Eero mesh systems are known for their simplicity, but that same simplicity can make setting up 2.4GHz-only smart plugs a nightmare. Because Eero does not allow you to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into different names, many smart plugs fail to pair because your phone is "stuck" on the faster 5GHz frequency. This guide outlines the four most effective workarounds to force a 2.4GHz connection and get your devices online.
Keywords: connect 2.4ghz smart plug to eero, eero pause 5ghz workaround, smart life app eero connection fix, disable wpa3 eero smart plug, kasa plug eero setup
Contents 📋
Fix 1: The "Temporarily Pause 5GHz" Method (Recommended)
Eero recently added a built-in feature specifically for this problem. It allows you to hide the 5GHz band for 15 minutes, forcing your phone onto the 2.4GHz band so the smart plug can see it.
How to Pause 5GHz:
- Open the Eero App.
- Tap on the Settings tab at the bottom right.
- Select Troubleshooting.
- Tap on My device won't connect.
- Tap the blue button: Temporarily pause 5GHz.
- A 15-minute countdown will begin. Immediately open your smart plug's app (Smart Life, Meross, Kasa) and begin the pairing process.
Fix 2: Disable WPA3 in Eero Labs
WPA3 is a modern security protocol that Eero enables by default in "Eero Labs." However, many older 2.4GHz smart plugs are incompatible with WPA3 and will report a "Connection Failed" or "Incorrect Password" error even if your password is right.
How to Disable WPA3:
- In the Eero app, tap Discover at the bottom.
- Select eero Labs.
- Find the WPA3 toggle and turn it Off.
- Wait 60 seconds for the network to update, then try pairing your smart plug again. You can re-enable this after setup, though some plugs may drop offline if you do.
Fix 3: The "Distance Hack" (Manual Band Forcing)
If the 5GHz pause doesn't work, you can use physics to your advantage. 5GHz signals have a very short range, while 2.4GHz signals travel through walls much better.
Steps for the Distance Hack:
- Plug your smart plug into an outlet near where you want it.
- Take the smartphone you are using for setup and walk away from your house (or to the furthest room/garage).
- Check your phone's Wi-Fi status. Once the signal bar drops, your phone will likely switch to the 2.4GHz band to maintain a connection.
- Attempt the pairing process from this distant location. Once paired, you can move the plug back to its original spot.
Fix 4: Enable Legacy Mode for Older Plugs
Some extremely old smart plugs cannot handle the advanced 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) protocols used by newer Eero models (Pro 6, Max 7). Legacy Mode temporarily slows the network down to 802.11n standards.
How to Enable Legacy Mode:
- Go to Settings > Troubleshooting > My device won't connect.
- Select Legacy Mode and toggle it On.
- Try to pair your smart plug. Once connected, you should disable Legacy Mode to restore your mesh network's full speed.