The fastest way: use the Google Home app on your phone

Open the Google Home app, tap the device you want to move, go to Settings, then select "Wi-Fi" and choose your new network. Enter the password if prompted. The device will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one — usually within 30 seconds. This works whether you changed routers, moved to a new house, or your internet provider gave you a new modem.

If the app does not show your device, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the Google Home speaker right now. The app needs to see the device to change its settings. If you are already on a different network, you will need to walk back to the speaker or use a second phone or tablet that is still connected to the old WiFi.

The device stays on the old network during this process, so you do not lose any settings, routines, or automations. Everything syncs back to your Google account once it connects to the new WiFi.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app on your phone is the standard way to change WiFi — go to the device settings and select the new network.
  • Your phone must be on the same network as the speaker to change its WiFi settings, or you need a second device that is.
  • If the app cannot find your device, restart the speaker by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • The speaker keeps all your routines, automations, and settings when you move it to a new network.

When the app cannot find your device

If you open the Google Home app and the speaker does not appear in your device list, the most common reason is that your phone is not on the same network as the speaker. Switch your phone's WiFi back to the old network temporarily. Once you see the device in the app, you can change it to the new one.

If switching back does not help, restart the speaker. Unplug it from the wall outlet, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. The light will blink while it boots up — this takes about a minute. Then try opening the Google Home app again. If the device still does not appear after a restart, check that the speaker is actually powered on and that the old WiFi network is still broadcasting (your router is on).

In rare cases, the speaker may have lost its connection to your Google account. If restarting does not work, you can factory reset the device by holding down the reset button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes. This erases all settings and routines, so use this only as a last resort.

Changing WiFi without the app: using the speaker's button

If you do not have the Google Home app or your phone is not available, you can put the speaker into setup mode using the physical button on the device. Hold down the button on top of the speaker for about 15 seconds until you hear a chime and the light turns white. The speaker will enter pairing mode and broadcast its own temporary WiFi network.

On your phone or another device, go to WiFi settings and look for a network named something like "GoogleHomeSetup" or "Chromecast Setup". Connect to that temporary network. A setup page should open automatically in your browser — if it does not, open a browser and go to 192.168.86.1. Follow the prompts to select your new WiFi network and enter the password.

This method takes longer than using the app and you will lose any routines or automations you set up, because the speaker essentially resets itself. Use this only if the app method does not work.

Moving multiple Google Home devices at once

If you have more than one Google Home speaker or display, you can change them all to the new network without doing each one individually. Open the Google Home app, go to Settings, tap "Wi-Fi", and you will see a list of all your devices. Select each one and change it to the new network. The app will handle them in sequence.

Alternatively, if all your devices are on the same old network, you can use the Google Home app to change the network for your entire home at once. Go to Home Settings, select the home name, tap "Wi-Fi", and choose the new network. This applies the change to every device in that home that is currently connected to the old WiFi.

What to do if the speaker connects but loses internet

Sometimes the speaker connects to your new WiFi network but then shows "No Internet" or stops responding to commands. This usually means the speaker can see the WiFi but cannot reach the internet through it. Check that your new router is actually connected to the internet — look for a light on the router that indicates an active connection, or try opening a website on your phone.

If the router is online, restart the speaker by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Then check the Google Home app to see if it reconnects. If it still shows no internet, try moving the speaker closer to the router temporarily — WiFi signal strength can affect the connection. Once it is working, you can move it back to its normal location.

If the problem persists, restart your router as well. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all the lights to stabilize before trying the speaker again. This clears any temporary connection issues between the router and the speaker.

Keeping your speaker on the old network temporarily

If you are not ready to switch everything over at once — for example, if you are testing a new router before fully replacing the old one — you can leave the speaker on the old network for now. The Google Home app will still work as long as your phone is on the same network as the speaker, or if both are on your home WiFi (even different networks).

When you are ready to move it, just follow the same steps: open the app, go to device settings, select the new network, and enter the password. There is no rush, and you will not lose any settings by waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my routines and automations when I change WiFi?

No. Routines, automations, and all other settings stay with your Google account. As long as you use the Google Home app to change the network (not the physical reset button), everything transfers to the new WiFi automatically.

Can I change the WiFi if I do not have the password?

No. You need the password to the new network to complete the connection. If you do not know it, check the router itself — many routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If it is a network you do not own, ask the person who set it up.

Why does my speaker keep disconnecting from the new WiFi?

This usually means the speaker is too far from the router or there is interference from other devices. Try moving the speaker closer to the router temporarily to confirm it can stay connected. If it works nearby but not at a distance, you may need a WiFi extender or a router with better range.

Do I have to change the WiFi on my phone too?

Your phone and the speaker can be on different networks and still work together. However, if you want to use the Google Home app to control the speaker, your phone needs to be on the same network as the speaker, or both need to be on your home WiFi network (which the app recognizes).

What if the speaker was on a guest network before?

Guest networks often block communication between devices, so the speaker may not have worked properly. Moving it to your main home network should fix this. Use the Google Home app to change it to the main network, and the speaker should respond to commands much faster.