How to Register & Troubleshoot Appliances on SmartThings

If an issue with your network or internet connection is detected when registering a Samsung device or appliance on SmartThings, the registration process will stop at a certain percentage.

To ensure a stable network connection it is necessary to check the network connection to your phone and the distance between the appliance and the network router.

Man registering a Samsung appliance on SmartThings.

Please note: The available menu options, modes, and settings will vary by the device, provider, and software version. 

1 Check the distance between your appliance and the router. 
  • If the Wi-Fi icon is displayed on your appliance, make sure that three or more Wi-Fi signal bars appear for adequate signal strength. 

  • If the appliance uses the Smart Control function (AP mode), stand next to the appliance with your phone to check the Wi-Fi strength for the network. 

     

If the appliance is too far from the router, the network connection will be unstable. You will need to install an additional router or a repeater to extend the coverage area for your home. Note: the signal strength should show three or more Wi-Fi signal bars to register the appliance. 

2 Check the appliance instructions for network connections.
3 Select any related options displayed on the appliance and the phone.

Select the related options(s) following the instructions displayed on the screen. 

When registering an appliance, you cannot proceed to the next step without selecting the option(s) located on the display or panel, or the remote control as instructed. If AP mode is displayed and then disabled on the appliance, select the related option(s) to restart the setup in the SmartThings app from the beginning. (When enabled, AP mode displays for five minutes).

4 Turn off mobile data on your phone.
Mobile data switched on.

You may be required to turn off mobile data on your phone in order to get the connection to work. Navigate to Settings, tap Connections, and then tap Data usage. Tap the switch next to Mobile data to turn it off. If prompted, tap Turn off

5 It may be necessary to disconnect from the current network. If the Wi-Fi network is secured, the network password is required.
6 Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz connection).

Tap Back from the Data usage screen, and then tap Wi-Fi. If your phone is connected to a network, tap the Settings icon next to the network name, and then tap Forget. Next, select the name of the router from the Available networks list, enter the Wi-Fi password if needed, and then tap Connect.

  • A 2.4 GHz connection is recommended for connecting to all appliances other than TVs or family hub refrigerators on a Wi-Fi network. Using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection may cause problems with connecting to appliances.
  • You cannot use a 2.4 GHz connection if the Wi-Fi router is configured to 5 GHz. Refer to the user manual provided with the router or contact your internet service provider to configure the router for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
7 The router name should consist only of symbols and alphanumeric characters. An error may occur with the connection if special characters are used in the router name. If special characters are used in the router name, you should rename it.
8 Check the configuration of your Wi-Fi router.

To check the router's authentication and encryption configuration using your phone, navigate to and open Settings on your phone. Tap Connections, and then tap Wi-Fi. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), tap Advanced, and then tap Manage networks. Tap the name of the network that your phone is connected to.

Manage networks highlighted on a list of Wi-Fi options.
  • If a WPA2 method with EAP authentication is used, you may not be able to make a connection. In this case, change the authentication method of the Wi-Fi router and reconnect the device.
  • Refer to the user manual provided with your router or contact your internet service provider to update the router firmware to the most recent version.
  • If there is a firewall, disable it before trying to register the appliance again.
9 Disconnect, then reconnect the power to the appliance.

Disconnection methods will vary between appliances, and it may only be necessary to switch off the power with the appliances power button, if you are unable to access the power cord or supply.

  • To do both, simply switch off the power first, and then unplug the power cord to the appliance. Wait 30 seconds, plug in the power cord, and switch on again.
10 Close the SmartThings app on your phone, and then re-open it.

Tap Recents on your phone. Depending on your phone, you will need to swipe up, down, left, or right on the SmartThings app to close it. Then, reopen the app.

11 Connect the appliance to SmartThings again.
Add device screen with a list of options.

Navigate to and open the SmartThings app, Tap Devices in the navigation bar. Tap Add (+). Find your device by selecting either Scan QR code, Scan nearby, By device type, or By brand. Select a location and room for the appliance, and then follow the on-screen instructions to turn on the AP mode specific to your appliance.

12 Turn on the mobile data on your phone again.

Navigate to and open Settings, tap Connections, and then tap Data Usage. Tap the switch next to Mobile data to turn it on again.

1 Check if the display on the appliance shows the Wi-Fi icon or AP mode.
  • If your appliance is connected directly to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi icon will appear in the top right corner of the appliance's display.
  • If your appliance is displaying the Wi-Fi icon, turn on the Easy Connect function. Open the Settings from the appliance display, and then tap Easy Connect > Connect.
  • If your appliance has a Smart Control function, press and hold the Smart Control button until AP displays on the panel. 
2 Check the Wi-Fi network strength on your phone.

From the phone, open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Check that the Wi-Fi strength for the network the phone is connected to displays three or more Wi-Fi signal bars.

3 Check the network distance between your appliance and the router.
  • If the Wi-Fi icon is displayed on your appliance, make sure there are three or more Wi-Fi signal bars.
  • If the appliances use the Smart Control function (AP mode), stand next to the appliance with your phone to check the Wi-Fi strength for the network.

 

If the appliance is too far from the router, the network connection will be unstable. You will need to install an additional router or a repeater to extend the coverage area for your home. Keep in mind, the signal strength should show three or more Wi-Fi signal bars in order to register the appliance. 

4 Contact your internet service provider.

If the problem with the internet persists after going through these steps, contact your internet provider to check your network connection.

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