How to change your Google Home's WiFi connection
To change the WiFi network your Google Home uses, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device you want to change, select the settings icon (gear), then tap "WiFi" and choose "Change network". The device will disconnect from the old network and walk you through connecting to the new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.
You'll need to be on the same WiFi network as your Google Home to make this change, or you can use a phone that's already connected to your home network. If you're setting up a new router or changing your network name or password, this is the method you'll use.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Google Home app, find your device, tap settings, then select "WiFi" and "Change network" to switch to a different network.
- Your phone must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Google Home, or to the new network you're switching to.
- The device will restart during the process and may take a few minutes to reconnect fully.
- If the change fails, restart your Google Home by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again.
- Changing networks does not erase your device settings, routines, or voice history — only the WiFi connection changes.
Step-by-step: changing your WiFi in the Google Home app
Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network your Google Home is currently using, or to the new network you want to switch to.
Tap and hold the Google Home device you want to change. At the bottom right, tap the settings icon (a gear). Scroll down and tap "WiFi". You'll see the network your device is currently connected to. Tap "Change network".
The app will show you available networks. Select the new network from the list. If the network doesn't appear, make sure your router is on and broadcasting its name. Enter the password for the new network when prompted. The device will disconnect and reconnect — this takes about one to three minutes.
What happens if the change doesn't work
If your Google Home won't connect to the new network, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you're typing the WiFi password correctly — it's case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter.
If the password is correct but the device still won't connect, unplug your Google Home from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once the lights on the device stop flashing, try the WiFi change again through the app.
If you're switching to a brand-new router and the device still won't connect after a restart, check whether your router is set to 2.4 GHz WiFi. Some older Google Home models only work on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz. Your router settings should let you enable both bands, or you can contact your internet provider for help with your specific router model.
Changing WiFi on a device you've just unboxed
When you first set up a new Google Home, the Google Home app guides you through connecting to WiFi as part of the initial setup. You don't need to use the "Change network" method — just follow the setup prompts and select your network when asked.
If you skip the WiFi step during setup or need to change it before completing setup, open the Google Home app and look for a prompt to set up a new device. The app will walk you through the same WiFi selection process.
What you should know about WiFi and your Google Home's privacy
Changing your WiFi network does not change what data Google Home collects or how it uses your voice recordings. The WiFi connection is straightforward the pipe that carries your voice to Google's servers — switching networks doesn't affect the privacy settings on the device itself.
If you want to control what Google Home records, you can mute the microphone with the physical button on the device, or go to the Google Home app, tap your device settings, and turn off "Microphone" under "Device controls". You can also review and delete your voice history in the Google Home app under "Settings" > "Voice and Video Answers" > "Voice history".
When you change networks, your device keeps all its settings, routines, and linked smart home devices. Only the WiFi connection itself changes.
Changing WiFi on multiple Google Home devices at once
If you have more than one Google Home device and you're switching to a new network, you'll need to change each device separately through the Google Home app. There's no bulk option to change all devices at once.
Start with the device closest to your router, then move to devices farther away. This order helps because devices that are closer tend to connect more reliably on the first try. If a distant device fails to connect, move it closer to the router temporarily, complete the WiFi change, then move it back to its original location.
When you might need to change your WiFi
You'll change your Google Home's WiFi in a few common situations: when you get a new router, when you change your network name or password, when you move to a new home, or when you want to connect to a guest network instead of your main network.
If you're moving to a new home and keeping the same network name and password, your Google Home may reconnect automatically. If it doesn't, or if you're using a new network entirely, use the steps above to reconnect manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing WiFi erase my routines and smart home settings?
No. Changing the WiFi network only disconnects and reconnects the device to the internet. All your routines, linked devices, voice history, and personal settings stay exactly as they were. The device will be fully functional on the new network with everything intact.
Can I change the WiFi if I don't have the Google Home app?
You need the Google Home app to change WiFi networks. There's no other way to do it through the device itself or a web browser. If you don't have the app, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone), sign in with the same Google account you used to set up the device, and follow the steps above.
What if my Google Home won't show up in the app when I try to change the WiFi?
If the device doesn't appear in your app, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as the Google Home. The app needs to be on the same network to see the device. If it's still not showing up, restart your phone and try again.
Does changing WiFi affect how Google Home listens for the wake word?
No. The wake word detection happens on the device itself, not through the internet. Changing networks won't change how quickly or accurately your Google Home responds to "Hey Google" or "OK Google".
Can I connect my Google Home to a 5 GHz network instead of 2.4 GHz?
Most newer Google Home models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both, the device will usually pick the stronger signal automatically. If you want to force it to use 5 GHz, check your router settings to see if you can disable the 2.4 GHz band, though this may affect other devices in your home that only work on 2.4 GHz.