Google Nest WiFi | Setup & Review

Reviewing the Google Nest WiFi router and point, including full setup, a tour of the best features and how it's been upgraded vs the original mesh system.
As well as launching the new Pixel 4 phones and Nest Mini smart assistant, Google unveiled a fresh new 2019 version of its WiFi router in October. This offers a similar multi-point setup to the first model, allowing you to spread your internet connection and network access to distant points in your home. Here in the UK you can grab the pair for £239, or also buy the router (£149) and point (£129) separately.
Here we show you the setup process via the Home app (nice and simple). Then we tour the various features including family controls, speed and connectivity tests and priority devices. And I review my first experiences with the Google Nest WiFi, to see if it's worth that cash.
Unfortunately this isn't quite the perfect mesh system right now as there's no future-proofing with WiFi 6, while the Ethernet connectivity is severely limited. Not good news if you have various bridges and base stations to connect for smart home goodies. Still, the Google Assistant functionality is a clever addition and the overall performance is solid (so far at least).

[@j1jh002]

I love your reviews. They're amazing

[@user-om1lv7hz3y]

3:13 This is a very interesting background. +1 Besides that, amazing review.

[@johant6952]

That thumbnail 😂. It just explains how terrible my mind is🤣. Finished watching. Awesome review 👍🏼.

[@luzo9719]

Grow up, son

[@joebiden7064]

Don’t grow up, son

[@ppal64]

This is a router for simple use. No VPN . No dual wan. No Ethernet backhaul. No wired ports in the access points - it’s okay for 99.9% of home users.

[@bryanhernandez-roque3997]

This is a game Changer … a must have for all tech geeks

[@debronsmedley931]

Youve had a good experience with it?

[@madmarcelo4ever]

Thanks dude sick video!

[@adventureseekerdude]

How do you compare it to your ubiquiti system? Range, speed, handling multiple smart home devices, etc. You keeping the Nest WiFi or switching back to your Ubiquiti?

[@jnusmc4922]

Def in the mood for marshmallow now thanks

[@stickylightning852]

I only watched to hear him say "rooter"

[@slothyyteen-lg7me]

3:09

[@gregkendall2019]

@Mace only in the UK

[@veng1974]

@Mace Then explain to me why in the video he says OUT the correct way Its rOUTer not rOOTer

[@jasonleaman.]

@@veng1974 Curious; How would you choose to say "Throughput" or "Thoroughly". The "OU" sound is not always phonetic, at least in the way you describe. If phonetics were absolute you might spell the word "R-A-O-W-T-E-R", of course depending where you come from. This is another important thing to remember: It doesn't matter! American English and British English are in many cases, two different beasts when it comes to pronunciation. Neither/Neither is right or wrong. The presenter is of course going to pronounce the word 'OUT' the way that he does, because that's the way that this word is pronounced whether you're English or American (or any other English speaking type of human). Accents can change certain words. Scotland and the north of England may speak with a different emphasis on vowels, for example, but that's the beauty of the richness built in to the marvellous understanding that WE ARE ALL ACTUALLY DIFFERENT AND THAT'S OK.

[@rvsoccer5]

Same😂

[@daijholt]

That thumbnail is something else 😂

[@krzysztoffolta4823]

Agreed😂 hard to get somebody with such good sense of British humour

[@mrtnhntr]

Thanks for setting off my phone's Google assistant twice, with your "Hey Google" :)

[@an1ma169]

Ditto 😄😄

[@porschepal7932]

Apparently you haven't set up voice recognition.

[@adriansal3524]

Yes but can I still keep my exiting non nest modem and just connect the nest to it as an extender?

[@GamingPreferred]

What modem are you using for this setup?

[@Cldrn12]

Love from utopia ❤️😀

[@danielacastro356]

Awesome review! I ended up buying this device because of your review! Good job, lol.

[@michaelknight2897]

I have had google WiFi for over a year now. I am experiencing internet drops daily. While the user interface is terrific for the average end users, it offers zero ability to identify issues.

[@phuongloan1000]

Really Informative

[@saudfata6236]

Is there any chance you could post a video showcasing the full capabilities (advanced settings/features like port forwarding) of the app for those of use who are concerned about it?

[@sideimpact6783]

It seems like the deco M5 that I have heats up quite a bit when data starts to pump through them (2-3 devices streaming video for example). Performance seems to degrade when it heats up. Any comments on heavy usage with this one (or any other mesh network?)

