Change your Google Home's WiFi in the Google Home app

To switch your Google Home to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device you want to change, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose a new network from the list. The device will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one — the whole process takes about two minutes.

You need to be connected to the same WiFi network as your Google Home device when you make this change, or be signed into the same Google account that controls the device. If you're changing networks because your router is down or you're moving to a new location, you may need to use a different method.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the fastest way to change networks — you can do it from your phone without unplugging anything.
  • Your phone must be on the same WiFi network as the Google Home device, or you must be signed into the same Google account.
  • If your current network is down, you can reset the device and set it up again on the new network instead.
  • Some routers broadcast two networks at once (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) — Google Home works on both, but may perform better on 2.4 GHz in some homes.
  • After you change networks, the device may take a few minutes to reconnect and show as online in the app.

Step-by-step: changing WiFi through the app

Step 1: Open the Google Home app on your phone. Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as your Google Home device.

Step 2: Tap the device you want to change. If you have multiple Google Home devices, they will all appear as a list — select the one you're moving to a new network.

Step 3: Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner of the device card.

Step 4: Scroll down and tap WiFi. You will see the network your device is currently connected to, marked as "Connected".

Step 5: Tap "Change WiFi" or "Forget Network". The app will show you a list of available networks in your area.

Step 6: Select the new network from the list. If the network is hidden, you can type the name manually.

Step 7: Enter the password for the new network. Make sure you type it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive.

Step 8: Tap Connect or Save. The device will disconnect from the old network and attempt to join the new one. Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the connection to complete.

What to do if the app method doesn't work

If you cannot see the new network in the app, or the device fails to connect after you enter the password, the problem is usually one of these: the password is incorrect, the device is too far from the router, or the network is not broadcasting its name (hidden network).

First, double-check the password by logging into your router's settings on a computer or another device. Passwords for WiFi are often different from the password you use to log into the router itself. If the password is correct, move the Google Home device closer to the router and try again.

If the network is hidden, you will need to type the exact network name (SSID) into the app manually rather than selecting it from a list. Go back to the WiFi settings, look for an option to add a hidden network, and enter the name and password there.

Resetting and setting up on a new network

If your old WiFi network is down or you cannot connect through the app, you can reset the Google Home device and set it up again from scratch on the new network. This erases all settings and removes the device from your account, so you will need to add it back afterward.

To reset a Google Home Mini or Nest Mini, hold down the reset button (usually on the bottom or back of the device) for 10 to 15 seconds until the light turns orange. For a Google Home Max or larger device, press and hold the microphone mute button and the volume down button together for 10 seconds. The device will restart and be ready to set up again.

Once the device is reset, open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon to add a new device, and follow the setup steps. When you reach the WiFi screen, select your new network and enter the password. The device will connect and be added back to your account.

Choosing between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks

Many modern routers broadcast two networks at the same time: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. Both will show up in the Google Home app as separate network names. Google Home devices work on both frequencies, but 2.4 GHz often works better for smart home devices because the signal travels farther and through walls more easily.

If your router broadcasts both frequencies under the same name (called dual-band or smart connect), the device will automatically choose the best one. If they have different names, you can select whichever one gives you the strongest signal in the room where your Google Home is located. You can check signal strength by looking at the WiFi icon on your phone while standing near the device.

If you are having connection problems, try switching from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz network is faster but does not work as well over distance or through obstacles, so it may drop the connection if your device is far from the router.

Troubleshooting when the device won't reconnect

After you change networks, the Google Home device may take two to five minutes to show as online in the app. During this time, the device is connecting to the new network and syncing with Google's servers. Do not unplug it or try to change the settings again — just wait.

If the device still shows as offline after 10 minutes, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces a restart and often fixes connection problems. While it restarts, you will see the lights on the device cycle through different colors — this is normal.

If the device reconnects but then keeps dropping the connection, the problem is usually that the router is too far away or there is too much interference. Move the device closer to the router, or ask your internet provider whether there are other WiFi networks in your area that might be interfering with yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my routines and settings when I change WiFi?

No. Changing the WiFi network through the app keeps all your routines, smart home connections, and settings intact. The device stays in your account and remembers everything. You only lose settings if you reset the device itself.

Can I change the WiFi if I'm not home?

Only if you are signed into the Google Home app with the same account that controls the device and your phone is connected to the internet. You do not need to be on the same WiFi network as the device. However, if the device loses connection to WiFi entirely, you cannot change it remotely — you will need to reset it and set it up again when you return home.

What if I have a guest network and a main network?

Google Home can connect to either one. Guest networks work the same way as regular networks in the app. However, some guest networks are set up to block communication between devices, which can prevent your Google Home from controlling other smart home devices on your main network. If this happens, connect the Google Home to your main network instead.

Why does my Google Home keep disconnecting from the new WiFi?

This usually means the device is too far from the router, the signal is weak, or there is interference from other devices. Try moving the Google Home closer to the router, or moving the router to a more central location in your home. If you have a microwave or cordless phone nearby, move the Google Home away from it — these devices can interfere with 2.4 GHz WiFi.

Can I change WiFi on multiple Google Home devices at once?

No, you must change each device one at a time through the app. However, if you reset your router and all your devices lose connection, you can set them all up again on the new network in one session by adding them one after another in the Google Home app.