Kasa tp link plug and nest wifi router

[Sirsouthpaw]

Howdy,

I cannot get my Kasa smart plug to connect. I've tried multiple avenues. It is a 2.4ghz device, but from what I have read, the router should dynamically recognize that. I cannot put the router into bridge mode, which the Google home app suggested. I can't make it work with a gosund smart plug either.  I have not been able to find if a just 2.4 network can be set up on the nest router. I tried making a guest account (one suggestion I found) but that did not work either. Neither the Kasa app nor the Home app connection process will get it working.

[MichaelP · Accepted solution]

Hello @Sirsouthpaw 

I'm not sure how much help I can be with the Kasa app, but I will just say that I have half a dozen TP-Link Kasa smart plugs on my Google WiFi network and never had any problems getting them connected to it. I have heard from others that they work just fine with Google and Nest WiFi systems. You shouldn't need to worry about the 2.4GHz vs 5GHz issue with these at all. Don't worry about bridge mode or guest mode either. You should just be able to follow the instructions in the Kasa app for adding a new device. At one point during that process, it should ask you to connect your phone to the Kasa device's (temporary) WiFi network, then go back to the Kasa app to complete the setup (which will include selecting your Google/Nest WiFi network and entering its password so the Kasa device can connect to it; once you have done that, it will drop the temporary WiFi setup network and your phone should reconnect to your Google/Nest WiFi network automatically).

The one issue you might have would apply if you are using an iPhone to do the setup. If that's the case, you'll need to follow these instructions: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2937/ to allow the Kasa app to have "Local Network" permissions.

These are the instructions for setting up a Kasa device, in case you want to have them handy while you use the phone app: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/946/ 

[Richk]

I wish I could help but am in the same situation with plugs, bulbs etc. after "upgrading" yesterday. I was out in my driveway with a lamp and my phone trying to lock on 2.4ghz. None of the hacks; guest, outside in driveway worked for me.

[Jeff]

Hi, Sirsouthpaw.
I just wanted to jump in real fast to see if you saw the replies here and to see if you still needed some help on this or if you were able to get it sorted out. If you are still needing some help, just let us know and we'll be happy to continue helping.
Thanks.

[Richk]

I was able to get it to work by starting the process with the device and phone in the house, and only the router online. I would then start the process in whatever app was appropriate and once it began trying to connect, I walked down my long driveway until it kicked over to 2.4 and connected. Once connected I was quickly able to add multiple devices, only heading down the drive twice more. Everything has remained stable and I'm happy. Thanks for checking. 

[Jeff]

Hey, Richk.

Thanks for letting us know. I'm glad things have been working  and that you're happy. Since we have our answer, I'm going to go ahead and close up the thread. If you need anything else, please feel free to start up a new discussion.

Thanks!