Google Nest is a smart home device that has grown in popularity over the years. You can use your Google Nest to set timers and reminders, play music, or help answer questions when your hands are not available. Sometimes you will run into issues when setting up your Google Nest, such as difficulty connecting to the Wi-Fi. How do you solve this issue?

There are many reasons why you may not be able to connect your Google Nest to Wi-Fi and many resolutions to sift through. Continue reading to walk through the troubleshooting process.

Check All Cable Connections 

Loose or damaged cables are a common cause of many technological problems. 

Checking to make sure everything is connected properly is the first and easiest step to resolving the issue of not being able to connect your Google Nest to Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

  • Check all cables connected to the Wi-Fi router for any damage or to see if they are fully connected.Check the power cable to the Google Nest for any damage or to see if it is plugged in all the way.

If all the cables are free of damage and fully connected to both the Wi-Fi router and the Google Nest device, continue reading these troubleshooting options. 

Restart the Wi-Fi Router and Google Nest

Sometimes when Wi-Fi connectivity issues occur it is best to restart both the Wi-Fi router and the Google Nest device.

 It is common to need to restart the Wi-Fi router on occasion when experiencing connection issues. Here’s how:

  • Unplug the Wi-Fi router for 30 seconds and plug it back inUnplug the Google Nest device and plug it back in

It will take a few minutes for the Wi-Fi to come back on. If this solution does not work, find the next fix below.

Check Configuration

If your internet service provider does not use DHCP protocol, then you will need to adjust your Google Home settings to match the Wi-Fi’s configuration. DHCP is the industry-standard IP that most internet providers use, which is why Google uses it as a default.

Here’s how to check your Google Nest’s configuration:

  • Check with your internet provider and find out which type of protocol they use. If your internet provider uses DHCP protocol, then you will not need to make any changes to your Google Home device in this step.On your smartphone, go into the Google Home app.Open the settings and go into WAN settingsAdjust the Google Home protocol to the same protocol that your internet provider uses.

If the reason you are unable to connect to Google Home’s Wi-Fi is due to your internet provider using a different protocol than DHCP, then this step will resolve your issue. Keep reading if you are still having the same issues.

Sorting Through Wi-Fi Issues

Often, the problem with connecting Google Nests to Wi-Fi is the Wi-Fi itself. If you do not have a good Wi-Fi- connection in the spot where you put your google nest this can be the sole cause of your connection issues.

Here’s how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues:

  • Consider the distance between the Wi-Fi router and the Google Nest Device. Walls and distance between your device and your router affect your Wi-Fi connection.Check to see if your Google Nest is in a dead spot. Several homes have spots where Wi-fi does not work.Use your phone to check and see if there is an internet outage in your area. Most internet providers will have an internet outage map available online.Make sure your payments are up to date with your internet provider.

If your internet is not working or your device is in a spot with a bad signal you will not be able to connect. 

Factory Reset Your Devices

Before replacing your device factory reset both your Google Nest device and your Wi-Fi router. Factory resets are a last resort way to solve your device issues because they will erase any data you already have stored on the devices. 

A factory reset will make your device’s memory the same as it was when you purchased the device.

Consider Purchasing Wi-Fi Meshes

Wi-Fi meshes are a way to help distribute your Wi-Fi throughout your home. This will allow you to put your Google Nest in more areas of your home without having as many dead spots or a weak Wi-Fi signal in the area you want to put your Google Nest. While Google Nest is a Wi-Fi mesh itself, you may need an alternative if it simply won’t work.

Conclusion

If after going through all these troubleshooting options, you are still unable to connect your Wi-Fi to the device you should contact Google support. They will walk you through more options from there. Following these tips will fix most Wi-Fi connection problems with the Google Nest.