Mesh router not connecting to 2.4ghz to set up light bulb

[MichaelD]

I have tried 3 different types of bulbs, even tried my Pixel phones hot spot and it is 5.0 only.

I have put a metal pot on top of the router, and turn off all wifi points and went to the farthest part of the house and got it to show 2.4 and still would not work? Not sure what I am doing wrong. I am not sure if it is because my internet from my T-Mobile account on my phone takes over??  Not sure.

Latest try.... The bulb (Merkury - Geenie App) gets into pairing mode properly (blinking).

I am a Product Expert like others here, but I just cannot figure this one out.

Thanks

Michael D

[humbertogarcia]

Hi MichaelD,

Thank you for posting in the community and for the time invested in setting up your three different bulb types.

I understand you're having trouble connecting your smart bulbs to your mesh Wi-Fi. I'll be happy to assist you.

To help me pinpoint the exact issue, please provide the following details:

• What is the specific make and model of your mesh Wi-Fi router system? (e.g., Google Wifi, Nest Wifi, Nest Wifi Pro, T-Mobile Home Internet gateway).

• For your mesh router, are the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands broadcast under the same network name (SSID), or do they have separate names?

• Could you please specify the brands and models of the three different types of bulbs you've tried to set up?

• Finally, when did this issue first begin for you, or is this a new problem with these specific bulbs?

I look forward to your answers. Don't worry, help is here.

Regards,

Humberto

[MichaelD]

1) I have the original Google Mesh router (Google Wifi).  I am actually thinking of switching to Nest Wifi... I have a set (router and point) which are both set as Points in the system now.

2) Mesh router that does not allow separating 2.4 and 5GHz under the same SSID

3) Merkury bulb, Phillips (non hub), and Cync brand.

All of this started when I go to try to set up any of these bulbs.  I have about 16 bulbs currently set up, but when adding new is the issue.

Thank you

Michael D

[humbertogarcia]

Hi MichaelD,

Thank you for your prompt response. You're right that your Google Wifi system (like Nest Wifi and Nest Wifi Pro) is designed to operate with a single network name (SSID) across both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, automatically steering devices to the optimal band.

While this simplifies network management, it can sometimes present a challenge for certain smart home devices, particularly those that are older or strictly designed for 2.4 GHz and struggle to "see" that specific band during setup.
As a troubleshooting step to try and isolate the connection for your 2.4 GHz-only smart bulbs, I recommend setting up and attempting to connect them to a guest network on your Google Wifi system.
While it can't be assured that the guest network will exclusively operate on the 2.4 GHz band, sometimes a guest network provides a slightly different configuration or prioritization that can allow these specific 2.4 GHz-only devices to connect during their initial setup process. It's worth trying to see if this provides the necessary connectivity.
Here’s how to set up a guest network on your Google Wifi system:

• Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
• Tap on the Wi-Fi icon (usually in the center of the bottom navigation bar).
• In the "Wi-Fi" section, tap on Guest Wi-Fi.
• Toggle the "Guest Wi-Fi" switch to On.
• You can then set a network name and password for your guest network. Choose a simple, distinct name.
• Tap Save. Your guest network will now be active.

Once the guest network is set up:

• Connect your mobile phone (the one you use for bulb setup) to this newly created guest network.
• Bring the smart bulb you're trying to set up close to your primary Google Wifi router.
• Proceed with the setup process for your smart bulb using its native app (Merkury/Geenie, Philips, or Cync app), ensuring you select the Guest Network when prompted for Wi-Fi credentials.

Please let me know if setting up and using the guest network helps you connect your new smart bulbs. We can then discuss further steps for the speed degradation issue once we've addressed the bulb connectivity.

Regards. 

Humberto

[MichaelD]

I already have set up a guest network in the past.  I actually tried this as well during the first attempt.  Just tried again and no luck.

Is it possible to buy a router that separates 2.4GHz, just to set up the devices then go back to the Google Mesh?

Thanks

[humbertogarcia]

Hi MichaelD,

Thank you for sharing with me that the guest network workaround isn't helping.

Regarding your thought about buying a separate router for setup: You're right, this is indeed a known, albeit inconvenient, workaround for very stubborn 2.4GHz devices that struggle with mesh systems' band steering. However, before exploring that option, let's try a diagnostic step to understand if the issue is with the new bulbs themselves, or purely the setup process on your Google Wifi.

Could you please try disconnecting and then reconnecting a couple of your currently working bulbs to your Google Wifi network? If these existing bulbs successfully reconnect without issues, it would strongly suggest that the problem is specific to the new bulbs' setup process on your Google Wifi, rather than a general connectivity problem with your network or Google Wifi itself. 

The above steps will help us narrow down our focus for further troubleshooting. I’m happy to assist you.

Regards,

Humberto

[MichaelD]

I have a string light that always goes out and I can never get it back on.  Let me try that.  I also have one Cync light that I can disconnect and then see if it does not recognize it.  I will write back after trying

Gracias (I assume Humberto is Spanish) as I too speak a bit of Spanish

Michael D

[MichaelD]

They are now not being recognized.  I cannot get the bulb that I removed to be reset up.

So, does this mean it is the Wifi or Network and not the bulbs?

[humbertogarcia]

Hi MichaelD,

Thank you for taking the time to troubleshoot and for sharing the results with me.

The team would like to learn more about this behavior. When you get a chance, please fill out this form and let us know when you’re finished. Please provide your full name and the post title in the form. We’ll have someone reach out to you via email from there. 

I'm here to help if you need anything else. 

Regards,

Humberto