2.4 GHz smart devices with Nest WiFi Pro.

[Ntg]

I've struggled with this for a while.

Has anyone found a more convenient way to connect smart devices that work on only 2.4 GHz to Nest WiFi Pro mesh setup?

It's like jumping through hoops at this point. I've used old phones with only 2.4 capabilities, and have walked away from my home until the bandwidth is forced into 2.4. This seems ridiculous in my opinion. I'm about to just plug in a separate router with a hidden SSID just for smart devices.

Turns out the latest and greatest WiFi forgot smart devices, unless anyone has an easy workaround they would like to share.

I'd love to see a 'set up smart device mode' in the google home app that forces only 2.4 for a while.

[David_K]

Google Wifi and Nest Wifi don't have a feature to enable separate network names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Some smart home devices are only capable of using the 2.4 GHz band and will not be available for setup if the phone or tablet you're using for setup connects to the 5 GHz band. Here are some potential solutions:

1. You may be able to tell your Android phone, if you have one, to only connect on the 2.4 GHz band temporarily in your phone's Wifi settings, then you may be able to setup the device. Refer to the manufacturer's support information to see if your phone has this feature.
   
2. The waves of the 2.4 GHz band can travel a greater distance than those of the 5 GHz band. Put your phone or tablet into airplane mode first (that step is usually key), then move farther away from your router and points. Turn airplane mode off, and your phone or tablet may connect to the 2.4 GHz band, allowing you to continue the setup of your smart device.
   
3. Use the Wifi hotspot feature on your phone or tablet. Refer to the manufacturer's support information to see if your device has this feature. This typically works because the Wifi hotspot uses the 2.4 GHz band, not the 5 GHz band. Note you will need 2 devices to set this up.
   
• Turn off your Wifi routers and points.
• Turn on the Wifi hotspot feature on a phone or tablet. Make sure to name the Wifi network the same as your normal network name, and use the same password you use on your normal Wifi network. If you're not sure how to do this, refer to the manufacturer's support website.
• Connect a second phone or tablet to that Wifi hotspot.
• You can then use that second phone or tablet to setup your device and connect it to the Wifi hotspot on the first phone or tablet.
• Once setup, turn off the Wifi hotspot, turn your routers and points back on and your smart device should connect to your Wifi network.
  
4. Temporarily invest in a cheap router (or borrow one from a friend or family member) that does have a feature to enable separate network names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Turn off your existing router and points and make the network name and password of the temporary router the same as your existing router, then proceed to setup your smart device with the temporary router. Once finished, power off the temporary router and turn your existing router and points back on.
   

Hopefully one of these solutions helps!

[Azarco]

Hey there,

You've been awesome providing those helpful steps, davidking!

Ntg, checking back in if the steps suggested above by our Product Expert helps. Let me know if you are still having any trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Regards,

Alex

[Azarco]

Hi Ntg,

It's me again. I don't want to be a nudge but I'd like to check if you still need help with your Nest Wifi Pro? Let me know by updating this thread so that we can help.

Best,
Alex

[Azarco]

Hello there,

We want to ensure you are good to go, and everything is working properly. Please let us know if you are still having trouble, as we will be locking the thread in 24 hours due to inactivity. 

Thanks,
Alex