Printer won't connect to Wi-Fi: the 5 GHz problem

If setup fails instantly every time, your printer is almost certainly trying to join a 5 GHz network it cannot see.

1. 1

   Check the band your phone is on

   Most printers are 2.4 GHz only. If your phone is on 5 GHz during app setup, the handover fails.

2. 2

   Split the bands temporarily

   In your router settings give the 2.4 GHz network its own name, e.g. Home-2.4, then set the printer up on that.

3. 3

   Move the printer closer

   2.4 GHz travels further but thick walls still kill it. Set up near the router, then move the printer after.

4. 4

   Turn off band steering during setup

   Smart Connect or band steering can push devices between bands mid-setup. Disable it until the printer is connected.

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