Does Google Wi-Fi work with Xfinity?

Xfinity is among the most popular ISPs in the USA. However, their wireless gateway (also known as xFi) is hardly anything to write home about, despite their fast gigabit internet.

The Xfinity router that combines functionalities of modems and routers, unfortunately, does not let you benefit from high-speed connection advantages. Google Nest Wi-Fi bridges the gap between high speeds and wireless connectivity. Not only does it work for Xfinity, but also offers the same benefits for any ISP like CenturyLink, AT&T, Spectrum, or Verizon.

Should you expect Google Wi-Fi to work with the Xfinity router service? Yes, it does. Setting it up is easy since you only need to activate the xFi wireless gateway bridge mode and connect the Google Nest Wi-Fi and Xfinity modem through an Ethernet cable.

Outline of the Google Nest Wi-Fi extender

Steps to connect Google Wi-Fi to Xfinity

The process is very easy and surprisingly only takes a few minutes to complete.

Login to the Xfinity Gateway

First, you use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer and the Xfinity router. On your device browser, type 10.0.0.1 in its URL search bar, which will direct you to the Xfinity Gateway web page. Enter your password and username to log in – if this is your first time accessing the site, the default password is ‘password’ and username is ‘admin’. If the credentials fail, try looking for the password and username on the device.

Select ‘Gateway At a Glance’

Once you log in to the site, go to the sidebar and select ‘Gateway’. In the menu, select ‘Gateway At a Glance’.

Allow bridge mode

The step above should bring up the option to activate the bridge mode. The result is disabling your private Wi-Fi network on the Xfinity router, but do not worry about this – the Google Nest Wi-Fi will provide the Wi-Fi network once the connection is complete.

Select Confirm

This will save the changes you made.

Connect the Google Wi-Fi and Xfinity router

Once the process completes, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the Google Wi-Fi’s WAN port and the Xfinity router. On the Google Wi-Fi device, the WAN port has a globe sign icon.

Restart your devices

Ensure you restart both the Google Wi-Fi and Xfinity router when you finish and wait for a few minutes to allow the network to stabilize.

How can I troubleshoot the connection?

The procedure above should give you a stable, reliable connection. However, some users experience some issues regarding slow speeds or performance after the setup, which forces them to troubleshoot the connection.

Slow speed

This is a common problem with Google Wi-Fi, especially after the initial connection. It happens due to one of the devices being stuck in a device priority mode, meaning that it receives 80% of the overall bandwidth for some time.

To solve it, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Google Wi-Fi app on your phone and access its settings. Visit its ‘Network Settings’, then select ‘Privacy’. You will need to turn off the Cloud Service for about 15 seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Go back to the main Settings menu, select ‘Priority device’ and choose a new priority device from the initial one. Save these settings and select the time you want to apply them.
3. While you are in the Priority Device tab, select ‘End Priority’ and save to prevent the problem from recurring.

Getting double NAT (network address translation)

This issue occurs when the router and Google Wi-Fi have individual addresses, resulting in unstable internet connections. To solve it:

1. Access the Xfinity Gateway web page and select ‘Gateway’ (left side).
2. Click on ‘Firewall’ and choose ‘Custom security’.
3. Disable the entire firewall and save the settings.

Pros of Google Nest Wi-Fi

• Very easy to use and setup
• Performance and connectivity is excellent
• You can use it to create a mesh network
• Popular device, making it easier to sort out any issues you experience
• You can customize it to suit your requirements

Cons of Google Wi-Fi

• You may experience unhelpful responses from Xfinity customer support (because you are not using their xFi pods)
• You require power outlets to connect Google Wi-Fi with the Xfinity router
• The Google Wi-Fi devices take up space

Conclusion

Changing to the Google Wi-Fi system from the Xfinity router network gives excellent results in connectivity and speeds.

FAQs

Will I still require a modem to use Google Wi-Fi?

Yes, if you want to access the internet. Google Wi-Fi is a home mesh system that gives seamless Wi-Fi coverage, but it is not a substitute for an ISP and modem.

Is the Google Wi-Fi system worth it?

Yes, it is worth buying. The price alone gives it an edge over most Wi-Fi mesh systems, and its high speeds will add to your surfing experience.