New smart device won't connect to WiFi during setup
Most new smart devices won't work on 5 GHz WiFi. They need 2.4 GHz. Check your router to see if 2.4 GHz is enabled and turned on. Connect the new device to the 2.4 GHz band using your phone's hotspot temporarily if you need to, then switch it to your main WiFi once it's set up.
Smart devices use older wireless technology that only works on 2.4 GHz WiFi, not the newer 5 GHz. If your WiFi router only broadcasts 5 GHz or has it disabled, your device won't find or connect to your network. The solution is to enable the 2.4 GHz band on your router or temporarily use your phone's hotspot to set up your device. Once your device is set up, many can also work on 5 GHz if your router supports dual band.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Trying to connect on 5 GHz and assuming your device is broken when it just doesn't support that frequency
- Typing the password wrong but then trying again without actually checking what the correct password is
- Leaving your device far from the router during setup because you plan to move it there later. Weak signal breaks the setup process
- Enabling only 5 GHz to speed up WiFi and forgetting about smart devices that can't use it
Signs you need professional help
- Your router has 2.4 GHz enabled, the password is correct, and your device still won't connect your device connects once but keeps losing WiFi connection every few minutes You're getting a specific error message that mentions security settings or encryption
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