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If you are facing any connectivity issues or the lights on your Google WiFi keep flashing in different colors, doing a factory reset will help resolve these issues.
This guide will show you how to factory reset a Google WiFi.
There are two methods of resetting your Google WiFi to its default settings, including using the reset button (hard reset) or the mobile app (soft reset).
The factory reset process does not take long as it is an easy task. The process should not be interrupted to ensure it is completed properly and resolve any issues.
It may take around 10 minutes for the hard reset to finish while the soft reset only takes a few seconds.
Factory Resetting Your Google WiFi
Factory resetting your Google WiFi will completely delete all the current data and settings. After the reset, you will be required to reconfigure your access point and router from scratch.
Therefore, if you want to save these settings, you should write down the network name and password as well as any custom settings or details that you added.
You can perform a factory reset on your Google WiFi using two ways: through the mobile app or the reset button. This is explained below:
#1. Factory Reset Using the Mobile App
This method is the easiest because you can manage the process from the mobile app.
Note that doing the factory reset using the mobile app will immediately remove the point(s) or router from your Google account.
To do this, you need to download the Google WiFi app to your phone and follow the steps below:
- Open the app and find the Settings and Actions menu.
- Choose the Network and General option.
- Click on ‘WiFi point(s)’ which is under the ‘Network Section’.
- Click on ‘Factory Reset’ and on the next page tap on ‘Factory Reset’ again to confirm.
- Wait for your WiFi point (s) to blink blue, then change to solid blue. This may take about 10 minutes and you will have to wait until the reset is finished to add the WiFi point(s) to a new network.
- When the process is finished, you will see a message on the app indicating that the reset is finished.
- At this stage, your Google WiFi point(s) will start blinking blue, meaning that they are ready for setup.
- Use the Google Home App to reconfigure your Google WiFi.
#2. Factory Reset Using the Reset Button
If you do not want to use the mobile app to reset your Google WiFi, you can reset it manually using the reset button. The factory reset button is located on the bottom side of your Google WiFi.
Manually resetting your Google WiFi will delete information from the device but your cloud data or app will not be affected. This means that you can still see your network and device in the app.
After 6 months, Google will delete this cloud data automatically. You will have to set up your device again the next time you plug it in.
Below are the steps for manually resetting your Google WiFi:
- Press the factory reset button using a pin or a paperclip and hold it for 10 seconds until you see a flashing yellow light on your Google WiFi which will then turn to solid yellow.
- Release the button when you see a solid yellow color.
- The reset process will now start which will take around 10 minutes.
- During this process ensure that the Google WiFi stays plugged in.
- The light on your Google WiFi will flash white when the factory reset is finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do after resetting my Google WiFi?
You need to set the mesh network again after resetting your Google WiFi. Switch on the device and download the Google WiFi app on your phone. Open the app and set up your network using the instructions provided on the screen. This includes generating a new password and username.
What do I do if a factory reset does not resolve connectivity problems?
First, ensure that your Google WiFi is operating using the latest firmware version. If this does not resolve the problem, you should contact Google customer support for help through the website or Google WiFi app.
How long does it take to perform a factory reset?
It only takes a few seconds to complete a soft reset. However, a hard reset takes between 10 to 15 minutes because it deletes all settings and data. During this process, the Google WiFi will restart multiple times and the light will blink in different colors.
Final Words
Resetting your Google WiFi point to default settings will help in solving several networking problems that you may occasionally encounter with your WiFi device.
Some of the problems that a factory reset solves include your devices not being able to connect to the network.
Note that a factory reset will erase all the settings and data that you have saved, needing you to reconfigure your network again.
Therefore, ensure that you only do a factory reset when it is required. Remember to save any important information before resetting your device.
