Many devices state they are only compatible with 2.4Ghz networks or may prevent you from connecting them if your mobile is currently connected on 5Ghz. Usually, these devices tend to be IoT devices that require you to use their app to setup the Wi-Fi connection for the device.
Majority of these devices will connect to Plume without issue. However, since Plume SSIDs broadcast on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz simultaneously, you may run into a situation where some of these devices are unable to join your Plume network because of their simplified Wi-Fi implementation.
Workarounds
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Move your mobile far enough away from the network so that it connects on 2.4Ghz.
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Once your mobile is connected on 2.4Ghz, the device's app may now allow you to complete the setup process.
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Use a 2.4Ghz only mobile device to run the device's App and complete setup.
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Since your mobile device is connected on 2.4Ghz, this can sometimes allow the App to continue with the setup process. Once set up, you can usually continue to operate the device using your regular mobile.
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Android users can force the mobile to connect on 2.4Ghz and once connected on 2.4Ghz, you set up the device. Some examples of devices that this method works for are: Etekcity Smart Wi-Fi Plug, TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim, Eques Elf, WyzeCam. There are two ways to force your Android to connect on 2.4GHz, which depends on the version of Android OS you are using.
- Method 1 (Android 6.0.1 and earlier)
- Open your Android device’s settings menu.
- Tap Wi-Fi then the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Advanced > Wi-Fi frequency band.
- Select the desired radio band.
- Once connected on 2.4Ghz, use the App to setup your smart device.
- Switch your Android back to 5GHz
- Method 2 (Android 7 or higher)
- Download and install Wifi Analyzer by Farproc and the Wifi Connector Library (both free) on your Android device
- Forget your Plume network on you Android device
- Open Wifi Analyzer and swipe right until you get to the AP List page.
- You will see several pods broadcasting on different bands
- Long-press on the strongest one broadcasting on a 2.4GHz channel (1,6,11) and choose Connect.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password and your phone will now be connected on 2.4GHz
- Use the smart device App to set up your smart device.
- Once the device is connected, forget the network on your Android device and set it up again using the normal method.
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Connect an old wireless router or access point to your network.
- Once the router/access point is connected, set it up to broadcast a new SSID on 2.4GHz only.
- Disable the 5GHz radio on the router/access point if possible to limit the interference with your Plume network.
- Connect your device to the new SSID.
5. Contact Plume Support. We may be able to force your mobile device to connect to 2.4GHz so you can complete the IoT device setup.