The fastest way to switch networks

To change the WiFi network on your Google Home Mini, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose a new network from the list. The whole process takes about two minutes and doesn't require a factory reset.

You'll need the password for the new WiFi network you're switching to. If you don't have it, ask whoever manages that network or check the router itself — most routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app on your phone is the only way to change WiFi without resetting the device to factory settings.
  • You need the Google Home Mini to already be connected to a WiFi network and powered on before you can change it.
  • If the device is offline or you've forgotten the old network password, a factory reset is the only option.
  • After switching networks, the device takes 30 seconds to a minute to reconnect and show as online in the app.

What you need before you start

Your Google Home Mini must be powered on and already connected to WiFi. If it's offline or unplugged, you can't change the network through the app — you'll need to factory reset it instead.

You also need the Google Home app installed on your phone or tablet. This is the official Google app, not Google Assistant or Google Play Services. If you don't have it, read it from the App Store or Google Play Store for free.

Make sure you know the password for the new WiFi network. If you're switching to a network you don't manage, ask the person who does. If you're switching to your own new router, the password is usually on a sticker attached to the device.

Step-by-step: changing the network through the app

Open the Google Home app and look at the home screen. You'll see a list of your devices. Find your Google Home Mini in that list — it will show the device name you gave it, like "Kitchen Speaker" or "Bedroom Mini".

Tap the device to open its settings page. In the top right corner, tap the gear icon to enter Settings.

Scroll down and tap WiFi. The app will show you the network the device is currently connected to and a list of available networks nearby.

Tap the network you want to switch to from the list. If you don't see it, make sure the network is turned on and broadcasting its name. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name — if that's the case, tap "Add Network" and type the name and password manually.

Enter the password for the new network when prompted. Passwords are case-sensitive, so type it exactly as it appears — including capital letters, numbers, and special characters.

Tap Connect. The device will disconnect from the old network and attempt to join the new one. This usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. The app will show "Connecting" during this time.

Once the device reconnects, it will show as online in the app and you'll see the new network name listed under WiFi. You're done — the device will now use this network for all internet access.

What to do if the device won't connect to the new network

If the Google Home Mini shows "Connecting" for more than two minutes, or if it says the password is incorrect, first double-check that you typed the password exactly right. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count.

If the password is correct, move the device closer to the router temporarily. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. If it connects when closer, the issue is signal strength — move the device to a location with better coverage or consider moving the router.

If the device still won't connect, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the lights to stop flashing, then try connecting to the network again through the app.

If none of these steps work, you'll need to factory reset the device. This erases all settings and returns it to the state it was in when you first unboxed it. You can then set it up again from scratch with the new network.

How to factory reset if you can't access the app

If your Google Home Mini is offline and you can't reach it through the app, or if you've forgotten the old network password, a factory reset is necessary. Locate the reset button — it's a small hole on the bottom of the device.

Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the reset button for about 15 seconds. The lights on top of the device will flash orange, then turn off. When they come back on and the device speaks, the reset is complete.

After the reset, the device will be ready to set up again. Open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the setup steps. You'll be asked to choose a WiFi network during setup — select your new network and enter its password.

Switching between networks you already use

If you have multiple WiFi networks in your home — for example, a main network and a guest network — you can switch between them using the same method. Open the app, go to the device settings, select WiFi, and choose the network you want.

This is useful if you're upgrading your router and want to move devices to the new network one at a time, or if you're testing whether a device works better on a different band (2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz). Some routers broadcast both bands under the same name; others give them separate names like "Network-2.4" and "Network-5".

If your router broadcasts both bands under one name, the device will automatically choose the band that works best. If they have separate names, you can pick the specific band by choosing the network name that includes the frequency.

Why the device might disconnect after you change networks

Occasionally a Google Home Mini will disconnect from a new network within hours or days of switching. This usually means the device is too far from the router or the signal is weak in that location.

Move the device closer to the router and check whether it stays connected. If it does, the original location had poor coverage. Consider moving the router, adding a WiFi extender, or placing the device in a location with stronger signal.

If the device disconnects even when close to the router, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If it still disconnects repeatedly, try switching back to the old network to see if the problem is specific to the new network or a hardware issue with the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unpair the device from my Google account before changing networks?

No. Changing the WiFi network doesn't affect your Google account pairing. The device stays linked to your account and keeps all your settings, routines, and smart home connections. You only need to unpair if you're giving the device to someone else or removing it from your home permanently.

Will changing networks erase my routines or smart home setup?

No. Routines, device names, and smart home automations stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is which WiFi network the device uses to connect to the internet. Everything else remains the same.

What if I don't see the new network in the list?

The network might be hidden, or it might be too far away for the device to detect. If it's your own router, check the settings to make sure the network name is being broadcast. If it's hidden, tap "Add Network" in the app and type the name and password manually. If the network is far away, move the device closer to the router temporarily to complete the connection.

Can I change the WiFi from Google Assistant voice commands?

No. You must use the Google Home app on your phone. There's no voice command to change networks. This is a security feature — it prevents someone else from changing your device's network without physical access to your phone.

How long does it take for the device to show as online after switching?

Usually 30 seconds to a minute. During this time the app will show "Connecting". If it takes longer than two minutes, the password is likely incorrect or the signal is too weak. Check the password and try again, or move the device closer to the router.