Restart Google WiFi (Soft Reset)
A restart reboots the device without erasing any settings. Your WiFi name, password, and all configurations stay the same.
Through the Google Home app:
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap “WiFi” or “Favorites,” then tap your WiFi network.
- Tap the settings gear icon in the top-right.
- Tap “Restart network” or “Restart WiFi point.”
- Confirm. The restart takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
By unplugging:
Verizon Fios? Check our Fios router reset guide.
- Unplug the power cable from the Google WiFi unit.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully boot up. The light turns solid white when it’s ready.
If you have multiple Google WiFi points (a mesh setup), restart the primary unit first. The other points reconnect automatically once the primary comes back online. You can also restart individual points through the app without affecting the others.
Factory Reset Google WiFi (Original)
A factory reset erases everything – WiFi name, password, connected devices, and all settings. The device returns to out-of-box condition.
- Flip the Google WiFi unit upside down.
- Find the factory reset button on the bottom.
- Press and hold it for 10 seconds.
- The light starts flashing, then turns solid blue after about a minute.
- The unit is reset and ready for fresh setup through the Google Home app.
The light behavior during reset: it pulses blue while resetting, then turns solid blue when ready for setup. If the light turns solid white instead, the reset may not have completed – try holding the button longer (15 seconds).
Factory Reset Google Nest WiFi Router
- Find the factory reset button on the bottom of the Nest WiFi router.
- Press and hold it for 10 seconds.
- The light flashes yellow, then turns solid yellow when the reset is complete.
- Release the button. The device is ready for a new setup.
Factory Reset Google Nest WiFi Point (Speaker)
Nest WiFi Points (the satellite units with Google Assistant speakers) have a different reset method:
Readers who found this helpful also liked our guide on Eero pro 6 mesh WiFi.
- Turn the device upside down.
- Hold the mute switch for 10 seconds.
- You hear a chime and the device resets.
- The light ring pulses orange when ready for setup.
Factory Reset Nest WiFi Pro
- Find the reset button on the bottom of the Nest WiFi Pro unit.
- Press and hold for 10 seconds.
- The light pulses yellow during the reset.
- When the light turns solid yellow, the reset is complete.
Reset Summary by Model
| Model | Reset Method | Hold Duration | Ready Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google WiFi (original) | Button on bottom | 10 seconds | Solid blue |
| Nest WiFi Router | Button on bottom | 10 seconds | Solid yellow |
| Nest WiFi Point | Mute switch on bottom | 10 seconds | Pulsing orange |
| Nest WiFi Pro | Button on bottom | 10 seconds | Solid yellow |
Reset a Mesh Network (Multiple Units)
If you have a mesh setup with multiple Google WiFi or Nest WiFi units, you need to decide what to reset.
Reset just one point: Factory reset only the problematic unit using the button on the bottom. After it resets, add it back to your existing network through the Google Home app. The rest of your network stays intact.
Reset the entire network: You can reset all devices at once through the Google Home app. Go to WiFi settings, then “Factory reset network.” This removes all WiFi points and erases the network from your Google account. You’ll set everything up from scratch.
Reset each unit individually: If the app method doesn’t work, factory reset each unit one at a time using the physical button. Start with the secondary points, then reset the primary router last.
Set Up After a Factory Reset
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap the “+” icon, then “Set up device,” then “New device.”
- The app scans for nearby devices and finds the reset unit.
- Scan the QR code on the bottom of the device (or enter the setup code manually).
- Choose a room name for the device.
- Set your WiFi network name and password.
- The setup takes 3 to 5 minutes.
After setting up the primary router, add any additional WiFi points through the same process. Each point is added individually and joins the existing mesh network.
Troubleshooting
Reset button doesn’t seem to work. Make sure you’re pressing the correct button. On some models, the reset button is small and recessed. Use a paperclip if needed. Hold for a full 10 seconds – count slowly. If the light doesn’t change, try holding for 15 seconds. Make sure the device is plugged in and powered on during the reset.
For more on this, take a look at our how to restart Wi-Fi router guide.
Device stuck on a pulsing light after reset. The device may be updating firmware. Wait up to 10 minutes. If it’s still pulsing after 10 minutes, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the factory reset again.
Can’t add the device back after reset. Make sure Bluetooth and Location are enabled on your phone – the Google Home app uses both for device discovery. The phone needs to be on the same WiFi network (or on mobile data if there’s no network yet). Restart the Google Home app. If the QR code scan fails, manually enter the setup code printed next to the QR code.
Secondary points won’t connect after resetting the primary. When you factory reset the primary router, the secondary points lose their connection. Reset each secondary point individually, then add them back through the Google Home app after the primary router is set up and online.
Will resetting delete my Google Home smart devices?
No. Smart home devices (lights, thermostats, cameras) are linked to your Google account, not to the WiFi router. After resetting the router and setting up a new WiFi network, you’ll need to reconnect each smart device to the new WiFi through its own app, but the devices themselves and their Google Home integrations remain in your account.
Can I reset without the Google Home app?
Yes. The physical reset button on each device works independently of the app. You don’t need the app to factory reset – just hold the button for 10 seconds. However, you will need the app to set the device up again after the reset, since Google WiFi and Nest WiFi require the Google Home app for configuration.
Should I reset or just restart?
For Netgear, see our Netgear router reset guide.
Start with a restart. It fixes most temporary issues (slow speeds, connection drops, devices not connecting) without erasing anything. Only factory reset if the restart doesn’t help, if you’ve forgotten the admin settings, or if you’re giving the device to someone else and want to erase your data.
Sources
Google – Factory Reset Google WiFi | Google – Restart Google Nest WiFi
