Why won't my Aqara hub and sensors join my 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

The short answer

Setup fails if your phone is on the faster band. Plenty of smart-home kit is deliberately built for the slower, longer-range band only. It isn't broken and it isn't out of date — it just cannot see a 5 GHz-only name.

What's happening underneath

Usually 2.4 GHz, or Ethernet if you can reach it with a cable.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Keep the same Wi-Fi name and password when changing routers — it saves re-pairing everything.
• • Pair the hub with your phone on 2.4 GHz, standing next to the router.
• • Turn off isolation settings so your phone can find the hub.
• • Check the signal where the gadget actually lives, not where you're standing.
• • Move the router off the floor and out of any cupboard before buying anything.
• • Put the gadget and your phone on the same Wi-Fi name.
• • Restart the gadget before the router — it is quicker and it fixes more.

Setting it up again properly

• • Stand next to your router while you set it up, then move the gadget to where it lives.
• • Put your phone on the 2.4 GHz network name for the setup, or use one name for both bands so the phone can follow.
• • If your router splits bands into two names, turn the 5 GHz one off for five minutes rather than fighting it.
• • Turn mobile data off on your phone during setup — some apps quietly use it and never find the gadget.

When it's worth spending money

Only if the hub sits in a spot with genuinely no signal — then move the hub, not your money.