Why won't my myenergi zappi charger work on the guest network?

The short answer

Setup needs your phone on the same network as the hub. Guest networks deliberately stop devices from seeing each other. That is exactly what this gadget needs to do, so it fails — as designed.

What's happening underneath

Setup fails.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Move the hub closer to the garage wall — it needs to reach the charger, not just the router.
• • Plug the hub into the router with a cable and use the app to check it appears.
• • Restart the hub before re-pairing anything.
• • 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

A hub relocation or a longer cable first; extra myenergi kit only if the charger is genuinely out of reach.