Does wifi network name and password stay the same when upgrading router?

[mike31]

I have the Google WiFi mesh network at the moment.  If I upgrade to the Google Nest Wifi Pro will my network still have the same name and password?  Will I have to go to each of my devices and set them up again?  Some devices are Google, most are Amazon, and some are off-the-wall brands.

[olavrb · Accepted solution]

You choose your own network name (SSID) and password during the setup process:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9548301?hl=en

If you don't want to update all the devices' Wi-Fi settings, just reuse the name and password of your current network. 🙂

[mike31]

Thanks, I was hoping that would be the answer.

[Jeff]

Hey mike31,

It looks like olavrb was able to get you an answer on this. Before I mark things as resolved, I wanted to see if you needed anything else or to see if you had any more questions. If there's more you need, just let us know.

Thanks,
Jeff

[mike31]

Hi Jeff,  As you can see I now have two exactly opposite answers.  Gram's answer confirms the same experience my neighbor had when he changed networks, so is there a definitive correct answer?

[Grum]

I just installed the nest Wi-Fi pro a few hours ago. Had to rejoin my nest thermostats to the wireless network. I also had to rejoin about half of my light switches and outlets.

Just remember the SSID is case sensitive. Some devices don't care, but other devices, particularly Linux OS devices will want the case to match how it was set up originally. Other than that you should be good to go.

[mike31]

That's exactly what I was afraid of.  Most of my light switches and outlets aren't Alexa stuff and use their own apps to sign onto the network.  I don't remember the brand or the app I used to set them up.  I know one of the apps I do remember doesn't work for anything anymore and I don't know how to fix it and there isn't any tech support.  I did all the usual stuff to fix it with no luck.  Short of buying a lot of new devices if I do upgrade to a better Google router (or any brand) I think I better stick with the router I have.

[Grum]

I waited as long as I could before upgrading.  I had poor coverage upstairs with my previous setup which did include an extender.  The two hours of reconfiguring devices was well worth it for me. I went from 1-5 Mbps download speeds to 295Mbps  (my service is 300Mbps).

[mike31]

My speeds are actually quite good now.   I moved my existing 4 Google WiFi units around a little and get 500mp on all but one, the one that my computer uses.  The unit that one uses is about 5 foot from my computer. Then there is another one line of sight 15 foot away from that, than the main unit which is 15 foot line of sight from that one.  My computer speed went from 70mp to 250mp, which is honestly more than enough.  Except, Comcast gives me an actual 888mp, confirmed when I do a speed test using Google home app.  I can really notice the difference between the 70mb and 250mp I get now, but I'd sure like to be closer to the 888mb.  There is a new fibre optic provider that just wired the neighborhood giving 1gb service which includes one router and you can rent additional units for $3 a month.  I'm paying Comcast $62 a month all in (including a phone), and the fibre optic people want $65 without the phone.

It makes the most cost sense to keep Comcast and the router I have now, but that's never stopped me before from going to the latest and greatest stuff.

[Jhonleanmel]

Hey folks,

@Grum, I'm glad that your internet speed has improved.

@mike31, thanks for sharing your experience. This helps the community a lot. Your new network should match the old network name and password (case sensitive) so your devices could recognize the new network and connect automatically.

Best,

Mel

[mike31]

But as you can see from Gram's response, using the same network name and password does not work.

[Jhonleanmel]

Hi mike31,

There are some devices that only recognize and connect to Wi-Fi networks if they're exactly the same SSID and password as before, and other devices are less strict with this. In order to guarantee that all devices in your home will reconnect back to the new network you're going to setup, I suggest using the same network name and password as before (case sensitive).

Regards,

Mel

[YoreGoodman]

I'm having the same issue with existing nest devices. 

SSID is the same and the password too yes case sensitive 

[mike31]

But as you can see from Gram's answer this doesn't always insure they will work.

[mike31]

YoreGoodman is also having the same issue.

[Jhonleanmel]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the update. Could you restart your devices by unplugging them from the power for 10 seconds?

Keep us posted.

Best,

Mel

[EmersonB]

Hello there,

Checking in — have you tried the suggested steps provided by Mel? If so, how did it go? Let me know if you need more help.

I appreciate the help, @Jeff, @olavrb and @mel.

Thanks,
Emerson

[mike31]

I've decided to not upgrade to a better router.  It might work and it might not and I don't want to take the chance.  Thanks for all the help.

[EmersonB]

Hi mike31,

No biggie and thanks for getting back to us. Sounds like a plan. Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns as I will be locking this after 24 hours. Feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Regards,
Emerson