How to Set Up a Google WiFi Mesh Router

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Getting reliable WiFi signal everywhere in your home can be challenging. The Mesh networking capabilities of Google WiFi aims to make this a problem of the past. Google WiFi devices are able to be wirelessly connected to one another so that WiFi signal can blanket your entire home. This guide will help you get your new Google WiFi devices set up and broadcasting WiFi for the first time.

Before You Begin:

You must have the Google WiFi app installed.

• How to Install the Google WiFi App

How do Mesh Networks Work?

The idea behind the mesh network of Google WiFi is to provide multiple devices which hook up together to ensure better wireless coverage throughout your home. One of these router devices – in the case of Google WiFi, they’re all identical compact little white cylinders – connects to your ISP's modem as normal, and then others are strategically placed elsewhere around your home, connecting wirelessly to one another, which serves to blanket your whole home with WiFi, ensuring a strong signal anyplace in your home.

The number of WiFi points you may need for your home largely depends on the size. Google recommends one WiFi point for a home of 500-1500 square feet, two WiFi points for a home 1500-3000 square feet, and three points for a home 3000-4500 square feet. While these distances are a rough estimation, other factors could increase or decrease the number of points your home requires to create a reliable WiFi signal in all the areas that are important to you. Your first WiFi point must be connected to your ISP's modem, so it's a good idea to plan out where you might need additional WiFi points before making your purchase of additional Google WiFi devices.

2. Connections

1. Choose any WiFi point to start with.
2. Plug one end of the Ethernet cord into the Internet port of your WiFi point.
   

1. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cord to your ISP's modem/gateway unit.
   

1. Plug the power cord into the USB Type-C port.
   

1. Plug the other end of the power cord into an available wall outlet.
   

1. The light on your Google WiFi point will pulse blue once it is ready to be set up.
   

3. Initial Setup

1. Open the Google WiFi App.
   

1. If prompted, tap SIGN IN, and then log into your Google account.
   
2. All Google WiFi network settings are stored "in the cloud" and are tied to your Google account. The Google account that is used to perform this initial set up process becomes the Owner and primary administrator of the WiFi network. Keep this in mind to ensure the correct Google account is used for the set up process. For example, homes with multiple family members where the Google account of the desired "Owner" may not be the same as the Google account of the person setting things up for the first time.
3. Tap GET STARTED to begin the set up process.
   

2. The app will search for nearby Google WiFi devices.
   

1. You will be prompted to scan the QR code displayed on your WiFi point. Tap SCAN CODE to proceed.
   

1. Aim your mobile device's camera at the QR code. The app will take care of the rest.
   

1. Next, select a location for your WiFi point from the list provided, then tap NEXT.
   

2. You'll then be prompted to choose a network name and password. Enter the desired information, then tap NEXT.
   

1. The Google WiFi app will begin configuring this WiFi point. This process may take a few moments.
   

1. Next, you'll be given the opportunity to add additional WiFi points to your Google WiFi network. Google WiFi packages offer 1-3 WiFi points, so you may have up to two additional WiFi points that need to be configured. Select the number of additional WiFi points you still need to configure, then tap NEXT.
   

1. Expand the section below if you need to add additional WiFi points to your Google WiFi network. If no additional points need to be added, skip to the next step.
   
2. If additional WiFi points are being added
3. Place the additional WiFi point in the room it will be used in then select NEXT.
   

1. 
   
2. Placing WiFi points in open spaces about two rooms away from each other is a good rule of thumb.
3. Plug in the power cord to your WiFi point and select NEXT.
   

1. Select a location for your WiFi point, then tap NEXT.
   

1. The Google WiFi app will search for your WiFi point and connect to it.
2. You will be prompted to test the connection of your WiFi point. Tap TEST NOW to proceed.
   

1. Allow a few moments for the app to test the connection of your WiFi point. Once the test has completed successfully, your WiFi point has been added. Tap NEXT to continue.
   

1. This process will be repeated for each additional WiFi point that needs to be added to your Google WiFi network.
2. Once all WiFi points have been added, an overview of your network settings will be displayed. Tap NEXT to proceed.
   

1. If there's newer software available, the Google WiFi app will download it and apply it to all the points in your home so you have the latest features.
   

1. Once the update process has been completed, a completion screen will be displayed. Your Google WiFi network is ready to go. The app will offer to give you a tour of things by tapping EXPLORE.