No way to reset WiFi on Google Nest Devices?

[BirdhouseMN]

I'm struggling to understand why something as simple as updating a WiFi password is so complicated. We have 10+ Google Nest devices in our office, and since we change the WiFi password often for security, we need an easy way to update it.

Right now, we can't figure out where to do this without removing and resetting each device one by one. If that's really the only option, are these even meant for business use? That seems completely impractical unless you have just a few devices at home.

Would appreciate any guidance. Thanks.

[MplsCustomer]

@BirdhouseMN 

Unfortunately, that's just the way it works.

For some older 1st gen Google Nest cameras and doorbells installed in the Google Nest app, you can--in the Google Nest app--go to Settings | Home info | Home Wi-Fi help, select each camera, and select Start | Update settings:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9223711?hl=en&sjid=3221938761257963335-NC#zippy=%2Cuse-...

[BirdhouseMN]

Ooof, I'm surprised they haven't made these backward compatible for something as common as a wifi password update. We have over a dozen of these devices, some 1st gen, some bought within the last 6 months, but our Google Home app (is this also the Nest App?) doesn't have any information related to wifi settings.

Am I missing something, or in the wrong app? 

Thanks for the followup, I appreciate it!

[MplsCustomer · Accepted solution]

@BirdhouseMN 

You're not missing anything.

Google Nest's 1st gen cameras and doorbells, as well as its Nest Protects and some thermostats, get installed in the Google Nest app.

Google Nest's 2nd gen cameras and doorbells, as well as Nest Hubs and Nest Minis and some thermostats, get installed in the Google Home app. Other devices also get installed there.

We have 1st and 2nd gen cameras and doorbells, and Nest Minis and Nest Hubs, and so have had to use both apps for over 3 years.

There is a beta "Public Preview" version of the Google Home app, available since November 2022 (https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Introducing-new-support-for-smoke-amp-CO-and-locks-in-Go...), where customers can "transfer" 1st gen cameras and doorbells (and now Nest Protects and other devices), but it is still in "Public Preview" status and still does not include many Nest app functions (https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13038234#zippy=%2Cnest-app-only-features), so we're not using it.

[kcruzgonzalez]

Hi BirdhouseMN,

I understand your frustration with the Wi-Fi password update process. I know it's not ideal, and I appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

Currently, there isn't a centralized way to update the Wi-Fi password for all your Google Nest devices at once. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes, especially in a business environment where security is a top priority and password changes are frequent.

I want to assure you that we value your feedback and are always looking for ways to improve our products and services. I highly recommend sharing your experience and suggestions directly with our team. Please consider sharing your thoughts directly with our development team through this feedback form. Your input will help us prioritize features and ensure that we're meeting the needs of our diverse user base.

We understand this workaround isn't perfect, but for the time being, the process involves updating the Wi-Fi credentials in the Google Home app. While this should prompt most devices to reconnect, some might need a manual restart.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We'll continue working to make managing your smart home devices as seamless as possible.

Regards,

Kevin