Google Nest Wifi With Sky: How to Set It Up Properly (and Fix Double NAT)
12 November 2026 · By Ethan Fernandes
Double NAT, strict NAT or devices dropping with Google Nest Wifi and Sky? The right setup for this exact combination, step by step, and what to check if it's still not right.
Quick fix
Sky's Hub has no modem mode and can't easily be replaced, and Google Nest Wifi only supports one unit in bridge mode. So keep the Sky Hub as the router, leave the Nest Wifi in router mode, turn off the Sky Hub's Wi-Fi and use the Hub's DMZ setting if it has one.
Rather we just fixed it? We can usually sort this remotely today, or visit you at home across West London. 7 days, until 9pm.
Get help todayYou've added a Google Nest Wifi mesh system to your Sky broadband, and something isn't right: the Google Home app warns about double NAT, games show NAT type strict or moderate, smart devices can't be found, a work VPN keeps dropping, or phones hop between the Sky Broadband Hub's Wi-Fi and the Nest Wifi. It usually works "well enough", but it isn't set up the way it should be.
The cause is that the Sky Broadband Hub and the Nest Wifi are both acting as the router. Only one of them should. Here's the right setup for this exact combination.
The short version: Sky's Hub has no modem mode and can't easily be replaced, and Google Nest Wifi only supports one unit in bridge mode. So keep the Sky Hub as the router, leave the Nest Wifi in router mode, turn off the Sky Hub's Wi-Fi and use the Hub's DMZ setting if it has one.
Why Sky Is Different
Sky's Broadband Hub has no modem mode. Replacing it altogether is also hard: Sky's connection needs special login details (known as DHCP option 61) that most mesh systems, including Google Nest Wifi, can't enter. So the Sky Hub stays as the router. The good news is that Sky Talk, your home phone, and Sky Broadband Shield both keep working.
The Best Setup With Sky
Normally the answer would be bridge mode. But in bridge mode, Google Nest Wifi and Google Wifi only work as a single unit. Any extra points stop working, which defeats the point of mesh. So:
- Connect the main Nest Wifi router to the Sky Hub with a network cable, and leave it in router mode.
- Open the Sky Hub settings, usually at 192.168.0.1, and turn off or rename the Hub's Wi-Fi.
- If the Hub's settings include a DMZ option, set it to the Nest Wifi router to reduce double NAT problems.
- Unplug any Sky Wi-Fi boosters: they only work with the Sky Hub's own Wi-Fi.
Browsing and streaming work normally like this. If you need open NAT for gaming, or full control, a mesh system with a proper access point mode, such as Deco, Eero or Orbi, is a better match for Sky.
Still Not Right? Quick Checks
- Two Wi-Fi networks? If the Sky Broadband Hub's Wi-Fi is still on, devices may join it instead of the Nest Wifi. Turn it off, or give it a completely different name.
- Restart in order: the Sky Broadband Hub first, then the main Nest Wifi unit once the hub is online, then the other units.
- Main unit next to the hub, connected by cable. Other units about halfway to the weak areas, not in them.
- Use cables between units where you can. Wired connections between mesh units give much better speed than wireless.
- Smart plugs and cameras won't connect? Many only use 2.4GHz. See smart device won't connect to Wi-Fi.
How We Handle It
Getting Google Nest Wifi and Sky working properly together is one of the most common jobs we do. We choose the right setup for your line and home phone, configure the hub and mesh, place the units for full coverage, use cables between them where possible, and make sure gaming consoles, VPNs, cameras and smart devices all work, tested in every room. See our Wi-Fi and home networking service.
Related Reading
Common questions
Yes. Keep the Sky Hub as the router and leave the Nest Wifi in router mode, with the Hub Wi-Fi off and its DMZ set if available, then turn off the Sky Hub's Wi-Fi.
No. Sky's Broadband Hub doesn't have a modem mode, so the usual setup is to keep the Sky Hub as the router and run your mesh in access point or bridge mode.
Usually not. Sky's connection needs special login details (DHCP option 61) that most mesh systems, including Google Nest Wifi, can't use. Keep the Sky Hub and connect the Nest Wifi to it.
Yes. Sky Broadband Shield works at Sky's network level and Sky Talk runs through the Sky Hub, so both keep working when you add mesh behind the Hub.
Still stuck? We can fix it for you
Most problems like this can be fixed remotely today, anywhere in the UK, or with a home visit across West London. DBS checked, insured, 7 days a week until 9pm.
7 days a week, 8am–9pm