Why does my SmartThings hub keep needing setting up again?

The short answer

Re-adding devices after a hub reset is slow work. Repeated re-pairing nearly always means the gadget is losing its place on the network, not that it is faulty.

What's happening underneath

Small hub that bridges Zigbee, Thread or Matter kit onto your Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Keep the hub and the phones that control it on the same network unless you are confident with cross-network discovery.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Plug the hub into the router with a network cable where you can.
• • Keep the same Wi-Fi name and password when you change routers — then nothing needs re-pairing.
• • Turn off 'client isolation' while adding new gadgets.
• • 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

Almost never. A £5 cable solves most SmartThings complaints.