How To Change Wi-Fi On Google Home And Nest Devices (2026)
You changed your router, your Wi-Fi password or your internet provider, and your Google Home or Nest speaker now says it cannot connect.
That is normal, because these devices remember the old network until you tell them to forget it.
The fix takes about five minutes per device in the Google Home app, and the steps below follow Google’s own help page.
Which method do you need? A quick answer table
| Your device | Where you change Wi-Fi | Reset needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub, Google Home | Google Home app: Settings, Device information, Wi-Fi | Only if forgetting the network fails |
| Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV | On the TV: Settings, Wi-Fi network | No |
| Older Chromecast models and Chromecast Audio | Google Home app: Settings, Device information, Wi-Fi | Only if the app cannot change it |
| Nest cameras and doorbells | Google Home app: remove, then add again, or Nest app Home Wi-Fi help | Yes, removal resets it |
| Nest Wifi, Nest Wifi Pro, Google Wifi | Not changed this way: restart modem and points in order | No |
What should you check before you switch networks?
Google says speakers, displays and streaming devices must be set up from a phone or tablet using the same account as the device.
Keep the phone, the device and the router close during setup, within about 10 to 15 feet, per Google’s setup troubleshooting page.
Connect the phone to your main home network, not a guest network.
Thermostats need you standing near the device, and Nest Connect locks need your phone in the same room as the Connect.
How do you change Wi-Fi on a Google Home or Nest speaker or display?
Use these steps from Google’s help page for speakers and displays.
- Open the Google Home app, tap Home, then All devices.
- Touch and hold the device’s tile.
- Tap Settings, then Device information, then Wi-Fi.
- Tap Forget this network.
The device disconnects as soon as the network is forgotten, which is expected.
How do you connect it to the new network?
- Return to the Home screen and tap Home, then Add, then Device.
- Tap Search for device.
- Follow the in-app prompts and pick the new network.
- Enter the password if asked.
How do you change Wi-Fi on Google TV Streamer or Chromecast?
On a Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV, use the TV itself.
- Select Settings, then Wi-Fi network, then your network name.
- Select Forget network.
- Set the device up again on the new network.
Older Chromecasts and Chromecast Audio use the same app path as speakers: Settings, Device information, Wi-Fi, Forget this network.
What about Nest cameras, doorbells and thermostats?
| Device | What Google says to do |
|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) and Nest Thermostat | App: Settings, Device information, Wi-Fi, then follow the prompts |
| Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen or earlier) and Thermostat E | On the thermostat: press the ring, Settings, Network, pick the new network |
| Cameras and doorbells | Remove the device in the app, then Add, Device, Scan QR code |
| Nest x Yale Lock and Nest Connect | Stand in the same room as the Nest Connect, then Nest app: Settings, Nest Connect, Wi-Fi Connection, Start |
| Nest Protect (1st and 2nd gen) | Nest app: Settings, Device options, Wi-Fi connection |
Removing a camera erases its video history, so save important clips first.
Why does the network not show up during setup?
Some Nest devices and many third-party devices only support 2.4 GHz, per Google.
If setup fails, connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz network and try again.
A hidden network will not appear in the list, so tap the arrow beside the network name field, choose Other, and enter the name, security type and password.
For more on bands, see our guide to 2.4GHz versus 5GHz settings.
What if setup keeps failing?
| Symptom | Try this (from Google) |
|---|---|
| Network not listed | Reboot the router, unplug the device for 10 seconds, force close the app, then retry |
| Setup stalls on iPhone | Turn on Local Network for Google Home in iPhone Settings, Privacy and Security |
| Odd connection errors | Turn off mobile data, VPNs, proxy apps and iCloud Private Relay |
| Still stuck | Use a different supported phone or tablet for setup |
Wait 60 seconds when power-cycling your router and modem.
When do you need a factory reset?
Google says to reset if you see the error “could not communicate with your” device while forgetting the network, or if the app will not let you change settings.
A reset cannot be undone and cannot be started by voice or from the app.
Google also advises trying a reboot or the troubleshooting steps first, because a reset clears the device’s data and disconnects it from everyone in the home.
On a Nest Hub (2nd gen), review and delete Sleep Sensing data before you reset it.
| Device | Reset method |
|---|---|
| Nest Mini (2nd gen) | Mic switch off, then hold the centre about 15 seconds |
| Nest Audio | Mic switch off, then hold the centre near the top about 15 seconds |
| Google Home (original) | Hold the mic mute button about 15 seconds |
| Home Mini (1st gen) | Hold the reset button under the power cable about 15 seconds |
| Home Max | Hold the reset button near the power cable about 12 seconds |
| Nest Hub (original and 2nd gen) | Hold both volume buttons about 10 seconds |
| Nest Hub Max | Save video history, remove it in the app, then hold both volume buttons about 10 seconds |
What if your Nest Wifi or Google Wifi is the router?
These are routers, so you do not forget a network on them.
- Check the Ethernet cable is firmly in the WAN port and connected to your modem.
- Unplug all network devices, then power the modem and wait about 2 minutes.
- Reconnect the router or primary point and wait about 1 minute.
- Power any extra points and run a mesh test in the app.
Most setups use DHCP by default, so change the WAN settings in the app only if your internet provider requires PPPoE or a static IP.
If a mesh point shows offline, check that it is within range of the router or primary point.
Shopping for a new router? See Eero versus Google Nest.
How do you move several devices to a new network?
Google’s page gives steps for each device and does not describe a batch process.
Repeat the forget-and-add steps for each speaker, display and Chromecast.
Sources: Google Nest Help: new Wi-Fi network, network not listed, factory reset.