Google is shutting down its dedicated Google Wi-Fi app for managing its routers and moving that functionality over to the Google Home app, in order to help users, control and manage all their connected products at one place. Google has been working on this change since 2019, when it launched the Nest Wi-Fi routers, which could only be configured in the Google Home app. Moving to the new setup seems to be a relatively simple process, although Google’s ‘how-to’ page warns that once a user switches over to the Google Home app, they will not be able to go back to the old setup.
The switchover to the Google Home app will come in two phases. In the first phase, Google will disable most of the functionality of the Google Wi-Fi app on coming May 25. Users will be able to view the current status of their networks, but any changes, such as adding new routers or access points, will have to be done in the Google Home app. Then, in the second phase, Google will remove the Wi-Fi app from the Play Store and iOS App Store, giving the only option for all users to exclusively use the Google Home app in June.
Once the users switch over to the Google Home app, they will be able to manage the Google Wi-Fi network, use Google Assistant to pause WI-FI, check internet speed, show guest Wi-Fi password on Nest displays, and add a Nest Wi-Fi point to an existing Google Wi-Fi network. Google claims that this transition will improve the video conferencing and notification service. If you had managers in the Google Wi-Fi app for managing your networks, they would be removed during the transition phase. Users will have to again add managers as home members in the Google Home app and give them access to Wi-Fi and device settings. But, users will not be able to use OnHub routers with Nest Wi-Fi devices, even after migrating the OnHub network to the Google Home app.
There are some caveats to bear in mind as mentioned by Google. The most significant is probably around Google Wi-Fi managers because those users have effectively been given admin privileges. While the users on the mesh Wi-Fi network have not been carried over to Google Home. Instead, they’ll need to be added again as Google Home app home members. For those who have both Google Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi running, it will be a wise decision to merge them into a single network.
With the new Google Home app, the company states that users will get benefits such as access to a better set of features for their routers, like prioritization of Zoom calls, assistant-based voice controls, connected smart device notifications, and many more.
