Google Nest Wifi blocking certain sites, how to unblock?

[Liz27]

We recently purchased a Nest Wifi and are having issues connecting to a couple sites, receiving message "This site can't be reached". 

Details:

• WiFi issue not browser, we tried on Android (Chrome and related App),  and on a PC & Mac (in Chrome, Firefox and Edge). All same result "site can't be reached".
• Sites work when connected to mobile and work networks on all devices and browsers listed above.
• Sites are unrelated (one is mtb.com, a bank website, the other is the Marines Toys for Tots website, all other sites work fine)
• We don't have family controls set up, only standard set up out of the box.
• The sites are not blocked in any browser, or through our ISP.
• We're in the US.

Any suggestions why the Google Nest Wifi is "blocking" certain sites? I'm at a loss how to fix this. Thanks!

[olavrb]

First I'd check is wether you run what's known as "double NAT": two routers with firewall, NAT and DHCP between you and the internet. This can cause strange problems like this, and is thus not recommended. Best practice is to put the ISP equipment in "bridge mode". More about double NAT:

• https://dongknows.com/double-nat-vs-single-nat/
• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6277579?hl=en

---

If double NAT is not the issue, I'd try to set custom DNS settings on Nest Wifi from the Google Home app, described here:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6274141?hl=en

I run Cloudflare with malware protection (1.1.1.2, 1.0.0.2):

• https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setup/

Other alternatives include:

• Quad9: https://www.quad9.net/
• Google public DNS: https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using

You could also try to set/ override DNS on the devices themselves, as a troubleshooting step before editing Nest Wifi settings.

---

If it's not a DNS issue either, I'd try to disable IPv6 on Nest Wifi from the Google Home app, as it has caused strange problems earlier.

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6361450?hl=en

[Liz27]

Thanks for that incredible level of detail and resources! Will begin troubleshooting, much appreciated!

[Dan_A]

Hey there,

I wanted to follow up and see if you still need help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Thanks,

Dan

[Jeff]

Hi everyone,

Just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need help, I would be happy to keep it open. If there's more we can do, just let me know.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Dan_A]

Hi folks,

@olavrb, thanks for the help.

@Liz27, I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Have you had the chance to try the suggestion above? If yes, how is it?

Best,

Dan