Is your Google Wifi glitching?
Or maybe, do you plan to give it to someone else?
Either way, you’ll need to factory reset your Google Wifi device.
Fortunately, similar to its minimalist setup…
Your Google Wifi only needs minimal steps to factory reset.
So…
Continue reading to find out:
- 9 quick steps to factory reset your Google Wifi.
- 3 different situations when you’ll want to do this type of reset.
- How to factory reset a Google Wifi device that’s running on outdated firmware.
- And much, much more…
How to factory reset Google Wifi? 9 steps
The term “factory reset” might give the impression that you’ll do a complicated process.
But I assure you, it isn’t even close to being hard.
Just follow the steps below. And you’ll be good to go.
But first, there are 2 different ways to factory reset your Google Wifi:
- Using the Google Home app.
- Resetting through the physical device.
“Which 1 is the better option?”
According to Google themselves…
You should use the app to factory reset your device whenever possible.
And if you’re wondering why this is the preferred method…
Here’s what you’ll delete when you use the app to factory reset Google Wifi:
- Your data from the app.
- Your router from your Google account.
- All the data from the Wifi points and router.
You won’t delete these if you opt to reset your device using its physical buttons.
So if you give importance to any of these deletions…
You should use the Google Home app to factory reset your Google Wifi.
#1: Factory reset with the Google Home App
“But wait. I’m using the Google Wifi app, not the Google Home app.”
It was possible before to use either of the apps to control your Google Wifi.
But to help users manage all their accounts and devices in 1 place…
Google permanently replaced the Google Wifi app with the Google Home app.
So if you still have the Google Wifi application on your phone…
I recommend that you transfer your data to Google Home now that you still can.
Moreover, they’ll completely shut down the Google Wifi app soon.
And when it does, you won’t be able to recover any of your existing data.
To migrate to the Google Home app:
- Download the Google Home app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
- Open the app.
- Tap Add device or service.
- From the choices, select Import Wifi Network.
- Click Next.
- Choose a Home and tap Next again.
- Confirm your Wifi network and click Next.
- Follow the in-app instructions.
You can now factory reset your Google Wifi device using the Google Home application.
#1.1: Open the app
Turn ON your mobile device.
And from your phone’s list of applications, tap the Google Home app to open it.
Further reading: What Is the Difference Between a Smartphone and an Android?
#1.2: Go to Settings
Once you’ve opened the app, tap the Wifi icon on your screen.
From the list of options that show up, select Settings, then…
#1.3: Factory reset your Google Wifi
You should be able to see “Factory reset network” from the choices.
Select this tab and when a window pops up, tap OK.
#1.4: Wait for the factory reset to finish
This process will take a couple of minutes.
Note: Don’t unplug your Google Wifi devices while the reset is ongoing.
“What’s the 2nd method to factory reset my device?”
Google mentioned that resetting through the app is recommended for most.
But this option isn’t always available to everyone. So if:
- You don’t want to reset using the app.
- The Google Home app isn’t installed on your device.
- Your Google Wifi devices aren’t accessible in the app.
Then you’re free to…
#2: Factory reset your Google Wifi using the physical device
#2.1: Find the reset button
Out of all the steps you need to take, this 1 is probably the trickiest.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not complicated or anything.
It’s just that…
The tiny reset button hides in tricky spots that aren’t that easy to see.
But with just a little patience, it won’t take you long to find it.
Search around the bottom or back of your Google Wifi device.
The reset button is a small flat circle etched on your device’s body.
Once you find it…
#2.2: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds
Before you do…
Make sure to count correctly.
Not holding this button long enough won’t reset your device.
And likewise, if you hold it for too long, it’ll also stop resetting.
I suggest using your phone’s timer to guide you in this step.
Doing so will allow you to hold this button for precisely 10 seconds.
#2.3: Watch out for the light indications
The 1st sign you want to look out for is a flashing orange signal light.
But once you see this color, don’t let go of the button yet.
Wait for the solid blue light to appear next.
And once it does, you can let go of the reset button.
#2.4: Wait for 10 minutes
At this point, your device is already undergoing the factory reset process.
And now, all you can do is wait.
Note: Don’t unplug or interact with your device while the reset is ongoing. Doing so could potentially interrupt the process and stop it from successfully resetting.
#2.5: Look out for the pulsing blue light
A pulsing blue light signifies that your device has finished the reset process.
Once you see this color, the device is ready for setting up again.
Not sure of how to set up Google Wifi from scratch?
You can watch this video as a refresher:
Note: Your Google Wifi device will still appear in your Google Home app after this reset. If you want to remove it, you need to factory reset your device using the app itself.
“I tried these steps, but my Google Wifi didn’t do anything.”
Then your device might be running on outdated firmware.
If it is, you need to follow a slightly different process.
To factory reset outdated Google Wifi devices:
Step 1: Remove your Google Wifi from its power source.
You can do so by unplugging its power adapter from the plug.
Or you can also disconnect the power cable from your device.
Step 2: Press and hold the reset button on your device.
Step 3: While pressing the button, plug it to power again.
Note: Keeping your finger on the button while plugging the device is the key to making this work.
Step 4: Continue pressing the reset button for 10 seconds.
Step 5: Wait for the flashing blue light to show up.
After 45 seconds, the light will become a solid blue.
And once it does…
Step 6: Wait for 10 minutes.
When a pulsing blue light appears…
Step 7: The factory reset is now finished.
And your device is ready to be set up again.
When should you factory reset Google Wifi?
You should factory reset Google Wifi if you want to fix a glitch or a bug on your device’s system. Another situation when you’ll need to do this is when you plan to return it for replacement or refund. It’s also recommended to factory reset Google Wifi before giving it to someone else.
#1: If your device has a glitch or a bug
If you haven’t noticed it yet…
Most technological devices have the option to be factory reset.
And 1 of the most important reasons why they have it is because…
A factory reset is an efficient way to fix minor glitches or software issues.
So if you’re currently experiencing a stubborn problem with your Google Wifi…
You should proceed to factory reset your device.
Just ensure that you remember all your log-in credentials and settings.
Because the deleted data during the factory reset process is gone forever.
You might also be interested in: 6 Steps To Connect Vizio Soundbar To WiFi In 17 Sec
#2: If you want to return your Google Wifi
If you want to get a refund or get a replacement for your Google Wifi devices…
You’re required to factory reset them 1st before you do so.
This is because it’s harder to access devices that are still connected to a Google account.
And if you don’t factory reset your device before you return them…
Google could reject your request for a refund or a replacement.
#3: If you want to give your device to someone else
It’s not uncommon to give pre-used Google Wifi devices to a friend.
But if you’re planning to do so…
Make sure to factory reset the device.
If your Google account is still connected by the time you’ve given them to someone else…
The new owners of your devices will have a harder time setting them up.