Device can't connect to my Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network

If your phone, computer, or other Wi-Fi device isn’t connected to your Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network, or often disconnects, here are a few things that could be affecting your connection:

Device has the wrong Wi-Fi password
Some device settings are turned off
Device is out of range of Wi-Fi or coverage needs to be improved
Problems with your internet or network
Issues with the device itself

Incorrect or old password

When the Wi-Fi network password on your device is incorrect, the device won’t be able to connect to your network. This can occur if the network password was entered incorrectly, if the network password was recently changed, or when your device receives an update. To fix this issue, update or reenter your network password on your device.

Device settings

Make sure that your device’s Wi-Fi is turned on and that airplane mode is turned off.
- Wi-Fi settings can usually be found within your device’s Settings app or by swiping down from the top or up from the bottom of your screen.
Make sure that your Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network is selected.
Make sure the device is not configured to use a static IP address (rare) that is not in the IP subnet range.
Make sure your device isn’t paused in the Google Home app.

Poor coverage

Make sure your mobile device is close to and within range of your router or point.
Make sure your router and any points are powered on. The light on your Nest Wifi or Google Wifi should glow.
Run a mesh test to check your network’s coverage. You may need to adjust the placement of your Wifi routers or points. Learn more about where to place your Wifi devices to improve coverage.

Slow internet connection

Slow internet can cause your device to not work properly and result in intermittent connectivity. Learn about ways to improve your internet speed.

Network issues

If none of the devices on your network are working or several devices in the same part of your home are down, you may have an issue with your internet or network. Learn more about how to fix Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network issues.

Device issues

If the above solutions haven’t fixed your issue, the problem may be related to your specific device. You may need to restart, update, or reset your device. For additional help, consult your device’s manufacturer website for info on connecting to Wi-Fi or changing Wi-Fi settings.

Google Nest devices:

Note: While most devices that use Wi-Fi work with Nest Wifi or Google Wifi, some don’t. Check if your device is compatible with Nest Wifi and Google Wifi.

Network insights

Wi-Fi network insights may be available in your Google Home Activity or issues related to this article. When an issue with your network is identified by Nest Wifi or Google Wifi devices, you’ll have an insight card in your Google Home Activity letting you know there could be a problem and suggesting a solution.

If you received a related network insight, check your insight message below for more information:

Update Wi-Fi password for [device name or number of devices]

You’ll receive this alert if your Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network password was changed in the last 7 days and a device can’t connect. The device tried connecting at least 5 times and it’s been at least 2 minutes since the last attempt. Usually, this means your device is still using the previous password to connect and needs to be updated.

Fix: Update the affected device’s password with your current network password.

Device or a number of devices couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi

You’ll receive this alert if Nest Wifi or Google Wifi detects that a device that was previously connected to the network within the last 30 days is no longer connected. The device recently tried connecting at least 5 times and it’s been at least 2 minutes since the last attempt.

When the alert doesn’t identify the device, then the alert could also be related to a new device being set up, or to an older device that is trying to reconnect to the network after being disconnected for more than 30 days. You can view devices that have been connected in the last 30 days to help determine which device can’t connect.

Fix: In both situations, it's likely that your device is using the wrong password to connect. Update the affected device’s password with your current network password.

[Device] has a poor network connection

You’ll receive this alert if Nest Wifi or Google Wifi detects that at least one device connected to your network has poor Wi-Fi signal strength and is experiencing connection issues. This means that the signal, on average, was < -77 dBm (decibel-milliwatts) for the majority of the last two hours, and that the device has disconnected from your network at least 3 times in the last 2 hours.

Fix: You may need to adjust the placement of your Wifi devices. Learn more about improving poor coverage.

What the light on your Wifi device means

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