Reasons Why Google Nest Hub Won't Connect to a Hidden SSID
- **Security Implementations:** Hidden SSIDs are a network feature where the network name is not broadcasted publicly, functioning as an extra security measure. However, many devices, including Google Nest Hub, aren't optimized to reliably discover and connect to networks that do not broadcast their SSID.
- **Network Configuration Complexity:** Connecting to a hidden network often requires additional manual configuration, such as entering the network name (SSID) precisely, which may increase the chances of input errors. Google Nest Hub's setup process may not accommodate these additional steps effectively.
- **Firmware Limitations:** Some firmware versions of Google Nest Hub might lack support for connecting to networks with hidden SSIDs. This could be due to a focus on ease of use, where less visible networks are deemed harder for the general consumer to manage.
How to Fix the Problem
- **Reveal the SSID:** If security is not a critical issue, you can choose to broadcast your SSID temporarily while setting up your Google Nest Hub. Once connected, you can choose to hide the SSID again if needed.
- **Firmware Updates:** Check if there are any available firmware updates for your Google Nest Hub. Google may have introduced improved support for hidden SSIDs in newer updates.
- **Manual Entry:** During the network setup process on the Google Nest Hub, ensure that you are manually entering the network name (SSID) as it is exactly, including correct capitalization and spaces. Double-check your password as well.
- **Alternative Setup Device:** If possible, try setting up your network on a different device that connects smoothly with hidden SSIDs, and then use the ‘copy’ feature in some network management apps to transfer settings to your Google Nest Hub.
- **Contact Support:** As a last resort, it might be beneficial to consult Google Support for specific instructions or known issues that could be affecting connectivity with hidden SSIDs.
