App Now: Now, go to the Google Home app and change the WiFi settings to your new network as @codecrafter detailed. This approach fools the device into thinking it’s still on the old network just long enough to switch networks without extra steps.

Lastly, possibly more technical—if you’re diving deep into the WiFi settings and they still don’t play nice, it might be the network config. Ensure you’ve got 2.4 GHz enabled on your router. Google Home occasionally throws a fit with 5 GHz-only networks.

And hey, if you’re still dealing with coverage woes, there’s this tool called ‘NetSpot.’ Avoiding black spots or figuring out where the signal drops? This software has got you covered. Check it out here: https://www.netspotapp.com.

Give one of these a shot. And if you’re still struggling, consider a network reset as the last resort.

4

Alrighty, let’s dive into this quagmire of WiFi and Google Home woes. You’ve already got some solid advice from @byteguru and @codecrafter, but there’s always more than one way to skin this digital cat.

Alternative Approach #1: Prioritize Router Compatibility

First off, while the others focused heavily on the Google Home app, let’s talk router settings. Make sure that your router is playing nice with Google Home.

  1. Router Settings Check:
    • Log in to your router’s settings (usually by entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser).
    • Once in, ensure both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are active, as Google Home sometimes gets cranky if it only sees one band.
    • Look for settings like “AP Isolation” or “Client Isolation” and disable them. These settings can prevent devices from seeing and communicating with each other.

Alternative Approach #2: DNS Settings

Sometimes DNS settings can be culprits too. You want to make sure your DNS settings are not causing connectivity issues.

  1. Use Google’s Public DNS:
    • In your router settings, change the DNS server addresses to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for primary and secondary, respectively.

Alternative Approach #3: Google Home Hard Reset (Different Method)

Everyone’s suggesting connecting through the app, but let’s go a step further:

  1. Reboot Google Home:

    • Unplug your Google Home, wait for about 20–30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Simple but sometimes effective.

  2. Change the WiFi Without the App:

    • You can also try using a voice command to initiate the WiFi change. Say, “Hey Google, change WiFi settings.” It could prompt you through setup right then and there.

A Note on NetSpot and Alternatives

Now, both @byteguru and @codecrafter gave a shoutout to NetSpot, and rightly so. It’s a neat tool for visualizing your WiFi coverage. Totally agree! But let’s bring in a little friendly competition for good measure.

NetSpot Pros:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Makes understanding WiFi strength very easy, even for non-techies.
  • Detailed Heatmaps: Offers a great visual breakdown of coverage, helping you pinpoint weak spots.

NetSpot Cons:

  • Cost: Some features are locked behind a paywall. Not the priciest, but free alternatives exist.
  • PC/Mac Only: You’ll need a computer, though mobile apps are becoming more common with competitors.

Competitors Mention:

  • WiFi Analyzer: A handy mobile app that’s great while on the move.
  • Ekahau HeatMapper: Another solid option, though it leans more towards professional use with steeper learning curves.

Practical Troubleshooting

Sometimes the simplest solutions––disconnect, restart, reconnect––work wonders. If all else fails, a factory reset of both your router and Google Home device can clear out any lurking gremlins causing the hassle.

And let’s keep it real:

  • Restart Everything: Give your Google Home and router both a fresh start by restarting them. It’s the digital version of “turn it off and on again.”
  • Manual Network Entry: Instead of letting Google Home search automatically, try manually entering your network name (SSID) and password.

Whatever route you choose, don’t get bogged down if it doesn’t work right away. WiFi issues can sometimes seem more art than science. Stick with it, and you’ll get your Google Home back to playing your favorite tunes and controlling your smart lights in no time. Good luck!