Need to force a 2.4 connection to set up a device

[Mars]

I have a new device that will only connect to 2.4. every time I try to set it up it cannot even see either my primary or guest Wi-Fi networks. This is been an ongoing issue for years so I would really appreciate a fix. 

[olavrb]

Thats more a problem with your device(s), rather than Google Wifi IMO. I have IoT devices from four different manufacturers (Nest Protect x4, Mill Heat ovens x4, Netatmo Home Coach x1 and Xiaomi/ Roborock S50 x1). All mentioned devices only support 2.4GHz, and work perfectly fine with my Nest Wifi network consisting of 2x Nest Wifi router in wireless mesh mode. IoT devices are even on the guest network.

If your devices are so bad at connecting to 2.4GHz when both 2.4GHz and 5GHz with same SSID are broadcasted, maybe you could consider getting a cheap 2.4GHz only access point and connect it behind the Google Wifi.

[David_K · Accepted solution]

To add to olavrb's great advice, Nest Wifi doesn't have a feature to force devices to setup on the 2.4 GHz band. Some smart home devices only use the 2.4 GHz band and will not be available for setup if your phone is on the 5 GHz band. 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 Wi-Fi 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.

The waves of the 2.4 GHz band can travel a greater distance than those of the 5 GHz band. If your phone does not have the ability to switch Wi-Fi bands, another option is to try to move farther away from your router and points until your phone moves to the 2.4 GHz band. Then proceed with setting up your smart home devices. 

[Jeff]

Hey, Mars.

I just wanted to drop in real fast for a follow up and see if you needed anything else here. I also wanted to make sure you saw the replies from our experts as they're spot on with their advice. If you need anything else, please let us know.

Thanks.

[Jeff]

Hi, everyone.

As we haven't had any activity here recently I'm going to go ahead and close the thread. If you have more to add, feel free to start a new discussion.

Thanks.