Hub max setup - AP mode then link account

[JapeDizzle]

My hub max unexpectedly died so today I was forced to buy a brand new one, bought and shipped direct from Google. I am trying to set it up and run into problems. First time round, everything seemed to be going well. The hub max seemingly connected to my WiFi network, downloaded updates then reset itself. When it came back on, the screen said "open the Google home app and link your account" which I don't really understand as obviously my home account is linked, and there was no new device showing anywhere for me to link the device to a home. I factory reset the hub max to start again. Since then, I don't even get to downloading updates stage. Instead during the setup process I get to the home app saying "connecting to device" and the hub max saying "connecting" only to get an error message on my phone/app saying I must be on the same WiFi as the hub max, turn off AP mode. AP mode is not activated on my Netgear Orbi router.

I have multiple hub mini and max around the house, several nest cameras and thermostats which have zero problems with my WiFi setup so I'm really not sure what I am doing wrong.

[JapeDizzle]

I've just reset to factory settings again and decided to start from the beginning. I've tried setting up through my regular WiFi network, a guest network and even a hotspot network. I get to a point where the hub max says "connected" on screen and to follow home app instructions to continue but all the app tells me is "connect to same WiFi. Your hub max was set up successfully but can't be found. Make sure that your mobile device and nest hub max are on the same WiFi network. Turn off AP isolation, if AP isolation is enabled on your WiFi router, you will need to disable it"

Obviously my hub max and mobile device are on the same network. As stated, my router is not in AP mode.

I am just about ready to give up on Google. Everything is getting worse and worse.

[JapeDizzle]

So apparently the way to solve this is to completely reboot my router, phone and hub max. Installation was as straight forward as possible once this was done. Thread can be deleted now.

[ovidioj]

Hello @JapeDizzle,

Thank you for sharing your solution. It's fantastic that a simple reboot resolved the issue. Your patience and effort are commendable.

Your solution will be helpful to others facing similar problems. If you have any further questions or encounter other issues, please don't hesitate to reach out.

All the best, 
Jorge