Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If your Google Home or Nest speaker or display won’t connect to Wi-Fi, first check whether the home network works for other devices. Then follow the branch that matches the symptom: a network missing from setup, a device missing from the Google Home app, or a visible network that rejects the connection. Restarting and checking the password are safe first steps; save a factory reset for later because it erases device data.
First check whether the Wi-Fi network itself is down
- Make sure the speaker or display is plugged into a wall outlet and powered on.
- Try the same Wi-Fi network on a phone, tablet, or computer. If those devices also cannot get online, restart the router by unplugging it for one minute and plugging it back in.
- If other devices still cannot connect after the router restarts, contact your internet service provider to check for an outage or changed network settings.
- If other devices work, check that you are entering the Wi-Fi password exactly as set, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
Google’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide for smart speakers and displays recommends keeping the device within 15–20 feet (4–6 m) of the router during setup. Move it closer while troubleshooting.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If the Wi-Fi network isn’t listed during setup
A network missing from the setup list is a different problem from a listed network that fails to connect. Check the signal where the speaker or display is located, then try setup closer to the router. If you are setting up over 5 GHz Wi-Fi, the phone or tablet running setup must also support 5 GHz.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use the current Google Home app on a supported phone or tablet. Google’s setup guidance currently lists Android 9.0 or later and iOS 17.0 or later; compatibility requirements can change, so check the current setup guide if your device or app does not meet those versions.
#1 Best Overall
- Each nest Wi Fi router provides up to 2200 square feet of fast, reliable Wi Fi coverage for your home. [1]
If the speaker or display doesn’t appear in the Google Home app
This is a discovery issue: the app cannot see the device to continue setup. Confirm the speaker or display is powered on and in setup mode, then try these checks before resetting it:
- Restart the speaker or display and force-close and reopen the Google Home app.
- Turn your phone’s Wi-Fi off and back on, then try again.
- Move the speaker or display closer to the router and phone.
- Try setup from another supported phone or tablet.
- On Android, check the phone’s Wi-Fi settings for the device’s temporary Wi-Fi network, as described in Google’s speaker and display discovery guidance.
If the app says it “could not communicate with your device,” or the device still does not appear after these checks, follow Google’s device-specific guidance before considering a factory reset. A reset clears data and cannot be undone.
Rank #2
- The product is refurbished, is fully functional and in excellent condition. Backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
If the network is listed but connection or setup fails
Restart in this low-risk order, then retry setup and enter the password again if prompted:
- Unplug the router for one minute, then reconnect it and wait for Wi-Fi to return.
- Unplug the speaker or display for one minute, then reconnect it.
- Force-close and reopen the Google Home app.
- Turn the phone’s Wi-Fi off and on.
- Retry setup. On a dual-band router, try the 2.4 GHz network and then the 5 GHz network if both are available.
Avoid changing advanced router settings without a specific reason. If you suspect the router or network settings are the cause, your internet provider or network administrator can help check them.
Rank #3
- Nest Wifi Pro is up to 2x faster than Wi-Fi 6, so you get super fast speeds and a reliable connection for your entire home[1]
- Three Wi-Fi routers provide up to 6600 square feet of fast, reliable Wi-Fi[2]; and you can customize your setup to create a mesh Wi-Fi system for the coverage you need
- Nest Wifi Pro uses the latest, most advanced Wi-Fi 6E technology[3], so it isn’t compatible with previous generations of Google Wifi or Nest Wifi
- Nest Wifi Pro automatically adjusts your Wi-Fi network’s performance and activity; it prioritizes video calls and helps websites load quickly
- It has built-in technology to make sure your connection is strong and consistent, even at the edge of your Wi-Fi network’s coverage[2]
If you have a new router or changed the Wi-Fi password
The speaker or display may still have the old network credentials saved. If it remains accessible in the Google Home app, forget the saved network and set it up again:
- In Google Home, select the device tile.
- Open Settings → Device information → Wi-Fi → Forget this network.
- Return to Home, add or search for the device, and follow the setup steps to connect it to the current Wi-Fi network.
Google’s instructions for connecting devices to a new Wi-Fi network recommend a factory reset and setup again if forgetting the network fails, the app reports it cannot communicate while forgetting it, network settings cannot be changed, or adding the device to another network fails. Because resetting erases device data, treat it as a later step, not a routine first fix.
Rank #4
- This product includes 2 router units..Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
- Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your whole home in fast, reliable Wi-Fi and eliminate buffering in every room – with coverage up to 4400 square feet.[1]
- 1 Wi-Fi router plugs into your internet provider’s modem to create your Wi-Fi network. The other extends the wireless network and keeps your connection fast to devices in every room. For more coverage, add Nest Wifi routers or points to your system.
- Nest Wifi routers are strong enough to handle up to 200 connected devices, and fast enough to stream multiple 4K videos at a time.[2] Compatible with Google Wifi; Ethernet ports included on each router. 15W power adapter.
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wi-Fi remains fast.[3] Walk from room to room on a video call with an uninterrupted signal. Nest Wifi automatically updates itself to get new features and help your network stay safe and sound.
Use a hotspot only to diagnose the problem
After the normal checks fail, you can briefly try connecting the speaker or display to a phone hotspot. Google says hotspots may work but are not fully supported; reliability can depend on carrier coverage, interference, and the data plan.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- If the device connects to the hotspot, it can join a Wi-Fi network, so the home network or its settings are the likely area to investigate. Contact your internet or network provider.
- If it cannot connect to the hotspot either, contact Google support for help with the device.
Google’s guidance does not establish a single cause or guarantee that any one step will fix every speaker or display. This advice applies to Google smart speakers and displays, not automatically to every product in the Nest range.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Nest Wifi Pro is up to 2x faster than Wi-Fi 6, so you get super fast speeds and a reliable connection for your entire home[1]
- One Wi-Fi router provides up to 2200 square feet of fast, reliable WiFi[2]; and you can customize your setup to create a mesh Wi-Fi system for the coverage you need
- Nest Wifi Pro uses the latest, most advanced Wi-Fi 6E technology[3], so it isn’t compatible with previous generations of Google Wifi or Nest Wifi
- Nest Wifi Pro automatically adjusts your Wi-Fi network’s performance and activity; it prioritizes video calls and helps websites load quickly
- It has built-in technology to make sure your connection is strong and consistent, even at the edge of your Wi-Fi network’s coverage[2]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
