Wi-Fi network not listed in the Google Home app

If you're unable to find your Wi-Fi network name in the dropdown list of available Wi-Fi networks when setting up Google Nest or Google Home speaker or display, try these steps.

Initial checklist

First, make sure:

1. Your mobile device is able to connect directly to the same network from your current location.
2. You're near your Wi-Fi router.
3. You typically have a strong Wi-Fi connection in the location you're trying to set up speaker or display.
4. If you're attempting to set up your speaker or display on 5 GHz WiFi connection, your mobile device must support 5 GHz.
5. Is your Wi-Fi network configured to be hidden, meaning does your WiFi network broadcast its name (SSID) to be visible by everyone? 
   • Note: If it is broadcasting, it will be listed in your available networks on the device being used to complete setup. 
   • If it's not listed, move to the troubleshooting section below for hidden networks. 

Hidden network troubleshooting

If you've checked off all of the steps above and the Wi-Fi is still not listed, try one of the steps below and then check if it's listed. If you still can't find it, move to the next step. 

Step 1. Confirm if the network name (SSID) is hidden

1. Is the network listed on other devices which aren’t currently connected to the network?

   1. If no, then the SSID is broadcasting but hidden, and you'll need to enter the SSID and password manually in the Google Home app during setup.
      1. From the Wi-Fi setup screen, click on the arrow located to the right of the network name field.
      2. Scroll all the way down and tap Other.
      3. Add the Wi-Fi Information for the wireless network.
         1. Enter Wi-Fi network name.
         2. Enter security information from one of the following choices. (Note: If you do not have this information, you will need to log into your router or contact your ISP to find the security settings.)
            1. None
            2. WEP
            3. WPA
            4. WPA2
         3. Enter password.
         4. Tap Set Network.

Step 2. Reboot router

1. Power the router off and then power it back on. Note: Most routers just require that you unplug the power source and then plug it back in to reboot.

Step 3. Reboot your speaker or display

1. Disconnect the power cable from your speaker or display.
2. Reconnect power cable back into your speaker or display.

Step 4. Force close Google Home application

Step 5. When all devices have completed rebooting and you're able to access the internet, try to set up your speaker or display

1. Tap Network Name to expand the drop down list of available network names and scroll down the list to identify desired Wi-Fi name.
2. iOS only: Tap the network scan refresh button next to Network Name drop down.

Advanced troubleshooting​

If your Wi-Fi is still not listed, try the following:

1. Try to move closer to the Wi-Fi router (about 20 feet).
2. Try to set up speaker or display using a different supported iOS or Android device.