[@sdemosi]

Doesn't heat up like the Deco. TP link need to rethink their cooling on that router

[@philmoore7667]

Interesting to see if you managed to get your Sky Q connected to Google WiFi. It’s a nightmare and keeps disconnecting as there’s an issue with how it and Sky Q creates mesh. Lots of issues on forums, both Sky and Google.

[@franknitty43]

Nice review! Do the new pucks/routers work with the previous generation equipment?

[@porschepal7932]

Yes they are backwards and forwards compatible

[@porschepal7932]

A year later, I know.

[@matthewrichards88]

Can the best pucks be treated like a speaker (Google home mini etc) and be added to speaker groups?

[@craigiswayne]

wait did you just say love you at the end?! hahaha that caught me by suprise

[@elkabong5547]

Nice nests!!

[@SamGibson]

What's with the 70s adult movie music in the background?

[@ljgr6045]

What provider are you with ? Im with sky q and wondered if these would be better than the sky q hub

[@aydenhammond1954]

I’m having issues with it it says that the connection is failed when testing the internet so idk what to do any help maybe

[@gel.alonzo_]

try to uninstall and reinstall the app on ur phone and try to test again

[@nutchasunannawong6630]

I think i just felt in love

[@clearjr1]

How do you connect an ethernet switch to it? Do you connect the switch directly to the modem and then the google wifi router through the switch to the modem?

[@justinaskins2156]

So with the Point, does it act as an extension of the router?

[@hedgehogchaser2494]

How does it compare to the amplifi hd and which do you prefer?

[@AdamMiarka]

How does it fare against your Amplifi HD setup?

[@meganbanda3742]

Do you have to have existing WiFi to get it work or not? Can you connect the Ethernet through the outlet on the wall that has Ethernet ports??? Actually, I’m not even sure if what we have at home is for that and it might just be for phones. Sorry if I sound dumb lol I just live in the country where it’s hard to get good internet and we need something very strong and can reach every room accurately since our house is a huge 1930s Craftsman house

[@QuinCarter]

Great review! 👍 Just a bit of feedback: try to edit your video so it mutes the "Hey Google" hot word. Makes all my speakers in the room go crazy while i was watching!

[@theemptyone7739]

just use headphones

[@chammerly2710]

Does the whole thing have its own wifi system or is there a plan you have to be on that the router just supports?

[@cew630]

Great question

[@yarimaborrego8842]

It's made for the wifi you already have

[@porschepal7932]

The router connects to your modem with an RJ-45 cable.

[@dsjc_]

Love that thumbnail😂

[@luzo9719]

Why? Are you 7? World's gone so moronic and dumb

[@chrishill8688]

Hey Chris, really like your channel and reviews. I'm thinking of purchasing one of these as the router and point are on sale at the moment. As it's been nearly 6 months since you reviewed - do you still recommend?

[@cherinadaboss1]

Where did you see them on sale at?

[@ReadOrDarryl777]

Nice Makise Kurisu phone wallpaper

[@Michaelalmond231]

I have a 2 bed flat what do you recommend to send stronger connection to my phone and tv and not other devices first

[@yashitkumar16]

Looking at thumbnail , thought you were holding 2 eggs of an ostrich...!!

[@TechSpurt]

Got me hungry for an omelette now...

[@solidgalaxy3339]

@@TechSpurt that omlet will last you for a week

[@just4therecord]

I got some bad news for you....

[@JamesWoolfordDesign]

So I have my net with EE and have a home hub, do I need to get rid of my home hub and put everything in my Google nest? Or do I still need the old EE router AND the Google hub?

[@anastasiawhite2455]

@Awiq Udeen I do! I need help! We just use our Sky router at the moment and we change providers every year, but I don't want to go through the process of reconnecting all our smart devices every time. Will Nest WiFi be a solution? And also what's a modem??

[@anastasiawhite2455]

@Awiq Udeen Thank you for the reply! I've spent all day trying to figure it out, and now I'm actually getting somewhere 😅 We have Fibre and a box on the wall (is that a modem?), do I still need the router? And if yes, will I have to disable WiFi on it and how?

[@anastasiawhite2455]

@Awiq Udeen thank you!

is this the google home app you use or the google wifi one?

[@199724]

Can you turn off DHCP or do you have to turn off mesh because they need to go in bridge mode for that?

[@chrisstopher2277]

There no directions with this damn thing.

[@baddboo]

Is there a way to turn on 2.4 or 5 ghz manually ?? Also set up device through the home app is not exactly a breeze

[@scottolson4510]

No there's not

[@aimirul6999]

*looks at the thumbnail* Me : Welp.. that's enough hentai for today

[@iketurner_]

I dont get it

[@Dragonbyte]

Ricky Spanish He is holding the router and extender in a certain spot.

