My device is only compatible with 2.4 GHz networks

Many devices state they are are only compatible with 2.4 GHz networks or may prevent you from connecting them if your mobile is currently connected on 5 GHz. Usually, these devices tend to be IoT devices that require you to use their app to setup the Wi-Fi connection for the device.

The Vast majority of these devices will connect to Plume without issue. However, since Plume SSIDs broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 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 

1. Contact Plume Support by phone.
   • We may be able to force your mobile device to connect on 2.4 GHz temporarily, so you can complete the IoT device setup.
   • Depending on how many of these devices you intend to connect, the process may take a bit of time and cannot be completed over email.
2. Use a 2.4 GHz only mobile device to run the device's App and complete setup.
   • Since your mobile device is connected on 2.4 GHz, this can sometimes allow the App to continue with the setup process.
   • Once setup, you can usually continue to operate the device using your regular mobile.
3. Android users can force the mobile to connect on 2.4 GHz and once connected on 2.4 GHz, you setup the device. Some examples of devices that this method works for are: Etekcity Smart WiFi Plug, TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim, Eques Elf, WyzeCam. There are two ways to force your Android to connect on 2.4 GHz, which depends on the version of Android OS you are using. 
   • Method 1 (Android 6.0.1 and earlier)
     1. Open your Android device’s settings menu.
     2. Tap Wi-Fi then the three dots in the upper-right corner.
     3. Tap Advanced > Wi-Fi frequency band.
     4. Select the desired radio band.
     5. Once connected on 2.4 GHz, use the App to setup you smart device.
     6. Switch your Android back 5 GHz  
   • Method 2 (Android 7 or higher)
     1. Download and install Wifi Analyzer by Farproc and the Wifi Connector Library (both free) on your Android device
     2. Forget your Plume network on you Android device
     3. Open Wifi Analyzer and swipe right until you get to the AP List page.
     4. You will see several pods broadcasting on different bands
     5. Long-press on the strongest one broadcasting on a 2.4 GHz channel (1,6,11) and choose Connect.
     6. Enter the Wi-Fi password and your phone will now be connected on 2.4 GHz
     7. Use the smart device App to setup your smart device.
     8. Once the device is connected, forget the network on your Android device and set it up again using the normal method.
4. Connect an old wireless router or access point to your network.
   • Once the router/access point is connected, set it up to broadcast a completely new SSID on 2.4 GHz only. A new SSID is recommended so that your other devices using Plume will attempt to connect to it. 
   • Disable the 5 GHz radio on the router/access point if possible to limit the interference with your Plume network.
   • Connect your devices to the new SSID. 
5. Move your mobile far enough away from the network so that it connects on 2.4 Ghz.
   • Once your mobile is connected on 2.4 Ghz, the device's app may now allow you to complete the setup process, although this should only be considered as the last option.