“Operation timed out and couldn't be completed” adding Google Nest WiFi

[Orrinw]

I am trying to add two Nest WiFi access points to my Google Nest Wifi Router, which also has three of the older Google Wi-Fi units attached that work just fine. At one point, these two nest points were on the network but were reset.  I’ve tried a dozen times to add them back, I keep getting the “Operation timed out and couldn't be completed” message at the very end. I’ve read all the threads here I can find, and they don’t solve my problem. Here’s what I know and have done:

- I’ve factory reset the devices every time

- IOS 15.6.1, all apps up to date

- I am 5 feet from the parent node/router

- I’ve tried creating a new room for the device each time as another thread suggested worked, but it does not for me

- It fails, shows up in the WiFi devices list as non functional and then when I press it, it says it’s been factory reset and will be removed.

Rinse and repeat, no luck. Any other ideas?

[olavrb]

Make sure you have no VPN enabled/ connected, not any 3rd party product, nor the "Apple iCloud Private Relay".

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212614

Make sure the Google Home app has permissions to "local network access".

• https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/7172427?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS

Does it still not work after the above points?

[Orrinw]

Thanks for the quick reply. I don’t have a VPN enabled or installed, and the Google Home app already had local network access. Still not working. Any other ideas I can try?

[olavrb]

As you've mentioned already, a fix people have suggested is creating a new room, but in addition to that, for some it helped to use the Google Home app from a different device:

• https://www.google.com/search?q=%28site%3Agooglenestcommunity.com%2Ft5%2FNest-Wifi+OR+site%3Areddit....

Are all devices bought from and for the same country/ region? Mixing US and EU for instance won't work.

Try from a different iOS, iPadOS or Android (preferably) device with the Google Home app, same Google account.

Try the method of not using the QR code:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9012064?hl=en

This last one is a long shot, but try to disable IPv6, it has caused other strange problems some times. Wi-Fi (icon) -> Settings (icon) -> Advanced networking.

Oh, btw, more points isn't always better. You already have four? Depending on the size and layout of your place, adding even more pucks might actually degrade performance. Have a read here:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7182840?hl=en

[EdwardT]

Hi folks,

@olavrb, thanks for the help!

@Orrinw, how's it going with your Google Wifi? Were you able to check the links provided by olavrb? Keep us posted.

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi Orrinw,

It's me again. I wanted to check back in to see if you have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do. 

Thanks,

Edward

[Orrinw]

Hey Edward, I appreciate the follow-up!

It turns out that the only solution on this list that finally worked for me was to disable IPv6 in the Google Home app. Then, I was able to add both points to the network. I turned back on IPv6, restarted the network for good measure, and it all seems to be working fine.

Not sure I need them all for coverage per the answer you shared, but I am trying to fix one spot and from there I'll evaluate the rest.

Thanks!

[Jeff]

Hi Orrinw,

I'm happy to hear that you were able to get this sorted out, and I appreciate you sharing how you got things working. That's always really helpful for the rest of the community to see. Before I mark this one as resolved, is there anything else you might need? If so, just let me know.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Jeff]

Hi all,

As we got our resolution here, I'm going to mark this one as resolved in the next 24 hours. Thanks to all who helped and contributed. If anyone has any other needs, please feel free to let me know before the lock.

Thanks,
Jeff