[@bbbelt_far]

lets nO

[@bigmaxcc]

Aimirul kono hentai

[@tomiathisflex7706]

Great review! I am really disappointed that the points do not have ethernet ports

[@simonhaines7301]

This wouldn't make sense since the points connect wirelessly to the router.

[@porschepal7932]

@@simonhaines7301 So do the Google WiFi points but those have Ethernet ports. I'm not worried about Ethernet ports but some might be.

[@onehunned_]

Can I connect this router to my Verizon fios router? I need to use the Verizon router since I have tv service

[@gel.alonzo_]

yes you can connect it to one of the ethernet ports of your modem/router from ur provider

[@bambiwolf116]

my dads internet he doesnt know login for so i guess only thing i can use is a repeater also he wont let me set up a second wifi and yelled at me asking how much he pays for it and he told me to f off i need a mesh repeater cause i got plaster walls? any suggestions for wide coverage of big house?

[@dhanarputra555]

Looks like a giant marshmallow to me. Yummy... Google should make reference Android ecosystem for Pixel but not a closed one. That would be great for the fans.

[@LilLayne11]

This is my 1st time watching your videos. I hope in future videos you muted you saying "Hey Google." All of my devices responded to you.

[@a.m.3118]

Wich smartphone was it you have used in your review ? Greetings from Berlin

[@saudfata6236]

Looks like a p30 Pro to me

[@LU7HFUR]

Can you use the google nest point with my own router?

[@ellenqian3179]

like the wallpaper of your phone...lol

[@OriginalNoseBleed]

This or the Amplifi HD?

[@masonp4355]

Do you have to have an Ethernet cable to set these up? Just bought one and then realized that my building has literally no Ethernet cables. I also cannot get a cable installed as it’s an old building.

[@porschepal7932]

If you have a modem that uses a coaxial cable it should have an Ethernet port on it. You can buy an Ethernet cable for $5-$10 and plug one end into the modem and the other end into the Nest router by the little globe image.

[@Jasonlovesmusic559]

I bought the 3 pack of nest points hoping to extend my existing network, which uses a TP Link Router. Apparently you can't connect these things to the TP Link router's network? Whenever I try to setup the point in my google home app, it only give me to option to create a new network, not to join the existing network.

[@porschepal7932]

Correct. It replaces your TP Link router.

[@1m_megapixels]

Hay buddy UK watcher here ... Just purchased one of there, real world use, what's it like

[@aaronjabari6895]

Why out the assistant in the point and not the router? What if you don't need a point?

[@rhettoracle9679]

Ogle, Ogle, Ogle Go ogle! The eye of Horus A glance of course.

[@zo62]

I am on my 3rd gogole mesh in 1 week all of them that I have tried has the same problem it drops the conection after 2 hrs I can predict it and it happens such a disappointment

[@vp100]

It’s Oct 2022 and they just released Google Nets Wifi Pro which has Wifi 6E

[@kyrluke]

Nice thumbnail pose brooo

[@AaronPlays]

You could use a network switch to extend the amount of Ethernet devices

[@ppal64]

Aaron Plays no you can’t. If you have wired devices far away from the router then there is no way of connecting to the wireless point. The only say you can put in a switch is I’d you have the house already wired. Better option is to use an ASUS AiMesh system which has ports on the nodes.

[@porschepal7932]

@@ppal64 They're backwards and forwards compatible. Get a Google WiFi point that has an Ethernet port and connect it with your Nest router.

[@vickiepoole7098]

can these be used with a jetpack hotspot?

[@andrekhoury6252]

no dhcp?? this way we don't remove the main router

[@Elev8taman]

How do you access the 5ghz

[@christhewiss]

Great review but actually how many times can you actually say actually in one actual video? I didn’t count but it was actually quite a lot! .... actually!

[@OMGiGi]

What up Captain Planet reference hahaha

[@DigitalBenny]

Thumbnail: Stop looking at my Nestits 😂

[@jakey3554]

Will this work by connecting to the original router, i believe we have a modem-router hybrid?

[@SamGibson]

Why would you have to enter your ISP details? Doesn't the modem bit get handled by your provider's router?

[@HunBela]

I think some providers ends up giving you a lan cable, but you still need a router to log in to it. But in my case (BT, i am just going to stop wifi on BT router, and get one cable over to the nest wifi and go from there.

