Changing your WiFi network on Google Home

To change the WiFi network your Google Home device connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, select Settings, then Network, and choose "Change WiFi network." You'll enter your new network name and password, and the device will reconnect within a few minutes. The process is the same whether you're switching to a different network entirely or reconnecting to your existing network after a password change.

You don't need to reset the device or lose any of your settings, routines, or linked smart home devices. The Google Home app handles the transition automatically, and your device will pick up where it left off once it connects to the new network.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, find your device, go to Settings, then Network, and select "Change WiFi network" to start the process.
  • You'll need your new network's name and password ready before you begin, and the device will reconnect within a few minutes.
  • Your routines, voice commands, and smart home connections stay intact—only the network connection changes.
  • If the device won't reconnect after several minutes, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • If you're moving to a 5GHz-only network, check whether your Google Home model supports it, as some older models only work on 2.4GHz.

Step-by-step process in the Google Home app

Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you're signed into the same Google account you used to set up the device. Tap and hold the Google Home device you want to change, or tap the gear icon if you see it on the device card.

Once you're in the device settings, look for "Network" or "WiFi" near the top of the menu. Tap it, then select "Change WiFi network." The app will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your new network name in the list, tap it, and enter the password. The device will attempt to connect immediately.

The connection usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. You'll see a confirmation message in the app once it's connected. If the app shows a spinning loading icon for more than 3 minutes, the password may be incorrect—go back and re-enter it carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.

What to do if the device won't reconnect

If the device stays disconnected after you've entered the correct password, the first step is a restart. Unplug the Google Home device from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary connection issues and usually resolves the problem.

While the device restarts, check that your WiFi network is actually broadcasting and that other devices can connect to it. If your router recently changed or you're using a new one, make sure the network name and password are what you think they are—some routers have default names that are easy to misread.

If the device still won't connect after a restart, try "Forget this network" in the app settings, wait 10 seconds, and then attempt to change the WiFi network again from scratch. This clears out any corrupted connection data the device may have stored.

Network compatibility and device limitations

Most Google Home devices work on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, but some older models only support 2.4GHz. If you're switching to a 5GHz-only network and your device won't connect, this is likely the reason. Check the specifications for your specific model on Google's support site to confirm which bands it supports.

If your router broadcasts both bands under the same network name (called "band steering"), the device will usually pick the right one automatically. However, if you've split them into separate networks with different names, make sure you're selecting the 2.4GHz network if you have an older Google Home model.

Guest networks and enterprise WiFi with login portals (common in offices and apartments) may not work with Google Home. If you're on a network that requires you to open a browser and log in before accessing the internet, the device won't be able to connect. You'll need to use your main home network or ask your network administrator if there's a device-friendly option.

Keeping your routines and smart home connections intact

Changing the WiFi network does not erase your routines, voice commands, or any settings you've customized. The device stays linked to your Google account and remembers everything it learned about your home and preferences.

Smart home devices that are connected through your Google Home (like smart lights, locks, or thermostats) will also stay connected as long as they're on the same new network. If any of those devices are on a different network or have their own connection issues, you may need to reconnect them separately through their own apps.

Switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks

If your router lets you choose between 2.4GHz and 5GHz, the choice depends on your situation. The 2.4GHz band travels farther and works better through walls, so it's better if your Google Home is far from the router or in a different room. The 5GHz band is faster but doesn't travel as far, so it's better if the device is close to the router and you want the best speed.

You can test both by changing the network once to each band and listening for any difference in response time when you give voice commands. Most people won't notice a practical difference unless the device is very far from the router or the connection is already weak.

Troubleshooting a device that keeps disconnecting

If your Google Home connects but then drops off the network repeatedly, the problem is usually interference or signal strength rather than the password. Move the device closer to the router and see if the disconnections stop. If they do, the device was too far away, and you may need to move the router, add a WiFi extender, or accept that the device works better on 2.4GHz.

Interference from other devices can also cause drops. Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors all use the 2.4GHz band and can interfere with WiFi. Try moving the Google Home away from these devices, or switch to 5GHz if your device supports it and you're close enough to the router.

If the device disconnects only at certain times of day, check whether your router reboots automatically on a schedule. Some routers restart every night at a set time, which briefly cuts all connections. Check your router's settings to see if this is happening, and consider changing the reboot time to a time when you're not using the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my routines and settings when I change the WiFi network?

No. Changing the WiFi network only changes which network the device connects to. All your routines, voice commands, smart home connections, and personalized settings stay exactly as they were. The device remains linked to your Google account and remembers everything.

Can I change the WiFi network without the Google Home app?

No, you must use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. There's no way to change the network through the device itself or through a web browser. Make sure you're signed into the same Google account you used to set up the device.

What if I don't know my new WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) or by checking the label on the back of the router. If you've forgotten the router login, you may need to reset the router to factory settings, which will erase all your WiFi settings.

How long does it take for Google Home to reconnect to a new network?

Usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If it takes longer than 3 minutes, the password is likely wrong or the device is out of range. Try re-entering the password carefully, or restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Will my Google Home work on a guest network?

It depends on your router settings. If the guest network is a standard WiFi network with a password, yes. If it requires you to open a browser and log in before accessing the internet, no—the device won't be able to connect. Check your router settings to see if you can disable the login requirement for guest networks.