

Before you plug anything in or download an app, make sure your smartphone is connected to the network your smart device will live on, and that it’s 2.4 GHz. The problem is, almost all smart-home devices can use only the 2.4 GHz one, so if your phone is connected to your network on the 5 GHz band, it won’t be able to see or communicate with your brand-new smart-home device (this seems to be the most confounding issue we regularly confront). Most current Wi-Fi routers transmit using two wireless frequencies (bear with us): 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Why can’t I get my device to connect to my home network? Before you call someone a name you can’t take back, take a breath and read our answers to the most common smart-home questions we receive.ġ. Because these devices may require complicated setups, including smartphone apps, Wi-Fi passwords, and integration with a smart speaker, there are a lot of ways things could go wrong. But sometimes joy turns to anger when your friend or loved one gets stuck trying to set up a smart-home device they received as a gift. Christmas morning should be a time of giving and togetherness, not shattered dreams and nervous breakdowns.
