Google WiFi Setup Issues: How To Fix [2023]

Google Wi-Fi may be a prolific Mesh Wi-Fi system. But getting past its setup procedure can test your patience.

In a world of feature-rich networking devices like TP-Link, Netgear, and other stalwarts, Google has made a name for itself with the elusive and often misunderstood Mesh networking.

But before you can enjoy all the many features of Google Wi-Fi, you'll have to set it up with a Modem. Enter problem of the hour - issues with setting up Google Wi-Fi.

To fix Google WiFi setup issues, check the cables and the connections first. Next, run a Mesh test to check the connection status of the Wi-Fi Points. Then, establish proper WAN settings according to your ISP recommendations. If none of these work, factory reset the Google Wifi.

Below, I've compiled a detailed account of the various fixes and tips to help you get set up your Google Wi-Fi correctly.

Setup Issues on Google WiFi: What Are They?

Issues with setup are various. And pinpointing the likely cause of these issues can be nerve-wracking.

May it be with the Ethernet cables you choose or setting up Google WiFi with a modem, issues can arise if you don't satisfy the recommended configs.

Also, setup issues don't end with the internet or the wired connection side of things alone. Sometimes, the blame can all go to the Google Home app to which you are trying to connect the device.

Regardless of the issues at hand, an easy way to know if something is wrong with your Google WiFi is to check the status LED.

Google WiFi and WiFi points all have status LEDs on them to indicate various issues and the status of a requested command.

One of the more critical indications of network issues on Google Wi-Fi is a blinking orange LED. Likewise, you can recognize other critical issues with the device by observing the LED status.

Here are the many LED indications and what they mean on a Google Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Point:

Google WiFi LED indications Explained

Status LED	Indication
No Light	No power/Light Dimmed in the App
Pulsing White	Ready for Setup
Slow Pulsing Yellow	Network Issue
Solid Yellow	Undergoing a Factory Reset
Solid Red	Hardware/critical issue

Google WiFi Point LED Indications Explained

Status LED	Indication
No Light	No Power/Dimmed in App
Pulsing Blue	Ready for Setup
Solid Blue	Undergoing a Factory Reset
Pulsing Orange	Network Issue
Pulsing Red	Hardware/critical issue

Now that you know the various LED indications on Google Wi-Fi, let's discuss the various troubleshooting fixes to alleviate setup issues on your device.

Check the Cables and the Connection on Google WiFi

An improperly connected Ethernet cable is one of the root causes for setup issues to pop up on your Google WiFi system.

Not only can the blame fall on the connection, but also on the type and condition of the cable you choose to use.

The most common means of networking routing is through an Ethernet cable.

Now, Ethernet cables have been around for a while. And so, they have undergone a few generations of upgrades.

With that taken care of, let's now discuss cable connections.

Google WiFi systems come with two Ethernet ports, one for WAN networks and the other for LAN networks. It's the WAN port to which the Ethernet cable from the Modem shall go.

You can identify the WAN port by looking for the Globe (Internet) logo on the top of the port.

Once you have found the port, make sure to connect the Ethernet cable firmly to the port. Feel free to apply some resistance until you hear a distinctive click.

A slack connection can result in sporadic transmission and induce other transmission errors.

Also, ensure to exercise the same steps on the Modem.

Power Cycle Google WiFi

Next, let's refresh the Google WiFi so as to clear off the many bugs and errors that may have taken refuge on your device.

Sometimes, Google WiFi starts acting up in the presence of bugs and errors. They may have made their way into the system partly due to a faulty update, and partly due to a lack of proper updates.

And the best way to wipe them off the device is to refresh the Mesh Network and the associated devices.

Under our current circumstances, a power cycle test shall suffice.

In addition to refreshing your system internals, a power cycle test also depletes the system from any piled-up static charges.

Here's how to power cycle the Google Wi-Fi and the Points:

1. Start the process by unplugging the Google WiFi and its Wi-FiPoints from the power outlet.
2. After leaving it idle for a few seconds, press and hold the Power/Setup button for a few seconds. Repeat this step a couple of times.
3. Plug back in the cables and power ON the device.

Check for the issue now.

Check the WAN Settings

Network and Internet setups don't just end with you connecting a cable to the Router.

For that to happen, you'll have to configure and set up the Wi-Fi network on the Google Home app.

Now, Google WiFi and Google Nest WiFi Routers come pre-set with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) WAN settings that retroactively detect and register your ISP requirements.

Such autonomous features work best with ISPs that depend on DHCP as their mode of authentication.

