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Google Nest WiFi offers a great online experience with very few issues, but sometimes you may notice a yellow light appear on the device.
If your Google Nest WiFi is showing a yellow light, it means that it is having issues connecting to the internet.
If the yellow light is solid or blinking fast, it means that your Google Nest WiFi is going through a factory reset.
However, if the light is flashing slowly, it means there is a network error and this needs to be resolved quickly.
Setting up your Google Nest WiFi is the first thing that you need to do to solve this problem.
But if the yellow light is still there, you can try some of the other solutions mentioned in this guide, such as restarting the Nest WiFi, changing location, or contacting customer support.
Meaning Of A Yellow Light On A Google Nest WiFi
There are three different types of Google WiFi yellow light and each one of them has a different meaning.
A fast-flashing yellow light means that your router is undergoing a factory reset, having held down the reset button.
If the yellow light is solid, it indicates that your Nest WiFi is in the process of factory reset. A slow-blinking yellow light means that your router has a network error and has lost the internet connection.
Additionally, if your Google Nest is showing a yellow light, it can also mean that the setup process was interrupted.
Methods For Fixing a Yellow Light on Google Nest WiFi
Now that you know the meaning and causes of yellow light on a Google Nest WiFi, below are the simple methods for resolving this issue:
1. Setup the Google Nest Again
If the yellow light on your Google Nest WiFi is blinking fast, it shows that the setup has not been done correctly, so you need to set it up again using the steps below:
- Log out from the Google Home app and unplug all the devices from the power source.
- The LED should not show any light as the power is disconnected.
- Now plug the modem back into the power outlet and turn it on. Give it a few minutes to finish booting up and become operational.
- Next, power up the Nest WiFi system. Open the Google Home app, give it a few minutes to detect the signal, and then log in again to set up the network.
- Reconnect your devices to the network and see whether the mesh system is working well. The light should now be white.
2. Check for Damaged or Loose Connections
Damaged or loose connections between the modem and the power plug or the modem and the router could be the cause of a yellow light on your WiFi device.
Here are the steps to inspect your connections:
- Check the power and internet connections for damage, and if there is any you should replace them immediately.
- Make sure that each connection is in its place and secure.
- Ensure that the cables are plugged in securely to the right port.
- Ensure that the clip on the ethernet connectors is intact. If damaged, you should get high-quality Cat 8 cables.
3. Power Cycle Your Modem and Nest WiFi
If there is nothing wrong with your connections, the yellow light may be due to random glitches that result in connectivity issues.
Power cycling your networking devices can help in resolving these glitches.
Below are the steps:
- Disconnect all the devices from the power outlet.
- Leave the devices unplugged for about 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for them to properly boot up.
- The light should turn to solid white, meaning the device is working properly.
4. Check for Service Maintenance or Internet Outages
The yellow light on your Google Nest WiFi might be caused by service maintenance issues.
Here are the steps to check for service maintenance or internet outage:
- Confirm if your devices are connected to the internet and then perform a speed test or reboot.
- To check the signal strength of your network, create a wired connection to your devices.
- Call the service provider and ask them if there are any issues with the service. They will tell you if there are any service outages or maintenance in your area. If this is the case, you will have to wait until they resolve the problem.
5. Check for Overheating
Overheating can cause a yellow light on your Google Nest WiFi, and if you ignore it, your device will be damaged. Overheating can happen due to a high workload on the device or blockage on the heat-dissipating vents.
Here are the steps to prevent overheating:
- If excessive workload is causing the router to heat up, restarting it will cool it off.
- Put the router in an open or well-ventilated space. Avoid placing the device on a crowded shelf or closed cabinet.
- Use a soft brush compressed air duster to properly clean the heat-dissipating vents.
- Once the cleaning is finished, try connecting your devices to the router.
6. Update the Firmware
If the firmware of your Google Nest WiFi is outdated, it will cause connectivity issues which leads to a yellow light and no internet connection.
Use the steps below to update your router’s firmware:
- Search for the advanced option on the Google WiFi app. Click on it and tap on the administration option.
- Then click on the ‘update router’ option.
- If there is a new update, download it.
7. Reset the Google Nest WiFi
Resetting your Google Nest WiFi could be the ultimate solution if it is still showing a yellow light. All the stored information and data such as network name, password, optimizations, settings, MAC filters, etc. will be deleted when you reset your WiFi device.
Here are the steps to reset your Google Nest WiFi:
- Click on the settings tab on the Google WiFi app.
- Select Network and General.
- Find the WiFi point and click on it. It should give you the option to ‘Factory Reset’.
- Click on it to confirm.
8. Check Your Configuration
Since the Nest WiFi uses DHCP, a configuration check is not normally required. However, if your ISP used Static Ips or PPPoE, you may need to check the configuration just to be sure. Your Nest WiFi should be offline to edit the WAN settings.
Disconnect the connection between the Nest WiFi and modem, then follow the steps below:
- On your Google Home app, go to WiFi > Settings > Advanced Networking.
- Click on WAN.
- Choose DHCP, PPPoE, or Static, based on your network type.
For the Static IP mode, you will be required to enter the internet gateway given by your ISP, subnet mask, and IP address.
For PPPoE connections, enter the password and username provided by the ISP.
9. Relocate the Google Nest WiFi
Your Google Nest WiFi uses the ISP’s modem to connect to the internet. Therefore, move the two devices closer to each other.
If the yellow light stops showing, there is a high chance that something between the Nest WiFi and modem is interfering with the connection.
To prevent any further interference from metal objects or walls, place the modem and Nest WiFi in an open area.
10. Contact Google Support
If you have tried all the above solutions but still experiencing the problem, you should contact Google for technical support.
Send them an email through support-in@google.com. Ensure that you attach any supporting documents and some clear images to the email.
An expert will get back to you and help resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ideal Light on a Google Nest WiFi?
When your Google Nest WiFi is online and working properly, it will show a solid white light.
What is the Meaning of an Orange Light on Google Nest WiFi?
An orange light means that there is poor or no internet connection. Other reasons include corrupted firmware, temporary glitches, or improper network configuration.
My Google Nest WiFi Keeps Disconnecting, What Do I Do?
The easiest way to fix a Nest WiFi that keeps on disconnecting is to restart it. Also, it would help if you restarted the modem.
Final Words
Fixing a yellow light on a Google Nest WiFi is not complicated as you just need to try the methods mentioned above, such as power cycling the device, checking cables or a factory reset.
Try doing one solution at a time and begin with the simple ones. If it is difficult to solve the problem by yourself, you should contact Google customer support for assistance.
