Wyze smart plugs quickly transform your traditional devices into smart ones – you can easily turn the devices on and off via the app, remotely control the device, set up schedules, add to your virtual assistant, etc. All this is possible once you get the plug up and running on the Wyze app. So, is your Wyze plug not connecting?
Wyze smart plugs won’t connect due to an incompatible network, router settings blocking new device addition, or server communication breakdown. Ensure you’re using a solid 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and have disabled any VPN on your mobile device during setup.
This post highlights common reasons for Wyze plug connection failure and how to troubleshoot your setup to get the smart plugs online.
Why Is My Wyze Smart Plug Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
The Wyze plug won’t connect because you use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. During the initial setup, ensure you use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and disable any VPN or ad guard on your mobile device.
Several factors affect the connectivity process when setting up Wyze smart plugs. Here are some;
- Trying to connect to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. Like most home products, Wyze smart plugs only support the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.
- Running a VPN or Ad-guard on your mobile device. This masks your device’s IP address; it can’t access other devices on your network.
- Router settings like MAC address filtering, Firewall, or Port blocking
- The plug isn’t within your network’s range
- Not allowing the necessary location or Bluetooth permission
- The plug isn’t in pairing mode – the indicator flashes
- Using incorrect Wi-Fi password
- A faulty device
Fixing Wyze Plug Not Connecting Issue
A problem with the smart plug, app, or home network could prevent the plug from connecting successfully. This calls for your troubleshooting skills to identify and fix the root cause.
As with all smart devices, ensure your mobile device is connected to the same network and disable your VPN and ad guard software when connecting your smart plugs.
When setting up the plug, be keen to grant permission as prompted by the app. The app needs Location and Bluetooth permissions to access a device on your network.
Wyze plugs rely on Bluetooth during the initial setup. Thus, ensure your mobile device and the plug are close to each other for a stronger Bluetooth signal.
Sometimes, turning off mobile data helps when setting up the plug. This allows your device to connect to an internet-less device hotspot.
Here is a troubleshooting guide to help identify and fix your connection problem;
Read Also: Adding Wyze Plug to Alexa
Check Your Network Settings
As stated, Wyze smart plugs only support the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band. Therefore, ensure that your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
If your router has 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies on a single SSID, separate them to avoid conflicts. Alternatively, turn off the 5 GHz option when setting up the plug; once it’s paired and working, turn back on the 5 GHz frequency.
To manage your router settings, log in to the admin panel. Find the default login details at the bottom of your router or contact your ISP provider for guidance.
Also, ensure the network security encryption is set to WPA or WPA2 and the Authorization type to AES. Newer protocols like WPA3 can cause connection problems. While at it, check if your router is blocking any necessary ports.
Finally, check the MAC address filtering setting and ensure it’s toggled off. It could prevent the authorization of devices from joining your network. Thus, causing a connection failure.
Ensure you use a strong and stable internet connection when setting up the smart plug. With reliable internet, the server communication is effective, and the plug is quickly bound to your account.
Once you have made changes, reboot the router to apply them and reconnect your devices.
Move The Plug Closer
To ensure a strong and stable internet connection, ensure the plug is close to the router during setup.
Placing your plug at the furthest corner of the house is a sure way of getting yourself stuck on the connecting stage. The Wi-Fi signal weakens as you move away from the router.
Also, you can get a Wi-Fi extender or install a mesh network setup to spread the Wi-Fi signal strength evenly.
Once you have moved the plug closer, refresh the Wyze app and retry the setup process.
Disable Your VPN and Ad guard
If you have an active VPN or Ad guard software on your mobile device, turn it off when connecting your plug to your Wi-Fi network.
The VPN masks your device’s IP address and won’t discover new devices connected to the router.
Disable the VPN and restart the device to refresh your network connection; once your phone restarts, try connecting the plug.
Again, an Adblocker or Ad guard can have the same effect as a VPN. If your device has an ad guard, temporarily turn it off to add your plug to the app.
Reset The Plug and Reconnect
The plug must be in pairing mode to be detected by the app during the initial setup process. When in pairing mode, the plug’s status indicator flashes blue once.
To reset your plug, press and hold the power button for 5 – 10 seconds.
Try reconnecting your plug through the app with your mobile device connected to the same network. Also, turn off your mobile data during the setup process.
To set up your classic plug, open the Wyze app > tap the “+” icon > add a device > select “Power & Lighting” > choose your plug model > Enter your correct network credentials > connect to the device’s hotspot > let the app find and add your plug.
The 2021 Wyze plug supports simple setup via Bluetooth. If this is your model, enable Bluetooth and grant the app access.
Bonus Solutions
Uninstall and reinstall the app – You could be experiencing a connection failure due to an outdated app. First, clear the app cache, and check if any updates are available on your respective app.
If an update is due, download and install it on your device and try reconnecting your plug. If the update method fails, uninstall and install the app afresh.
Try a different mobile device – It could be that your mobile device has corrupt Wi-Fi settings or files preventing the plug from connecting. Try another device, preferably one with a different OS, and try the setup process.
Faulty device – No matter your efforts, a defective device won’t connect. A clear sign that the device has an issue is when it won’t broadcast its Wi-Fi hotspot. If you can’t find the “Wyze_smartplug_apxxx” network for the older Wyze plugs, chances are high that it’s faulty. In such a scenario, contact Wyze support or submit an app log via the app. Be sure to note your app log ID.
