Troubleshoot slow Internet on Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi

You can restart your modem to fix Internet connection problems, improve slow performance and resolve common wireless issues. Even if your modem appears to be working correctly, you may need to restart it to establish a secure connection to the Wifi point.

Here’s how to reboot a modem:

1. Unplug the power cable from the modem.
2. Wait 2 minutes.
3. Reconnect the power cable to the modem.
4. Wait for the modem and router or primary Wifi point to boot up and the Internet light to turn on, then check if your connection speed has improved.

Nest Wifi and Google Wifi support 10/100/1000 Mbps (Megabits per second) on the Ethernet port. However, your Internet speeds will be limited by the slowest component on your network. It can be reduced to 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps if the connection on the path to the Internet doesn’t support the higher speed. 

If you’re not getting your expected Internet speeds in your Internet speed test, or if you have received a priority event notice for limited Ethernet speeds in your Google Home app feed:

1. Check if you have an Ethernet cable with a speed rating that's lower than the expected speeds from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
   • Important: Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables are recommended for Internet speeds faster than 100 Mbps.
2. Check the Ethernet port ratings of any equipment in your network. Examples: Switch, modem, splitter, etc.
   • They should all be rated as fast or faster than the speed from your ISP.
   • The software configuration of your equipment could also be reducing your network’s speed.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) controls the initial bandwidth and speed of the Internet coming into your home. This can affect the Internet speed to all of your devices.

You may temporarily receive slow Internet from your ISP if they are working on their network in your area or have made other changes. Your speed could also be limited based on your plan. 

If you have recurring problems with slow Internet, ask your ISP if there are any current issues that might be slowing your Internet, or if there is anything they can do to improve your speed.

One solution is to turn off Wi-Fi on your other router (not Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi devices). Check the lights in the front of the router. Most routers have a light indicating whether the wireless radios are active or inactive. The light may look like this: .

To disable Wi-Fi, go into the router’s settings and turn off the wireless option. To access your router’s settings, you may have to open an Internet browser while connected to the non-Google router. Then open an Internet browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar, like this:

Steps will vary depending on the router. If your router was supplied by your ISP, they can assist in turning off your Wi-Fi. Many ISPs and manufacturers provide instructions on how to do this.