How to Connect a Google Home Speaker to WiFi
Introduction
1 Credentials
- Wireless Network Name (SSID)
- Wireless Network Key (Password)
Finding Network Credentials
Most wireless routers or gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, check the documentation that came with your device.
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.
? Do you know your Wireless Network name (SSID) and Key?
- Wireless Network Name (SSID)
- Wireless Network Key (Password)
Finding Network Credentials
Most wireless routers or gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, check the documentation that came with your device.
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.
- Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the Devices icon on the top right corner of the screen. If you were already connected to Wi-Fi but want to connect to a different Wi-Fi, then continue from here, otherwise skip to the setup.
- Look for the device card of the Google Home that you want to make changes to. In the top right corner of the device card, tap the three dots positioned vertically.
- Then select Settings.
- Under Wi-Fi you'll see the network your Google Home is currently connected to. Tap on Forget then on Forget Network. After that tap on the back arrow on the top left corner of the screen.
- On the Devices screen look for the Google Home device card then tap on Set Up.
- The app will let you know the Google Home was found. Tap on Continue.
- It will disconnect your mobile device from the Wi-Fi network it is connected to and connect it temporarily to the Google Home Wi-Fi hotspot.
- It will need to play a test sound to make sure you connected to the right device. Tap on Play Test Sound.
- If you heard the sound confirm it by tapping on I Heard It to continue, otherwise tap on Try Again.
- Next, you'll have to select the room you want to place the Google Home device in. Check or uncheck the box for sending device usage data to Google and tap on Continue.
- Then you'll have to select the Wi-Fi network you want it connected to. Should be the same with the Wi-Fi network your mobile device is connected to as well.
- The app can retrieve the Wi-Fi password that is saved in your mobile device so you don't have to type it in again. Tap on OK to do that then on Continue.
- Once you're connected to the Wi-Fi tap on Continue.
- Next, you'll have to setup the Google Assistant. Go ahead and Sign In with your Google account.
- Set the location where Google Home is installed to get localized information then tap on Set Location.
- Choose whether you want to get notifications about updates on Google Home and tap on Continue.
- Link the music services that you want Google Home to play songs from and select your preferred one to be the default then tap on Continue.
- Once the setup is completed you can also take the tutorial to learn how to use your Google Home. Tap on Continue to do so or Skip Tutorial if you're already familiar with how to use it.
- Start the tutorial by tapping on Continue. Follow the instructions to learn the basics on using Google Home.
- Once done with the tutorial just tap on Finish Tutorial. At this point you can enjoy your Google Home.
If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?
If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with.
- Turn off your device.
- Wait ten seconds.
- Turn your device on again.
A small amount of router configurations may not be compatible with the Google Home.
- If you're running DD-WRT on your router, you may need to set your Wi-Fi to mixed mode.
- It is suggested to turn on UPNP. Not all routers have this feature. Please refer to your router's user manual to determine how to configure this setting.
The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.
- In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
- From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
- Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.
The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.
Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.
Good Placement
Bad Placement