But not all ISPs depend on DHCP or similar client authentication protocols. Some of them, mostly older ones, use a more traditional protocol like PPPoE or Static IPs.

Not that Google WiFi doesn't support all these IP authentication protocols or anything, but you'll have to configure it manually.

To configure the WAN settings on your Google WiFi/Google Nest WiFi, follow these steps on the Home app:

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone and tap open the WiFi icon.

2. Select Network Settings and then choose Advanced Seting.

3. Tap on WAN and choose your ISP-recommended option: DHCP/PPPoE/Static IP.

4. Enter the credentials (User ID and Password in case of PPPoE/IP address for Static IP)and Exit the menu.

Check for the issue now.

Disable IPv6 on Google WiFi

IPv6 is the long-awaited upgrade to the IPv4 authentication protocol that has been around for a long time.

Although more superior and better refined than the older version, some ISPs still rely on IPv4 configuration to facilitate a viable communication route.

And this may perhaps be the issue when you try to set up Google WiFi with an ISP-supplied modem.

Fortunately, Google does allow you to seamlessly turn ON/OFF IP configs from the Home app.

If you have issues connecting to the internet, try turning off IPv6 and then try again.

Follow these steps to do so:

1. Open the Home app on your Phone and click open the WiFi icon.

2. Tap open Settings and select Advanced Networking.

3. Open the IPv6 option and toggle OFF the setting.

Exit the menu and restart the Router. Check for the issue now.

Update the Google Home App

Your Google WiFi router isn't the only WiFi device subjectable to errors and bugs. The Google Home app, too, is prone to many bugs and errors; maybe even more prone to them than the Router.

An app is exposed to a lot more questionable sources of origin for bugs and errors, like sketchy sites and malware from the internet.

And so, even if not inflicted due to its own activities, the Google Home app may be the culprit for the said issue.

The best fix for such predicaments is to keep the app updated.

Google does come out with updates and security patches frequently to tackle issues. It's up to you to perform the updates when one is made available.

Follow these steps to update the Google Home app on your Smart Device:

1. Open your device's application store and search for the Google Home app.

2. Click open the App tile.

3. Select Update.

Restart the device and check for the issue now.

Factory Reset Google WiFi

A factory reset may be your way out of this deplorable issue. Oft-times, a factory reset could also get you out of a stuck-up setup procedure.

Remember the Red Light LED indication on your Google WiFi? When something goes wrong with the setup procedure or with the Router itself, the light comes ON.

And the best way to resolve this issue is to factory reset the Google WiFi.

When you factory reset your Google WiFi, you get all the system preferences and settings to revert to their factory defaults.

In doing so, you get to set up your Google WiFi once more, like new, maybe with even faster download and upload speeds.

Follow these steps to factory reset the Google WiFi:

1. Google WiFi comes with a physical Reset button towards the back of the device.

2. Press and hold the Reset button while powered ON.

3. Continue to press the button until the LED turns Solid Yellow/Amber. (Don't overdo it!)

4. Wait for a few minutes until the LED turns Pulsing White.

Now you can proceed to set up your Google WiFi from scratch.

You could restart the process at any point in the process by unplugging the power cable.

Final Thoughts

Encountering issues with Google WiFi right from the get-go can be as vexing as it sounds.

Whether from a broken Ethernet Cable or connectivity-based issues with the app, setting up a Google WiFi can be taxing.

Fortunately, there exist several tried-and-tested fixes for the said issue. This article intends to shed light on the very same.

Also, make sure to mount the primary Wi-Fi Router at eye level, preferably at an elevated corner, so as to get a strong signal reception.

If you can't get the issue to settle, contacting the customer services of Google or your ISP would be the next best thing.

Complex issues like Double-Nat on Google WiFi may require you to contact a professional.

You could also RMA your Google WiFi for a new one if it had been damaged in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Google Wifi being discontinued?

No, Google and Nest WiFi will not be discontinued anytime in the near future. Although, Google did announce its termination of support for OnHub wireless Routers by the end of Dec 2022. Users are advised to switch to Google/Nest Wireless Routers instead.

How long does it take to factory reset Google WIFI?

Beginning with pressing the Reset button on the Google WiFi all the way to the status LEDs blinking White, the reset process for Google WiFi can take anywhere from 2-10 minutes to complete.

How do I fix the blue light on Google Wifi?

The blinking Blue LED on Google WiFi Points indicates that the device is undergoing a factory reset. You could either wait it out or unplug the power cable to stop the Blue light blinks.

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