Google remembers its promise to scrap its dedicated WiFi app in June, makes up for lost time

This story was originally published 2021/04/02
3:32 p.m. PDTApril 2, 2021 and last update 2021/08/05
2:49 p.m. PDTAugust 5, 2021.

Google is known to overlap multiple apps at once – just look at its messaging strategy. While Google Wifi and Nest Wifi have a dedicated app for controlling and monitoring your network equipment from your phone, the Google Home app has steadily acquired similar functionality over the past few months. It appears that was part of the company’s intentions, as you will now have to use the Home app to configure and customize your Wi-Fi routers.

Although the dedicated Wifi application does not turn off immediately, from May 25, it will go into read-only mode. If you want to set up a new router, add an access point, or change any of your network preferences, you’ll need to migrate to Google Home. The app will be permanently removed from the Play Store in June.

Google directly cites smart home growth as the reason for the move. The Home app now controls almost all gadgets made by the company. Creating specific software just for network equipment seems redundant.

To learn how to switch from your Wi-Fi network to its new app, visit the Google support forums. You can grab Google Home from the Play Store or download the latest version from APK Mirror.