[@SamGibson]

@@HunBela it's when you have to use PPOA. Only direct fibre type stuff.

[@HunBela]

@@SamGibson I see, so we both correct then. Normally we just connect it to the old router kill the old WiFi, setup, job done.

[@HunBela]

Got a question actually. I have bt, and I am using few of it's Lan ports. After I connect my nest router to it. And set it. Will it be two different network or will the ones connected on cable see the ones on WiFi? Or I have to have a switch after the nest router and cable everything there?

[@SamGibson]

@@HunBela it will be totally different. There's no link between devices getting IP addresses from the BT Home Hub and the ones getting them from the Nest. Totally different subnets too. Best thing to do would be put a dumb switch after the Nest and connect your LAN devices to that.

[@PressStartOnce]

No ethernet ports on the non base pods? Thats the best part of Google Wifi.. I have a switch connected to one of the non base pods and run wired to my entire office.. think I am gonna skip the upgrade then

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Agreed!.. no idea why they’d take that feature away?!!

[@agspr]

i can't believe google sometimes. but the older google wifi acces points do work with this one, so i guess you can get one of those if you need ethernet.

[@xaruan]

You can use additional routers as points to have the additional ethernet ports. The nest points have the google assistant speaker and microphone built in, which takes up space (so no ports)

[@CardinalHijack]

im a bit of a noob: how does this work for people who have VDSL cable to their house? Do I have to use my provided router as a modem? If so, will that be a bottleneck?

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

Yes, you do.

[@DanFernandesBenficaSaint]

Always listening to you. Always cataloguing data on you. Why would you want such an intrusive device that could potentially one day be used against you!? 😂

[@jamiesplinter8758]

Data gathering and tht is probably why Google decided to make there own phones

[@unlock-er]

putting ISP credentials in there? is it PPPOE configured? does it mean, I can chuck my BT router in the bin? or do i still have to hook it up to one of the LAN port of my current router?

[@joexnofficial]

Where he has plugged an ethernet cable into the back, not an ADSL cable, he likely has a built in modem to his home setup.

[@bryghtness7937]

If you're using PPPOE or Static IP, you can just replace the old router by Google Nest router and do the authentication of PPPOE or Static IP on the Google Home app. On the initial setup, before creating a network, the app will ask you about the connection type then you can enter those credentials.

[@joexnofficial]

Drake Xenon if you’re in the U.K you need a VDSL modem.

[@unlock-er]

@@joexnofficial Ah. I see. Thanks. That makes sense. I got rid of mine already though 😔

[@joexnofficial]

AndroidOnlyPlz I recommend the Netgear VDSL modem from Amazon. It’s around £30 but is small and light. It’s really good but can be tricky to setup. Message me if you do decide to get it and I’ll help with the setup

[@leeiberry]

The previous point version had the network connection. This ensured the point could receive atleast 100mg ......

[@MaZEEZaM]

measuring a large area in square feet, madness

[@jacktheladfrost]

Would this replace my sky router or add to it? If it adds then what is the advantage?

[@jacktheladfrost]

@Danyal Hussain it doesn't look like it does. Watched quite a few videos.

[@LV2355]

Can you test Nest Wi-Fi router together with a Google Wi-Fi as a point?

[@jesusisreal2604]

Fight ur battles with faith and assurance that something BIG FROM GOD IS GOING TO HAPPEN Pray this prayer to be saved plz, Dear God I know I am a sinner but I believe Jesus died for my sins, I repent of my sins, I accept Jesus as my personal lord and savior in Jesus name AMEN

[@seeuguys]

Am thick when it comes to tec .But do you need a phone line like u need for wow but ect ??

[@bobbyveej]

Hi, just seen you plug your nest straight into your broadband outlet. I couldn't get that working and need to use the existing sky modem. Can you advise please if it's possible to just use the nest without the modem?

[@SamGibson]

Don't reckon you can. It's not a modem. Certainly with the older kit you can't. It doesn't have an RJ11 port for instance.

[@bobbyveej]

@@SamGibson thanks. Would it work if I got a rj11 to rj45 adaptor? When I spoke to the Google tech support they said its possible to connect to a fibre broadband outlet however weren't sure if it was for the US or UK.

[@bobbyveej]

Ok so think I know the answer. If you have a fibre box (ONT)installed, then you should be able to plug the Google router straight in. If you just have a BT phone socket then you will need a modem.

[@SamGibson]

That would make sense. Must be why he's talking about ISP login details. Incidentally you don't need an adaptor for RJ45 to RJ11; an RJ11 fits right in! Try it.

