What is Google Wifi? - Google Nest Help (2024)

What Google Wifi does

Google Wifi is ahome mesh Wi-Fi system that replaces your traditional router and providesseamless, reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. You still need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and modem to connect to the internet.
You can quickly set up multiple Google Wifi devices (also known as "points") to bring the internet right where you want it, like in your office, living room, garage, or basem*nt. For a refresher on Wi-Fi terms and concepts, check out Wi-Fi basics.
Google Wifi is built on our mesh Wi-Fi technology. Once you set up your mesh network, the Google Wifi points createa high-powered connection and work together to make sure your devices stay on the clearest channel with the fastest bandwidth. The result is fast Wi-Fi everywhere in your home, not just right next to the router. You can even roam throughout your homewhile on a video call or stream a movie without the signal dropping.
Google Wifi can be used as a standalone system or be combined with Nest Wifi for additional coverage.

Note: Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) can't be combinedwith Nest Wifi routers or points or Google Wifi points (Wi-Fi 5) in a mesh network.

What you need

A modem
Internet service
A Google Account
One of the following mobile devices:
- Android phone or tablet with Android 9.0 or later
- iPhone or iPad with iOS 16.0 or later
The latest version of the Google Home app onAndroid or iOS

Note:It'sstrongly recommended you purchaseGoogle Wifi from the country where you'll be using it. Since wireless regulations vary by country, you might experience performance or regulator violation issues if you move your Wifi device(s) to a different countryand Google will be unable to offer support.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Google Wifi different?

Traditional routers weren't designed for all the different ways we use Wi-Fi today. Walls and distance make it difficult for a single router to send a strong signal to every room in your home, which resultsin slow Wi-Fi and dead zones.
Google Wifi is a home Wi-Fi system that allows you to have reliable internet in more places in your home.
On top of great coverage, Google Wifi keeps your signal strong by transitioning you to the best Wifi point as you move throughout your home and the right Wi-Fi channel to avoid congestion.
Need more coverage? Place additionalpoints in different rooms for fast Wi-Fi in every corner of your home. We recommend putting them out in the open, about one to 2rooms apart.
With Family Wi-Fi, you decide when your kids have access to the internet on their devices. You can pause your kids' devices as needed or on a regular schedule and automatically block access to millions of adult websites.

Will Google Wifi work with my existing setup?

Each Google Wifi point is a router that’s designed to work with your existing ISP and modem.
Google Wifi can create a mesh network only with Nest Wifi and Google Wifirouters and points. If you have a non-compatible router such as a Cisco, Linksys, or Netgear router, it won't mesh with your Google Wifi points.
Google Wifi works with most connected wireless devices including tablets, printers, and smart appliances. Although most devices are compatible with Google Wifi, there are a few that aren't.
- Note:Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) can't be combinedwith Nest Wifi routers or points or Google Wifi points (Wi-Fi 5) in a mesh network.

Learn how toset up Google Wifi.

Can I use Google Wifi as an extender?

Google Wifican'tbe used as an extender or repeater for your current router. Google Wifi works as a mesh network, and extends your Wi-Fi signal under one network for seamless coverage and reliable internet throughout your entire home.¹

Are Google Wifi points wireless?

Your primary Wifi point needs to be connected to a modem with an Ethernet cable (provided). Additional Google Wifi points can be on a wireless setup, but you can also hardwire your Wifi devices.

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FAQs

What is Google Wifi? - Google Nest Help? ›

Each Google Wifi point is a router that's designed to work with your existing ISP and modem. Google Wifi can create a mesh network only with Nest Wifi and Google Wifi routers and points. If you have a non-compatible router such as a Cisco, Linksys, or Netgear router, it won't mesh with your Google Wifi points.

Read On ›

What does Google Nest Wi Fi do? ›

Nest Wifi is built on mesh Wi-Fi technology. The router and point work together to make sure your devices stay on the clearest channel with the most bandwidth. The result is a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your house, not just next to your router.

Discover More Details ›

How do I get rid of Google Wifi? ›

To remove Nest Wifi or Google Wifi, factory reset your Wifi devices with the Google Home app. To remove other smart devices not covered above, unlink your devices from the Google Home app.

Do you need Wi-Fi for Google Nest WIFI? ›

Nest products work best with a reliable 24/7 internet connection, so you'd need to keep your mobile hotspot device at home all the time. If your Nest products don't have a continuous internet connection, you won't be able to view their status or receive certain notifications to your phone.

See Details ›

Why would I need a Google nest? ›

Google Nest or Home speakers or displays make life easier with features that let you use your voice to play media, manage your tasks, plan your day, and much more.

Find Out More ›

Does my Google nest have to be connected to Wi-Fi? ›

Home - Does A Nest Thermostat Work Without Wifi? The Nest Thermostat is designed to be a smart device that relies on an internet connection for full functionality.

Tell Me More ›

Is Google Nest a monthly fee? ›

"There are two tiers of pricing for Nest Aware which can be paid monthly or annually. Subscriptions start at just $8/month (or $80/year, with a $16 annual savings) across all the Nest cameras, doorbells, speakers, and displays in one home.

Show Me More ›

What is the downside of Google Nest? ›

It's not cheap. The Nest Thermostat is one of the most expensive on the market. Other smart thermostats can be $100 to $150 cheaper than Nest, which makes price one of the biggest negatives when going through Nest pros and cons.

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Is it free to use Google Nest? ›

Nest Aware is a paid subscription service you can use with your Nest products to help keep you informed about important events at your home. Standard features and upgraded Nest Aware features are different depending on which camera, speaker or display you have and which region your home is in.

Do I need an internet provider to use Google Wifi? ›

Google Wifi is a home mesh Wi-Fi system that replaces your traditional router and provides seamless, reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. You still need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and modem to connect to the internet.

Show Me More ›

What happens to Nest when Wi-Fi goes out? ›

Nest will function without a Wi-Fi connection. However, it cannot be used as a “Smart” thermostat and only as a regular thermostat. You can still control the HVAC systems using the thermostat interface.

Read The Full Story ›

Can I connect Google Nest WiFi to an existing router? ›

Yes, you keep your existing router from your ISP. The Nest Wifi router is plugged into your existing ISP equipment and is set up as a second network. Nest Wifi is backwards compatible with existing Google Wifi network. If you already have a Google Wifi network set up, learn how to use Nest Wifi with Google Wifi points.

See Details ›

Is Google Nest worth it Wi-Fi? ›

Aside from looking good, the Nest Wifi also offers features you won't find on a typical router, such as built-in Google Assistant functionality on its extension units. The Google Nest Wifi is fast, attractive, easy to set up, and packed full of useful features. On the downside, it's also relatively expensive.

Get More Info Here ›

Does Google Wifi replace the router? ›

Google Wifi is a home mesh Wi-Fi system that replaces your traditional router and provides seamless, reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. You still need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and modem to connect to the internet.

How do I use Nest Wifi? ›

Add a point or an additional router

Open the Google Home app .
Tap Devices Add Google Nest or partner device .
If prompted, choose a home.
Select the device you would like to set up as a point Next.
Scan the QR code on the bottom of your device. ...
Your point will now connect.

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What is the difference between nest and Wi-Fi? ›

Nest Wifi provides even more coverage and faster speeds than Google Wifi. It's composed of Nest Wifi routers and points. Nest Wifi points also act as a speaker with Google Assistant. Nest Wifi supports Thread and can be used as a Thread Border Router.

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