Fix issues with a Nest speaker or display not connecting to Wi-Fi

If you can find your Wi-Fi network listed in the Google Home app  during setup, but you can't connect your Google Nest or Google Home speaker or display to the network and complete the setup process, try these steps.

Initial checklist

Before you get started, make sure that:

1. The Nest speaker or display is powered on and plugged into a wall outlet.
2. You're using the correct Wi-fi password. Try to enter it again.
3. Your mobile device is updated:
   • Android phone or tablet with Android 9.0 or later
   • iPhone or iPad with iOS 16.0 or later
4. You're using the most recent version of the Google Home app .
   1. Android: Get the latest version Google Home app
   2. iOS: Get the latest version Google Home app
5. The Nest speaker or display is within 15-20 ft (4-6 m) of the Wi-Fi router.
6. Has the speaker or display been connected to this network before?

• Were there any recent changes to your network?
  • Did your Internet Service Provider (ISP) upgrade or make any changes to your router or modem?

Note: Your speaker or display might not be able to connect to public Wi-Fi networks such as business networks, shared apartment networks, school dorm networks, school networks, and mobile hotspots or pocket Wi-Fi devices.

General troubleshooting

Step 1. Reboot your Wi-Fi router and your Nest speaker or display

1. Wi-Fi router

   • Unplug the power source for ~one minute and plug back in.
   • Note for Netgear Nighthawk users: If you're unable to set up using the Netgear Nighthawk router, then you may need to:
     • Disable Access Control
     • Enable the option "Allow guests to see each other and access my local network" in the "Guest Network Setup"
2. Nest speaker or display
   • Disconnect the power cable from the speaker or display.
   • Reconnect power cable back into the speaker or display.

Step 2. Turn mobile setup device's Wi-fi off and on

1. Open Wi-Fi settings on your mobile device. For detailed steps:

• Android devices: Connect to Wi-Fi networks on your Android device
• iOS devices: Connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

2. Turn Wi-Fi off and then back on again.

Step 3. Switch Wi-fi router bands (dual band routers only)

If you have a dual band router, try to setup your speaker or display on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Advanced troubleshooting

1. Set up a temporary mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

   • For Android: Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android.

   • For iOS: How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Once the mobile hotspot is turned on, set up the device and connect to the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Important:
  • It’s possible that hotspots or networks created via phone, tablet, or computer may work, but these methods aren't officially supported on Google Nest and Home devices.
  • A hotspot's availability can vary based on multiple factors such as the distance between the hotspot device from a carrier's tower, interference, or your data plan.
  • Some carriers may have additional charges for use of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots.

3. Next steps:
   • If your device is able to connect to a mobile hotspot, your device is able to connect to Wi-Fi, but not to your network. Reach out to your network provider for assistance.
   • If your device isn’t able to connect to a mobile hotspot, contact us.