Key Takeaways
- Google Fiber replaces the traditional modem with a device called a Fiber Jack (also known as an ONT), which converts the fiber-optic signal into an ethernet connection for your router. There is no separate modem to buy or activate.
- Activation is handled through the GFiber app (available on iOS and Android) or by visiting your GFiber account online. Simply connect the Fiber Jack to power, plug the included router into the Fiber Jack with an ethernet cable, and follow the app prompts.
- Google Fiber Phone is an optional $10 per month VoIP add-on that uses a separate Phone Box connected to your router. You can keep your existing phone number or choose a new one during signup.
Does Google Fiber Use a Modem?
If you are coming from a cable internet provider like Xfinity or Spectrum, you are probably used to having a separate modem and router (or a gateway device that combines both). Google Fiber works differently. Because it delivers internet over fiber-optic cables instead of coaxial cable, it does not need a traditional modem at all.
Instead, Google Fiber uses a small wall-mounted device called a Fiber Jack. The technical name for this device is an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. It takes the fiber-optic light signal coming into your home and converts it into a standard ethernet signal that a router can understand. Think of the Fiber Jack as the replacement for your modem. Google owns and maintains this device, and it is installed at no cost to you.
From the Fiber Jack, you simply connect a router using an ethernet cable. Google includes a router with every plan at no extra charge. On the Core 1 Gig plan, you will typically receive a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router. On the Home 3 Gig and Edge 8 Gig plans, Google provides its newer Wi-Fi 7 router. You can also use your own router if you prefer.
How to Activate Google Fiber Internet: Step by Step
There are two ways to get Google Fiber activated: professional installation by a technician, or self-installation using a kit shipped to your home. The method available to you depends on your plan and whether a Fiber Jack has already been installed at your address.
Option 1: Professional Installation
Professional installation is available on all plans and is required for the Home 3 Gig and Edge 8 Gig tiers. Here is what to expect.
Step 1: After signing up at fiber.google.com, schedule an installation appointment. Appointments typically take about two hours.
Step 2: A technician will come to your home and install the Fiber Jack on an interior wall, usually near an electrical outlet. If you have a preferred location, let the technician know. In apartment buildings, the Fiber Jack may go in a media closet.
Step 3: The technician connects the Google Fiber router to the Fiber Jack using an ethernet cable and powers on both devices. This activates your internet service.
Step 4: The technician confirms your connection is live, verifies that speeds meet Google Fiber standards, and helps you download the GFiber app so you can manage your network going forward.
Someone aged 18 or older must be home for the appointment. There is no charge for professional installation on any Google Fiber plan.
Option 2: Self-Installation
Self-installation is available if a Fiber Jack has already been installed at your address (common in apartments and homes where a previous tenant had Google Fiber). The self-install kit ships within one to three business days after you order it. No tools are required.
Step 1: Locate your Fiber Jack. This is a small white box mounted on a wall inside your home. Check your living room first. If you do not see it there, look in a closet, behind furniture, or in the garage.
Step 2: Power on the Fiber Jack. Using the power adapter included in your kit, connect the Fiber Jack to the nearest wall outlet. A red light will appear while it powers up. Wait until the light turns solid green or blue before moving on. This can take up to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Connect the router to the Fiber Jack. Plug one end of the included ethernet cable into the ethernet port on the Fiber Jack. Plug the other end into the designated WAN port on the router (look for the port marked with a globe icon or colored red, depending on the router model).
Step 4: Power on the router. Connect the router's power adapter to a wall outlet. The light on the router will blink yellow or blue while it boots up and connects to the network. Wait until the light turns solid blue, which means the router is online and ready.
Step 5: Set up your Wi-Fi network using the GFiber app. Download the GFiber app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to sign in to your Google Fiber account, scan the QR code on your router, and create a Wi-Fi network name and password.
If you prefer not to use the app, you can also log in to your GFiber account at fiber.google.com to complete Wi-Fi setup from a browser.
Important: Billing for your Google Fiber service begins when your router is activated, or seven days after your self-install kit is delivered, whichever comes first. Do not delay setting up your equipment after it arrives.
How to Use Your Own Router With Google Fiber
Google Fiber allows you to use your own router on any plan. If you prefer a third-party router over the included one, the activation process is similar but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Step 1: Make sure your router supports DHCP, NAT, and ideally gigabit ethernet speeds. Most modern routers meet these requirements.
Step 2: If a Google-provided router is already connected to the Fiber Jack, disconnect and unplug it. You can stow it away, but do not discard it. You will need to return it if you ever cancel service.
Step 3: Connect your own router's WAN port to the Fiber Jack's ethernet port using an ethernet cable.
Step 4: Configure your router to request a dynamic WAN address via DHCP. Most routers are set to DHCP by default, so you may not need to change anything. If you are unsure, check your router manufacturer's documentation.
Step 5: Power on your router and wait for it to connect. Once it receives an IP address from Google Fiber, your internet should be active.
Keep in mind: If you use your own router, Google Fiber support can only troubleshoot your connection up to the Fiber Jack. They cannot help configure or troubleshoot a third-party router. For that, you will need to contact your router's manufacturer.
