Change your Google Home's WiFi in the Google Home app on your phone
Open the Google Home app, tap the device you want to change, then tap the settings icon (gear) in the top right. Scroll down and select Wi-Fi. Tap Forget to disconnect from the current network, then follow the on-screen steps to connect to a new one. The device will restart and rejoin your home network within a few minutes.
If you have multiple Google Home devices, you will need to change each one separately through the app. The process is the same for all Google Home speakers and displays — the only difference is the physical device you are holding while you tap through the app.
You do not need to unplug the device or reset it to change networks. The forget-and-reconnect method keeps all your routines, voice commands, and smart home connections intact.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Google Home app on your phone to change networks — tap your device, then the settings gear, then Wi-Fi, then Forget.
- The device will restart and reconnect within a few minutes; you do not need to unplug it or reset it.
- Changing networks does not erase your routines, voice commands, or smart home connections.
- If the device does not reconnect after five minutes, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again.
- You must change each Google Home device separately if you have more than one.
What happens when you forget the network
When you tap Forget, the device erases the password and network name it was using. It does not erase anything else — your Google account stays linked, your routines stay saved, and your smart home devices stay connected once the Google Home rejoins a network.
After you forget the network, the Google Home will not connect to anything until you give it new WiFi credentials. If you are changing to a different network (not just reconnecting to the same one), make sure you have the new network name and password ready before you start.
Reconnecting to the same network after a password change
If your WiFi password changed but the network name stayed the same, you still need to use the forget-and-reconnect process. The device stores both the network name and the password together, so changing one means the old credentials no longer work.
Open the Google Home app, go to your device settings, select Wi-Fi, and tap Forget. Then tap Set up device and enter your new password when prompted. The device will reconnect within a few minutes.
Troubleshooting when the device will not reconnect
If your Google Home does not reconnect after five minutes, unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait another two minutes for it to fully restart. If it still will not connect, open the Google Home app and check that you entered the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive.
If the password is correct and the device still will not connect, try forgetting the network again and reconnecting. Sometimes the device needs a second attempt. If it fails a second time, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying again.
If you are moving to a 5GHz-only network (one that does not broadcast a 2.4GHz band), some older Google Home devices may not support it. Check your router settings to see if you can enable a 2.4GHz network alongside the 5GHz one, or contact your router manufacturer to confirm which bands your model supports.
Moving a Google Home to a guest network
You can connect a Google Home to a guest network the same way you would connect it to your main network. Open the Google Home app, go to device settings, select Wi-Fi, tap Forget, then reconnect using the guest network name and password.
Keep in mind that guest networks often have different security settings or bandwidth limits. If you notice the device responding slowly or losing connection frequently, try moving it back to your main network. Some routers also reset guest networks periodically, which would disconnect your Google Home until you reconnect it manually.
What to do if you cannot access the Google Home app
If you do not have the Google Home app installed or cannot log in, you can reset the device and set it up again from scratch. Press and hold the reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you hear a sound or see a light change. The device will restart and enter setup mode.
Once it restarts, open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the setup steps. You will need to select your WiFi network and enter the password. This process will also re-link your Google account and restore your routines and smart home connections if they were saved to your account.
Changing networks on a Google Home that is far from your router
If your Google Home is in a room with weak WiFi signal, it may struggle to reconnect after you forget the network. Before you start, move the device closer to your router — even temporarily — so it can complete the reconnection process. Once it has successfully connected, you can move it back to its original location.
If the device still will not connect even when close to the router, the problem is likely not distance. Try the troubleshooting steps above: unplug the device, restart your router, and check that you entered the password correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing WiFi networks erase my Google Home routines?
No. Your routines, voice commands, and smart home connections are saved to your Google account, not to the WiFi network. They will still be there after you reconnect to a new network.
Can I change my Google Home's WiFi without the app?
No. You must use the Google Home app on your phone to change networks. There is no way to do it through the device itself or through a web browser.
How long does it take for a Google Home to reconnect after I forget the network?
Usually two to five minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If it still does not connect after another five minutes, check that you entered the password correctly.
What if I forget my WiFi password and cannot reconnect my Google Home?
You will need to reset your WiFi password through your router's admin panel or your internet provider's website. Once you have the new password, use the Google Home app to forget the network and reconnect with the new credentials.
Do I need to change WiFi on all my Google Home devices at once?
No. You can change them one at a time. Each device needs to be changed separately through the Google Home app, but you can do them in any order and at any time.