[@scbunn]

It seems you are unable to set a DHCP range which has been a standard feature of a router since the dawn of time.

[@meganluv777]

Wait so I’m so confused if I got this would it be like simple WiFi or would I have to get internet

[@ianmarlang7077]

Okay I’m kinda lost do u need a carrier like dish or something to connect it or it makes the wifi

[@nickoletcampbell4657]

I’m wondering the same thing. Is the “Google Nest” all you need or do you need a provider. Optimum, Fios, direct tv?! idk

[@gel.alonzo_]

yes u do need an internet service provider first, google wifi and google nest wifi is dependent to an internet source for it to work and extend the range of ur wifi

[@LawlessRaafay]

If I have to use Lan cable directly to my Xbox how would I do that with this ?

[@marksapollo]

Please please please can you check if it provides an IPV6 address when using a PPPOE connection? You will have selected that at startup, it’s just google stopped this working with the older google Wi-Fi mesh system.

[@bryghtness7937]

It supports IPv6, as long as the IPv6 is enable on your modem settings. If your ISP supports then all you have to do is turn on IPv6 on the Google wifi app.

[@marksapollo]

Drake Xenon Nice, I have a Vigor 130 VDSL modem so will have to check.

[@LuhJunya]

So will this make me not lag on my PS4?

[@pandugaming8495]

love from india

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

This completely replaces your current router or plugs into it and works in connection with it? I have awful signal in my bedroom, so I'd like to find a solution.

[@tchall8153]

Complete replacement.

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

@@tchall8153 Thanks!

[@tchall8153]

@@rebornsnuzzles2573 Just to be clear.... You'll still need a modem before this.

[@adriannamarie1622]

do you pay per month for the google nest wifi ?

[@m00nf0xx]

How does this work?! Do u pay for a wifi subscription or does this device emit a wifi connection

[@Foreshay]

Does this replace a router from an ISP? Or do you still need to connect this to your ISP’s router?

[@FDDLERSGREEN]

That's exactly what I would like to know

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

Sadly all these things need a modem, so you do need to plug this into your ISP modem, which will of course already be a route too. I think you have to turn off the Wi-fi part of the isp router. I don’t know why none of these reviewers ever point this out.

[@porschepal7932]

It replaces the router you have from your ISP but not your modem. Also depends on if you're on Fiber. I don't think this works with Fiber.

[@porschepal7932]

@@tn_onyoutube8436 The modem from my ISP doesn't act as a router. It depends on who your ISP is.

[@DanthonyRaf]

Can I run a PS4 directly into the Google Nest?

[@abear9184]

Ok so its not its own wifi if i dont have internet it wont work right?

[@adriannamarie1622]

and is it wifi itself or just an extender of your current wifi

[@Aracnomother]

Do I have to leave the Ethernet cable plugged in at all times or just to set it up?

[@ColinRichardson]

The whole point of it is that it connects to the internet and shares it with you via wifi. So if you don't want it on the internet, you can unplug it. But then, why did you buy it

[@crispybacon6771]

You have to leave the ethernet cable plugged in at all times to keep the nest router going. Otherwise it has not internet

[@dannypsimpson]

does the router have a built in modem or u still need to use a modem with it?

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

You need a modem in addition. Why they never mention this is beyond me.

[@porschepal7932]

@@tn_onyoutube8436 Well it is called a Nest WiFi router. Not modem and router combo.

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

@@porschepal7932 Yes, of course. But for the vast majority of normal people who just want to access Wi-fi they don’t understand this. And to most people the two words are interchangeable.

[@thetummyache1448]

Can anyone please help? Just bought this. Trying to setup but the router is not showing when I try to add a device. Already tried restarting the device.

[@sverrijoensen]

So with the new Nest Wifi, it's not using "Google Wifi" app anymore, but uses "Google Home" app instead?

[@bryghtness7937]

We still have to keep the old Google wifi app. Not all the settings are migrated to Google Home app.

[@TheStoneyYoshi]

I think its the same way as how the google home app allows you to control your Nest products but you still need the nest app to fully control and make any changes to them. The google home app is for more minor things but Im sure you still need the google wifi app to even setup the device and configure everything.

[@obscurelines]

I'm confused. I have Sky internet, with Sky router. Do I plug it into that router? or do I plug this is and transfer Sky to it?

[@achoudhury2654]

Good question, exactly what I was thinking

[@obscurelines]

@@achoudhury2654 Did some othe rresearch and Sky apparently works badly with these.