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 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 5GHz WiFi connection, your mobile device must support 5GHz.
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 see if it's listed. If you still can't find it, move to the next step. 

Step 1. First confirm if the SSID (network name) is hidden:

1. Can you see 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 “down arrow" located to the right of the network name field.
      2. Scroll all the way down and tap “Other”.
      3. Add 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.

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Step 2. Reboot router

1. Power the router off/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

1. From an IOS device
   1. Press the Home button two times quickly. You’ll see small previews of your recently used apps.
   2. Swipe right to find the app you want to close.
   3. Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
2. From an Android device
   1. Launch the Recent Applications menu to see small previews of your recently used apps.
   2. The Recent Apps button should be accessible at nearly any time along the bottom of the screen along with the other buttons on the virtual task bar.

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

1. Tap the “Network Name” to expand the drop down list of available network names and scroll down the list to identify desired WiFi name.
2. iOS ONLY - hit 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 moving closer to the Wi-Fi router (~20 feet).
2. Try setting up speaker or display using a different supported iOS or Android device.