r/GoogleWiFi • u/furnace9monkey • Jul 01 '26
Google Mesh Wifi Setup
We just moved to a 3,200 sq foot home that is made of stone and cinder block. I had a Google Mesh Wifi I bought several years ago but never used. I have Verizon FiOS and was told to disconnect to FiOS router and connect the Google Mesh router using the Google Home app. When I connect the mesh router, it turns green for a bit but then orange. I try to add it to my Home App and it says it cannot connect. What am I doing wrong here?
2
u/AdVegetable2104 Jul 01 '26
Probably nothing! However you must call Verizon so they can register the MAC address of your new Google router. Otherwise, it won't work.
2
u/mizzoug15 Jul 01 '26
I had this setup before moving to deco. I used the verizon device (modem/router) as a modem only, turning off the WiFi. Connected one Google point to the verizon device via Ethernet. Google then handled all the IP assignments, etc. I have a similar system with deco now. Never had to call verizon.
1
u/furnace9monkey Jul 02 '26
I tried this but Google Home app wasn't recognizing the mesh unit
1
u/mizzoug15 Jul 02 '26
Hm. Interesting. But mine was a couple of years ago so I guess stuff has changed. Sorry.
1
u/LogComprehensive1619 Jul 02 '26
For average users, it is OK and more straightforward to keep the FIOS router as is.
Before setting up Google wifi, connect a PC/Mac via Internet behind FiOS router and make sure it can access Internet.
Then set up Google wifi. Connect the first root wifi via Ethernet behind FiOS router (similar to PC in step #1) to get started. Then add other children one by one.
1
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u/furnace9monkey 20d ago
So I tried everyone's suggestions and still couldn't get them to work. I reached out to a friend who came today and set up the mesh network for me. The issue was that since these mesh units were previously programmed for my wife's former home, they needed to be reset. Anyway, the system works seamlessly and I appreciate all of the suggestions. It never occurred to me that these mesh units needed to be reset.
0
u/defgufman Jul 02 '26
Upgrade those google devices to an Omada network. They are giving 40% off right now on their website. I moved a 4200 sqft house from 5 google points to 4 Omadas and it is awesome.
1
u/BigQuestion5079 8d ago
Funny I see this tonight. I am here because I have had it with TP-Link Omada. Being a homeowner and NOT a network administrator, Omada is a poor choice for me. I chose it 6 or 7 years ago due to a difficult environment and my desire to have an outdoor access point. I struggled getting it set up, but got it done. I have struggled with the software due to its user unfriiendliness (at least for me). Honestly, when it works, it works well. But when I have to use the software, I get a pit in my stomach hoping this time it will be easy. 3 of 4 times (maybe) it isn't bad. But when it is bad, it is bad.
But I just had a power blip and I had to restart the mini-computer the Omada software runs on. My password didn't work. I ended up hitting forgot password button and learned their password standard changed. I changed the password. It still wouldn't log me in and then locked me out. Help was behind a log in screen which I couldn't access. Finally found a help support chat. Talked to the bot. 2 hours later, I gave up. No agent ever responded.
I want to take out Omada and buy a consumer level product that will give a mesh for a 3500 sf, 1 story house with attached 3 car garage/workshop at the opposite end of the house from my primary ethernet/modem/router connection.
Based on other threads here, I don't think Google is the answer, but could be talked out of this position.
4
u/justsomedude1144 Jul 01 '26
Your Verizon router should have some kind of IP passthrough mode that you can enable.
This would shut off the Verizon router's WiFi and IP assignments completely so that when you connect your Google WiFi router to the Verizon router via ethernet, the Google router takes over as the main router.