Resetting your Google Wifi system to factory settings can be useful if you’re selling or giving away your devices, having connectivity problems, or just want a fresh start. Resetting removes all your custom settings and returns the wifi points to their out-of-the-box state.
A factory reset is really easy to do but keep in mind it will reset all your wifi points and remove all devices connected to your network. You’ll have to set up your wifi network from scratch again. Any custom names, passwords, or settings will be erased.
When Should You Reset Google Wifi?
Here are some common reasons for resetting your Google Wifi system:
Before Selling or Giving Away
Resetting Google Wifi removes all your personal information and wi-fi settings. This lets you pass along the devices securely to a new owner. It’s important to wipe any routers or mesh systems before selling or gifting them.
Fixing Connectivity Issues
Sometimes, resetting Google Wifi can help resolve problems like weak signals, trouble connecting devices, or other glitches. Resetting eliminates any bad settings that may be causing conflicts.
Change the Network Name or Password
The only way to change your Google Wifi network name or password is to reset your system. So if you want to update your SSID or security settings, a reset is required.
Remove Connected Devices
A factory reset boots all connected devices off your network. This lets you remove any devices you no longer use or trust. It also frees up IP addresses on your network.
Start Fresh
Maybe your wifi setup has become messy after adding lots of new devices and customizations. Doing a factory reset lets you clear everything out and start with a clean slate.
How to Backup Google Wifi Before Resetting
Before resetting your Google Wifi system, it’s a good idea to back up your configuration settings. This lets you more easily restore them later if needed. Here’s how to back up Google Wifi:
- Open the Google Wifi app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on the Settings icon in the top right.
- Scroll down and select “Back up settings”.
- Choose where you want to save the backup file. You can save it to your device or to cloud storage like Google Drive.
- Tap “Back up” to create the backup file.
Now your Google Wifi settings are saved in a file you can restore from later if needed. The backup contains your network name, password, connected devices list, parental controls, and other custom settings.
How to Factory Reset Google Wifi
Resetting Google Wifi completely erases all the devices and removes any custom settings. You’ll have to set up your network again after resetting. There are two ways to reset Google Wifi – using the app or the physical button on the wifi point.
Reset Google Wifi from the App
- Open the Google Wifi app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on the Settings icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and select “Factory reset”.
- Tap the red “Reset” button.
- Confirm you want to reset on the next pop-up.
- The app will disconnect and you’ll have to go through the setup process again. All wifi points will be reset to factory settings.
Reset Google Wifi with the Button
- Locate the reset button on the back of your primary Google Wifi point. It looks like a pinhole.
- Use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds until the light on top starts blinking amber.
- Once the light blinks amber, release the button.
- The wifi point will reboot and restore factory settings. Repeat for any additional wifi points.
- Reconfigure your Google Wifi network from the app.
Either reset method accomplishes the same thing – completely restoring your Google Wifi system to factory condition. The app method is generally easier, especially if you have wifi points installed in hard to reach places. But the button is there if you ever can’t access the app.
What Happens When You Reset Google Wifi?
Here’s an overview of what resetting your Google Wifi system does:
- Removes all wifi network names, passwords, and security settings.
- Disconnects all currently connected devices.
- Turns off advanced features like family controls, port forwarding, etc.
- Restores default DHCP and NAT settings.
- Clears out assigned IP addresses.
- Deletes any registered users and guest access.
- Reboots wifi points to factory condition.
- Allows you to run through the initial setup process again.
So, in summary, a factory reset gives you a completely clean slate. Your Google Wifi system will be restored to its original out-of-box state. You’ll have to set up your network name, password, and settings from scratch.
How to Reconfigure Google Wifi After Resetting
Once you reset your Google Wifi system, you’ll need to set it up again for your home network. Here’s an overview of what’s involved in reconfiguring your wifi:
- Download the Google Wifi app if you don’t already have it. This is needed to set up and manage your network.
- Plug in your primary Google Wifi point near your modem/router.
- Open the app and select “Set up new system”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your main wifi point to your internet source.
- Set a network name and password. Make them something new you’ll remember.
- Place additional wifi points around your home and use the app to add them to your network.
- Connect wired devices by plugging them into the ports on your wifi points.
- Connect wireless devices by selecting your new network and entering the password.
- Adjust settings like parental controls, port forwarding, DHCP range, etc if desired.
- Register user accounts so family members can access features like pause wifi.
That covers the basics of getting your Google Wifi system up and running again after a factory reset. Depending on your specific needs, there may be additional customization required. But following this process will restore core networking functions.
5 Common Google Wifi Reset Issues and Fixes
Resetting Google Wifi is pretty straightforward, but sometimes issues pop up during or after the reset process. Here are 5 common problems and how to fix them:
Can’t Access Reset in App – If you don’t see the factory reset option in the Google Wifi app settings, the app may need an update or reinstallation. Updating the app usually resolves this.
Connected Devices Still Showing – It can take some time for currently connected devices to disappear from the app after a reset. Try rebooting any remaining devices to clear them.
No Internet After Reset – Double check your main Google wifi point is connected properly to your modem/router after resetting. The system should grab your WAN IP address automatically, but reboot modem if needed.
Weak Connection – If wireless devices have a weak signal after resetting, you may need to optimize placement of your wifi points. Consider elevating them or moving them closer to congested areas.
Forgot New Network Password – Don’t worry about forgetting your new wifi password after a reset. You can view it at any time in the Google Wifi app under network settings.
Getting stuck during or after the reset process is annoying, but these common issues are usually quick fixes. Refer to Google Wifi support if any problems persist after a reset.
FAQs
Does a factory reset delete my Google Wifi app?
No, resetting the hardware does not delete or uninstall the companion app from your mobile device. The app is needed after reset to set up your network again.
What happens if I reset just one wifi point?
Resetting only a single wifi point will just erase settings on that device. To do a proper factory reset, you need to reset your primary point and all additional access points.
Can I backup my Google Wifi app data?
Yes, in the Google Wifi app you can create a backup file that saves your network settings. This lets you restore them more easily after a factory reset.
How long does a Google Wifi reset take?
The reset process itself only takes a minute or two. But you’ll then need to spend time reconfiguring your network which could take 30 minutes or more.
Will resetting improve my Google Wifi speeds?
Possibly. Resetting can help resolve speed issues caused by bad settings or connected devices. But other factors like placement and interference affect speeds too.
Conclusion
Resetting Google Wifi removes all your devices, settings, and customizations – restoring your mesh system to original factory condition. While it may take some time to reconfigure your wifi network after resetting, the process is worthwhile if you’re passing along your system, troubleshooting problems, or wanting a fresh start. If you’re wondering why your Spectrum router is blinking red, troubleshooting the issue becomes effortless with the Google Wifi app and the convenience of hardware reset buttons; should you need to factory reset your system for a quick resolution, remember to safeguard your settings by backing them up to ensure seamless restoration later.
