4 Reasons Why Google Home Shows Up as a WiFi Connection

Google Home is a great device you can use to control the lights, set alarms and timers, play music, or even search for information on Google.

But what happens when you see a connection called “Google Home” in your WiFi list?

Is that just an odd coincidence, or is there something going on with your network settings?

Here are 4 reasons why your Google Home shows up as a WiFi connection:

1. Your Google Home isn’t set up yet.
2. Google Home is accidentally disconnected from the WiFi.
3. Your router is turned off or isn’t getting a connection.
4. There has been a power blackout.

Knowing why Google Home shows up as a WiFi connection can help you to know when your Google Home device isn’t working as it should.

Keep reading for more info on why you see the Google Home WiFi. Additionally, find out if you can use your Google Home without WiFi. 

1. Your Google Home Isn’t Set Up Yet

When you first buy a Google Home device, it’ll need to be set up. This requires more than just plugging it into the wall’s power outlet.

The Google Home will need to be connected to your home WiFi network first.

How To Connect a Google Home to WiFi

If your Google Home isn’t set up yet, you can use the instructions below to connect your Google Home device.

1. Make sure that your WiFi network and the one on your router are configured for a “WEP” or “WPA/PSK” type security setting. Older routers may only offer WEP, or “Wired Equivalent Privacy.”
2. Open the Google Home App. If you have a mobile device on your WiFi network that can run this app, it should automatically load up when you tap its icon. If a web browser runs on another device for Google Home setup to work, it must be a Chrome or Safari browser.
3. In the top right corner of your app, tap “SET UP NEW DEVICE” in blue text. Make sure that you are on the SET HOMESETUP > WIFI page.
4. Tap the list icon at the bottom left to show all devices on this network. Make sure that your Google Home device is on the list.
5. Tap “MOVE TO THIS WIFI” in blue text. Make sure you’re still on the SET HOMESETUP > WIFI page
6. Tap NEXT at the bottom of this screen. This will allow it to move through a series of screens with options for setting up this Google Home device.
7. Once you’ve reached the last screen, tap “CONNECT TO THIS WIFI” in blue text. Make sure that you’re still on the SET HOMESETUP > WIFI page.
8. Enter your password for WiFi access if needed. This will be a string of letters and numbers.
9. Enter the password into the text box. Tap CONNECT. Once everything has been done correctly, it’ll now say “Connected” at the bottom of this screen.
10. Tap NEXT at the bottom of this screen to continue into the final page. In this page, you’ll have one more option for security settings. Make sure that your WIFI network is labeled as “SECURE.”

It’ll say Connected in green text on your Google Home app, and you can now use your voice to control your device.

Further reading: Can Google Home Connect To 5GHz Wifi? 6 Surprising Facts

2. Google Home Is Accidentally Disconnected From the WiFi

Your WiFi network will broadcast the Google Home SSID until it reconnects.

If Google Home was connected to the network and then suddenly disconnects, it could be for several reasons. 

Let’s go through some of the reasons this might happen:

• Make sure that the Google Home app hasn’t been closed on the phone or tablet where you’re using this wireless connection.
• The password for your Wi-Fi has changed and will need to be updated in the Home app.
• Google may be performing some maintenance on their servers, which could result in a temporary interruption. Info on Google maintenance can be found on Downdetector or a similar site.

3. Your Router Is Turned Off or Isn’t Getting a Connection

If there are times when the Google home app says “No Internet Connection,” or you see the Google Home network, it could be because of one of these reasons:

• The WiFi signal coming from your router to Google Home might be weak or doesn’t exist.
• Your device may not be able to use the wireless connection due to incompatible network settings. 
• Your router is turned off. Check the power and connections. 
• There’s no internet connection coming to your device from Google Home. This can happen if you have a firewall that blocks the routing of packets between devices on separate networks.
• Your wireless signal may be completely turned off if this is the case. Check with your ISP to see if there’s an outage or you’ve been disconnected.

Learn more: Can too many devices crash a router?

4. There Has Been a Power Blackout

A power outage can bring down your wireless router and make Google Home show up as a WiFi connection.

If this is the case, you need to reset your WiFi network settings on Google Home by following these steps:

1. Open any webpage in Chrome browser (e.g., Facebook). 
2. Go to Settings -> Devices -> Add Device -> Google Home. 
3. Accept the connection on your phone, and follow the steps to connect.
4. Plug in your power cord for a few minutes. 

This should bring your Wi-Fi network back up. If you still can’t get an internet connection, then contact your ISP (internet service provider). They’ll be able to figure out what’s wrong with your connection.

Can Google Home Work Without WiFi?

Whether or not Google Home can work without WiFi really depends on what you want to use it for in your home. If you plan to use your Google Home for music streaming, weather reports, or anything that’ll need internet access, then you need WiFi for it to work. 

However, the main question you should ask is whether or not you want a connection that may be less reliable at times.

You can use a mobile hotspot to connect your Google Home to the internet, but the connection won’t be as strong as using WiFi.

If this is ok with you, by all means, set up Google Home without WiFi. It’ll work like many other smart devices in your home and will remain connected to the internet via your mobile hotspot.

If you’re looking to use Google Home as a speaker, you won’t need to connect it to your WiFi. You’ll only need to set up your Google Home as a Bluetooth speaker by pairing it with your phone or another device.

To set up your Google Home as a Bluetooth speaker, follow these easy steps:

1. Simply pair the Google Home with your device.
2. Say “Pair Bluetooth.” This will prompt you to select a device. 
3. Choose your device, and you’re all set to use Google Home as a speaker.

How To Remove the WiFi Network on Google Home

Sometimes you’ll need to change your WiFi network. Additionally, you might get a new router or even move to a new home. When this happens, you may need to remove your old WiFi from your Google devices.

To remove the WiFi network on your Google Home, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Google Home app on your phone. 
2. Click on the name of the Google Home device you want to remove.
3. Click the settings icon in the upper right corner of the screen. 
4. Click on “WiFi.” 
5. Click on “Forget This Network.” 

You can now add your Google device to a new WiFi network when you’re ready.

You might also want to know: Can Google Home / Nest Be Hacked? 6 Dangers + 10 Tips