How to Activate Google Fiber Phone Service
Google Fiber offers an optional home phone service called Fiber Phone for $10 per month plus taxes and fees. It is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, meaning it runs over your internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. Fiber Phone includes unlimited local and nationwide calling, caller ID, call waiting, voicemail with transcription sent to your email or text, and 911 service.
To add Fiber Phone, sign in to your GFiber account and add it to your existing internet plan. Google will ship a Phone Box as part of a self-install kit. Here is how to set it up.
Step 1: Make sure your Google Fiber internet is already active and your router is online.
Step 2: Open the Fiber Phone self-install kit. It should contain a Google Fiber Phone Box, an ethernet cable, a power adapter, and a telephone cable.
Step 3: Connect the Phone Box to an available ethernet port on your router using the included ethernet cable. If you do not have a spare ethernet port, you can use an ethernet switch.
Step 4: Connect your home telephone to the Phone Box using the included telephone cable.
Step 5: Plug the Phone Box power adapter into a wall outlet. Within a few minutes, your Fiber Phone service will activate automatically.
If you chose to transfer your existing phone number during signup, it may take up to five business days for the number to become active. In the meantime, you can still make outgoing calls. You can also forward calls to your mobile device when you are away from home.
Note about power outages: Because Fiber Phone runs over your internet connection, it will not work during a power outage unless you have a battery backup or uninterruptible power supply (UPS). If you rely on your home phone for emergencies, consider plugging both the Phone Box and your router into a UPS.
Troubleshooting Common Google Fiber Activation Issues
If your Google Fiber internet does not come online after following the steps above, try these fixes before calling support.
Fiber Jack Light Stays Red or Does Not Turn On
If the Fiber Jack light does not turn solid green or blue after 15 minutes, try resetting it. Unplug the power adapter from the wall (or from the Fiber Jack itself). Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow up to 15 minutes for it to reconnect.
Router Light Blinks But Never Turns Solid Blue
Make sure the ethernet cable is firmly seated in both the Fiber Jack and the router's WAN port. Try a different ethernet cable if available. If the router still does not connect, restart it by unplugging the power for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
Wi-Fi Network Does Not Appear
If the router light is solid blue but you do not see a Wi-Fi network on your devices, open the GFiber app or log in to your account online to confirm that your Wi-Fi network has been created. You may still need to complete the initial setup steps in the app.
Slow Speeds After Activation
Give your equipment at least 30 minutes after initial setup, as firmware updates may run automatically in the background. After that, run a speed test at fiber.google.com/speedtest using a device connected to the router with an ethernet cable for the most accurate result. Wi-Fi speeds will always be somewhat lower than wired speeds.
Google Fiber Contact Information
If you need additional help activating your service, Google Fiber offers 24/7 support through several channels: the GFiber app (tap the support icon), phone support at (855) 418-8326, and online chat through the GFiber Help Center. TTY support is available at (833) 999-2889.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a modem for Google Fiber?
No. Google Fiber does not use a modem. It uses a Fiber Jack, also called an ONT (Optical Network Terminal), which is installed by Google at no cost. The Fiber Jack converts the fiber-optic signal into ethernet so your router can connect to the internet. There is no separate modem to purchase, rent, or activate.
Can I use my own router with Google Fiber instead of the one they provide?
Yes. Google Fiber allows you to use your own router on any plan. Connect it directly to the Fiber Jack with an ethernet cable and make sure it is set to obtain an IP address via DHCP. Keep in mind that Google Fiber support cannot troubleshoot third-party routers, so you will need to contact your router manufacturer if you run into configuration issues.
How long does Google Fiber activation take?
With professional installation, the appointment typically takes about two hours including setup and speed testing. With self-installation, most people can get online in under 30 minutes. The Fiber Jack may need up to 15 minutes to power up and connect to the network, and the router may need a few additional minutes for firmware updates.
What is the Google Fiber Phone Box and how does it work?
The Google Fiber Phone Box is a small device that plugs into your router and lets you use a standard home telephone over your internet connection (VoIP). It costs $10 per month and includes unlimited nationwide calling, caller ID, voicemail transcription, and 911 access. You connect it to your router with an ethernet cable and plug your phone into the Phone Box with a telephone cable.
Does Google Fiber Phone work during a power outage?
No. Because Google Fiber Phone is a VoIP service, it requires both internet and power to function. If the power goes out, your phone service will go down unless you have a battery backup or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) connected to both your router and your Phone Box.
What is the difference between a Fiber Jack and a modem?
A modem is used by cable and DSL internet providers to convert signals from a coaxial or telephone line into data your router can use. A Fiber Jack (ONT) does essentially the same thing but for a fiber-optic connection. It converts pulses of light traveling through fiber-optic cable into a standard ethernet signal. Both serve as the entry point for internet into your home, but they work with different types of connections.
Is Google Fiber self-installation available in my area?
Self-installation is available to residential customers at addresses where a Fiber Jack has already been installed by a previous tenant or during earlier construction work. When you sign up at fiber.google.com, the system will tell you whether self-installation is an option for your address. If it is not available, you will be prompted to schedule a free professional installation instead.
