If your Google Nest Wifi router or primary Google Wifi point and another nearby router are broadcasting the same Wi-Fi network name, it’s possible that your personal device is connected to the other router’s network. This can happen if you used an existing network name to set up your Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi devices.
If you have two routers with the same Wi-Fi name, your devices can get confused. This can cause your device to:
- Not connect to the fastest or most reliable point
- Switch back and forth between networks, making your connection intermittent
- Fail to communicate on your local network for tasks like casting or printing because your devices might be on different networks
- Be connected to your older router
Here are some solutions for how to avoid connection issues when you have an existing router or router/modem combo:
Turn off Wi-Fi on your modem/router comboIf your Google Nest Wifi router or Google Wifi primary point is connected to a modem/router combo, you’ll have to turn off Wi-Fi in the modem/router combo.
To disable Wi-Fi, connect a computer directly to your modem/router combo with an Ethernet cable. Log into your modem/router combo and find its settings to turn off Wi-Fi. To access your router’s settings, you might need to open an Internet browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar.
Many Internet Service Providers (ISP) and manufacturers provide instructions on how to do this.
After disabling Wi-Fi on your modem/router combo, your mobile device should automatically connect to your Nest Wifi router or Google Wifi primary point. If your device doesn’t automatically connect, turn off the Wi-Fi on your mobile device, then turn it on again.
Unplug your other router (Not Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi)
Note: This only applies to standalone routers. If you’re using a modem/router combination device, do not unplug it. You’ll need the modem part of it. Instead, follow the instructions above.
To fix this:
- Unplug both the power and Ethernet cables from the old router (Not Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi).
- Make sure your Google Nest Wifi router or Google Wifi primary point is properly connected to your modem and a wall outlet.
Your mobile device should now automatically connect to your Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network.
Rename one of your Wi-Fi networks
Change your other router’s Wi-Fi network name (not Nest Wifi or Google Wifi)
Changing your other router’s Wi-Fi name will allow your devices to connect to the new network. To change, connect a computer directly to your other router with an Ethernet cable. Log in to your modem/router combo and find its settings to turn off Wi-Fi. To access your router’s settings, you might need to open an internet browser then enter your router’s IP address in the address bar.
Details vary depending on the device. Many ISPs and manufacturers provide instructions on how to do this.
Note: If you change your network name and want to continue having certain devices connected to that network, you might need to reconnect those devices. Otherwise, they’ll try to connect to your Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network.
Change your Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network name
If you prefer to keep your network name with your old router, you could change your Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network name to avoid conflict.
Note: Any devices connected when you change names will need to be reconnected to use the new network name. Any devices connected to your other router will remain connected to your other network if unchanged.