cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Replies are disabled for this topic. Start a new one or visit our Help Center.

Does Google nest router require ethernet connection or can it connect to wifi?

Dkdmoore
Community Member

Does Google nest router require ethernet connection or can it connect to wifi?

8 REPLIES 8

MichaelP
Diamond Product Expert
Diamond Product Expert

Hello @Dkdmoore 

The first Nest WiFi Router set up as part of a new Nest WiFi system must have an Ethernet connection to your internet service. It is not a WiFi extender. It is a router+firewall that also creates a wireless mesh to which other Nest WiFi nodes (more Nest WiFi Router units, Nest WiFi Point units, or Google WiFi units) can be added.

I just purchased an additional wifi nest device Google WiFi System, 1-Pack - Router Replacement for Whole Home Coverage - NLS-1304-25 (Renewed). I'm trying to set it up in a different room, but directions in the Google Home app tell me to plug in ethernet. I did not have to do this before with 3 wifi points not using ethernet. Did I purchase the wrong type of device to add a wifi point? 

MichaelP
Diamond Product Expert
Diamond Product Expert

You want to add an additional Google WiFi unit as a Point, not as a new primary. It won't need to be connected to Ethernet.

Thanks MichaelP. Can you please tell me how I add as a point? The Google wifi app points me to the Home app. In the Home app, I do not see option to add a wifi point. If I follow the steps to set up Google wifi, I get the "plug in ethernet" step and I can't continue. 

MichaelP
Diamond Product Expert
Diamond Product Expert

It sounds like you haven't migrated your existing system into the Google Home app. That will be a necessary first step, since the Google WiFi app can't be used to make changes now: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9547597?hl=en 

Once you've done that, you should be able to follow the "Add an additional point" instructions here: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7183148?hl=en 

I already have the system in Google Home app. In the Home app, I could see Google Router, and the 2 points I already have in living room and office. I want to set up an additional point in a sunroom - that is what I was having trouble setting up. In the 2nd link you shared https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7183148?hl=en   when I got to the point of scanning the QR code, multiple tries, and the next step said to connect ethernet. After 2 more attempts just a few minutes ago which asked me to connect ethernet. Now on my 3rd attempt this morning, the set up did not require that ethernet part. But 3rd (or 8th) time is a charm - for whatever reason on this try the set up adding the new device as a point worked for me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Thanks for the info MichaelP.  

Jeff
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hey, everyone.

I just wanted to check in real fast to see if everybody had their issues resolved or their questions answered. If anyone still needs some help, please let me know and I'll be happy to help.

Thanks.

Jeff
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hi, everyone.
As we haven't had any activity here recently I'm going to go ahead and close the thread. If you have more to add, feel free to start a new discussion.
Thanks