How to Set Up a Nest Wi-Fi (2024)

> Home Networking

This article will explain how to set up Google's Nest Wi-Fi mesh network.

How to Set Up a Nest Wi-Fi

You should have a Nest Wi-Fi router, all access points (along with their power adapters), and the bundled Ethernet cable. You also need an Android or iOS device with a camera (you can't set up Nest Wi-Fi without one).

1. Place the router and the access points in the locations you'd prefer to place them (these can be moved later), then connect them to power.

   The Nest Wi-Fi router is the only device in the system with Ethernet ports, so it should be close enough to your modem to connect the two. Nest Wi-Fi points don't have Ethernet ports.

2. Connect the Nest router to your internet modem with the Ethernet cable.

3. Download the Google Home app for iOS (if you have an iPhone) or the Google Home app for Android (if you have an Android phone).

4. Open the Google Home app.

5. Tap the + symbol in the app's upper left corner.

6. Tap Set up device.

7. Select New devices.

   

8. The next screen will ask you to choose a home or create a new one if you have never used Google Home before. Complete this process and then tap Next.

9. The app will spend some time looking for devices.

10. The app will show the router was found and ask if you'd like to set it up. Hit Next.

    

11. Your camera will activate, and the app will ask you to scan a QR code on the bottom of the Nest router. Follow the on-screen instructions.

12. Once scanned, a prompt should appear asking if you'd like to join the Nest Wi-Fi network. Tap Join.

    See Also

    How to Add Mesh Network to an Existing Router

13. The app will confirm the router is connected and then proceed to check your Internet connection.

    The router will ask you to check if a WAN Ethernet cable is plugged in if it isn't found. Plug it in and then hit Next. Otherwise, skip to the next step.

    

14. You'll next create a Wi-Fi name. Add a name and then tap Next.

15. Enter a password to secure your Wi-Fi network, then tap Next.

16. The app will ask if you'd like to share anonymous usage data. Tap Yes, I'm In to accept or No Thanks to opt out.

    

17. Now you'll be asked if you want to use Nest cloud services. This is required to use some features, such as a Guest Network or Family Wi-Fi. Tap Yes, I'm In to accept or No Thanks to opt-out.

18. The next step asks where the router is located. Choose a location and tap Next.

19. Next, the app checks for firmware updates and creates the network. Wait for it to finish.

    

20. You'll again be asked permission to join a Wi-Fi network, this time with the network name you'd entered earlier. Tap Ok.

21. Setup is now complete for the router. However, you can add points if you'd like.

    

How to Set Up a Nest Wi-Fi Hub

There's a good chance you'll want to set up one or more Nest Wi-Fi points alongside the router. The app will ask you to do this at the end of the router setup.

Setting up a point is essentially the same as the router but ends after scanning the QR code and choosing a location. Your Wi-Fi network is already active, so there's no need to select a network name or password.

Can Google Nest Wi-Fi Connect to an Existing Router?

Yes, though likely not in the manner you hope.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi router can connect to another router over an Ethernet cable. This setup will let you use the Nest Wi-Fi with a wired or wireless router from your Internet Service Provider.

However, Nest Wi-Fi does not support wireless or mesh connections with routers not part of the Google Nest Wi-Fi system. The Nest Wi-Fi router will always create its own new Wi-Fi network, and that network will always be separate from other Wi-Fi networks in your home.