Changing your Google Home WiFi in three steps

To change which WiFi network your Google Home connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, 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 within a minute or two. You do not need to reset the device or lose any of your routines and settings.

The process works the same whether you are switching to a different router, changing your network name, upgrading your password, or moving to a new home. Google Home remembers your preferences, automations, and linked accounts through the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, find your device, tap Settings, then WiFi to see available networks and switch to a new one.
  • The device stays connected to your Google account and keeps all your routines, automations, and smart home settings intact.
  • If your new network does not appear in the list, make sure the router is broadcasting its name and the device is within range.
  • If the device fails to connect after you select a new network, restart both the Google Home and your router, then try again.

Step-by-step: changing your WiFi network

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap the device you want to change — it will show as a card with the device name and a small icon. If you have multiple Google Home devices, make sure you are tapping the right one.

Tap the Settings icon (a gear) in the top right corner of the device card. Scroll down and tap WiFi. The app will show a list of available networks in your area, with your current network marked as connected.

Tap the new network you want to use. If you see a password field, enter the WiFi password. Tap Connect. The device will disconnect from the old network and join the new one — this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once it reconnects, the app will show the new network name under WiFi.

What happens to your settings and routines

Changing WiFi does not erase anything. Your Google Home keeps all your routines, automations, smart home device connections, and linked accounts. If you have set up voice commands, timers, or connected your device to other smart home products, those remain exactly as they were.

The only thing that changes is which network the device uses to reach the internet. From Google Home's perspective, it is still the same device with the same account and the same setup.

When the new network does not appear in the list

If you do not see your new network in the available networks list, the router may not be broadcasting its name publicly. Check your router settings to make sure the SSID (network name) broadcast is turned on. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name for security — if yours is hidden, you will need to turn that off temporarily to connect Google Home, then turn it back on if you want.

Also check that your Google Home device is within range of the router. Google Home works best within 30 to 50 feet of the router with a clear line of sight. If the device is too far away or blocked by walls and metal objects, move it closer to the router before trying to connect.

Troubleshooting connection failures

If you select a network and enter the password but the device does not connect, restart both the Google Home and your router. Unplug the Google Home for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for both devices to fully restart — the Google Home will show a light pattern when it is ready — then open the app and try connecting to the network again.

If the device still will not connect after a restart, double-check that you entered the WiFi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so a capital letter in the wrong place will cause the connection to fail. If you are not sure about the password, check your router or your internet provider's paperwork.

If the password is correct and the device still will not connect, the router may have a security setting that blocks new devices. Some routers have a MAC address filter or a feature that requires you to approve new devices before they join the network. Check your router settings or contact your internet provider for help.

Changing networks on multiple Google Home devices

If you have more than one Google Home device, you will need to change each one separately using the same steps. Open the app, tap each device, go to Settings and WiFi, and select the new network. You can do this one device at a time or all at once — there is no limit to how many devices can use the same network.

If you have a Google Nest WiFi system or Google WiFi router, those devices manage their own connection separately from your Google Home speakers. Changing the WiFi on your Google Home does not affect your router settings.

Moving to a new home or new router

When you move to a new home or replace your router, the process is the same: open the Google Home app, select the device, go to WiFi settings, and choose your new network. You do not need to factory reset the device or set it up again from scratch. The device will reconnect to your Google account automatically once it joins the new network.

If your new network has the same name and password as your old one, Google Home may reconnect automatically without you doing anything. If the network name or password is different, you will need to manually change it using the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Changing WiFi does not affect your routines, automations, or any settings stored in your Google account. Everything stays the same — only the network connection changes.

Can I change WiFi without the Google Home app?

No. You must use the Google Home app on a phone or tablet to change the WiFi network. There is no way to do it directly on the device itself or through a web browser.

What if I forget my new WiFi password?

You will need to know the password to connect Google Home to a new network. Check your router, look for a sticker on the back of the device, or check your internet provider's account page. If you still cannot find it, you can reset the router to factory settings, but that will erase all your router settings.

How long does it take for Google Home to connect to a new network?

Usually 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, the connection likely failed. Restart both the device and router, then try again.

Can I use a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz?

Yes. Google Home supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both, you can choose either one. The 5GHz network is faster but has shorter range, while 2.4GHz is slower but reaches farther. Choose whichever works best for your home layout.