Google Devices incompatible with Wi-Fi password changes

jrkrambs — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:43:01 GMT

I tried to change my Wi-Fi password on my Nest wifi router. Changing the password was not an issue, however the Google Home app was stonewalling me, preventing me from updating the Wi-Fi password on any of my Google devices, including my 3rd Gen Nest thermostat, Nest Doorbell, Nest x Yale Lock, Nest Cam with Floodlight, Nest Hub Max, 2nd gen Google Nest mini (x2), and Lenovo smart clock.

I would hard press the device icon in the Google Home app, go to Device Information, click Wi-Fi, and it would say, the option was unavailable - check Wi-Fi network. Every other device connected to the Wi-Fi just fine after I changed the password. It was so seamless to change the password on non-google devices. In fact, the nest app let me change the password on several devices easily. I ran a test on my router and mesh network without issue, but no Google devices would let me update the password. I chatted with support via the app, but they were of no assistance. Eventually, I changed my Wi-Fi password back and, voila, the devices had no issue connecting (except the Nest x Yale lock still needs a manual reset).

Why can't I change my Wi-Fi password without completely dismantling my Google home system!?

Re: Google Devices incompatible with Wi-Fi password changes

MplsCustomer — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:19:41 GMT

@jrkrambs

Unfortunately, Google Nest does not make it easy.

The Google Home app has no capability for updating Wi-Fi settings for Google Nest devices, unlike what the Google Nest app has for older cameras and doorbells.

Basically, what you have to do instead is to remove the device from the Google Home app while you are still on your old Wi-Fi network, making sure that the device is online at the time, and making sure that the removal accomplishes a factory reset. If it does not, then you have to perform a manual factory reset (https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9252162#factory-reset). Then you have to reinstall the device in the Google Home app.

For some newer Google Nest devices installed in the Google Nest app, you have to do the same thing in the Google Nest app.

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9223711

The process is different for Nest thermostats:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9223192

That's why Google Nest recommends using your old network name (SSID) and password when getting a new router/modem.

topic Re: Google Devices incompatible with Wi-Fi password changes in Nest Wifi

Google Devices incompatible with Wi-Fi password changes

Re: Google Devices incompatible with Wi-Fi password changes