Set up and use Compatible WiFi

Compatible WiFi provides your home devices with stable access to your WiFi connection. In cases where you are unable to connect with the main WiFi network.

What is Compatible WiFi?

Compatible WiFi, a feature of the newer EE Smart Hubs, offers an alternative way to access your WiFi connection. It’s useful when you’re having difficulty connecting your older devices to your WiFi network. 

This might include:

  • smartphones
  • tablets
  • laptops
  • printers
  • smart bulbs
  • smart doorbells
  • smart cameras

The Compatible WiFi network connects devices that can’t join your main WiFi. Since Compatible WiFi runs at 2.4GHz, its speed might be a bit slower than your main WiFi. Although Compatible WiFi may be a bit slower than your main WiFi, it means you can connect devices that can't join your main WiFi.

The main WiFi and Compatible WiFi can be used at the same time on separate home devices. The networks are linked together. So, you can control your smart devices no matter which network they are on.

Find out if your Smart Hub supports Compatible WiFi.

Ways to turn on Compatible WiFi

Compatible WiFi can be turned on in the EE app. If you don't have access to the EE app you can also follow the steps in the section below to enable Compatible WiFi using the Hub Manager.

Turn on Compatible WiFi in the EE app

  1. Open the EE app and navigate to the ‘Manage’ tab and then to the ‘Broadband’ section.
  2. If you haven’t yet paired the app to your hub, follow the instructions via the ‘set up WiFi Controls’ tab.
  3. Select  Turn on Compatible WiFi .
  4. Think of and enter a WiFi network name and password and tap Save. 
     When selecting save, there may be a short interruption to your WiFi connection. Your devices should reconnect within a couple of minutes.
  5. You should now be able to see your Compatible WiFi network when using your device to scan for available WiFi networks. 
  6. You can connect to the network using the password you set up.

Turn on Compatible WiFi using the Hub Manager

  1. Open a web browser and enter 192.168.1.254 into the address bar.
  2. Select 'advanced settings'.
  3. Select 'Wireless'.
  4. Enter your hub’s admin password and select  'OK'You’ll find this on the pull-out card on the back of your hub. 
  5. Select 'Compatible WiFi', think of and enter a WiFi network name and password and select  'Save'. When selecting save, there may be a short interruption to your WiFi connection. Your devices should reconnect within a minute or two.
  6. You’ll also find an option in the 'Hub Manager' to enable the 5GHz band for the Compatible WiFi network. This may improve WiFi performance but can cause connectivity problems for other non-5GHz devices that you have connected to the Compatible WiFi network.
  7. You should now be able to see your Compatible WiFi network when using your device to scan for available WiFi networks. 
  8. Connect to the network using the password you set up.

If you're still experiencing problems connecting your WiFi devices to your hub then see help connecting devices to your hub.

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