Let's review some basic requirements and setup tips to ensure your home WiFi is set up for WiFIRE-grilling success.
Diagnose WiFi Connection Issues with Our Self-Help App
We have teamed up with RouteThis Helps to create a customized WiFi diagnostic app for both iOS and Android. This app analyzes your home network and identifies areas to improve connectivity and provides solutions to reasons why your grill may struggle to connect. Learn more about the app here!
- Download the RouteThis Helps app for iOS or Android.
- Open the app and tap Begin.
- Enter the code, TRGR.
- Stand next to your grill and tap, Network Scan. Keep the app open during the 2-minute scan.
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Tap Improve Traeger Performance and follow the instructions in the app.
Signal Strength
For your grill to utilize your grill's WiFIRE capabilities successfully, you will need to make sure the grill's location receives a signal strength between -30 and –70dbm. This strength allows it to connect and operate, as well as receive and download updates.
To test the signal strength where you want to place your grill, you can install a WiFi signal strength app to your phone (there are many highly-rated, free apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play).
If the signal strength is low where you wish to place your grill, consider investing in an inexpensive additional router to boost your 2.4 GHz signal.
Create a Guest Network
Creating a guest network can help you connect because guest networks are separate from the regular WiFi. They have fewer protections, like firewalls, because it does not have access to sensitive information found on the regular network.
Home WiFi Network Name
Is the WiFi Network name long, includes spaces, or have special characters? Traeger grill controllers only recognize network names with 32 or fewer characters.
Note: Spaces and special characters take up 3 of the 32-character limit.
Firewalls & Additional Security Measures
Have you set up any enhanced or additional security measures on your home network? Any additional network security measures will prevent the grill-to-phone pairing process from completing. Make sure the grill is whitelisted or consider investing in a dedicated inexpensive router for the grill.
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Additional firewall?
- If you have Apple HomeKit enabled, you should disconnect it because it creates firewalls that may prevent your grill from connecting.
- Transparent Proxy?
- VPN being used on the device?
- No DHCP server used on network?
- 802.1X authentication enabled on network?
Frequency Band
Do you have both 5GHz and 2.4GHz network bands set up or are there 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks with the same name?
Like most smart home devices Traeger WiFIRE grills will only connect to 2.4GHz networks as that provides a stronger connection over greater distances than the faster 5GHz band. The WiFi module on the grill will not be able to even "see" 5GHz networks. To ensure a smooth initial pairing with your grill make sure of the following:
- Your phone is connected to a 2.4GHz network. For the initial pairing process your phone must be on the same network you intend your grill to be on, and 5GHz networks will not be noticed.
- If you have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz network options, ensure that they do not have the same name. Having both with the same name can lead to frustrating and inconsistent pairing issues.
- If you are unable to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, consider purchasing an inexpensive dedicated 2.4GHz router for your grill (and other smart home devices).
- If you're not sure what bands your network uses or you're not sure how to set it up, contact your internet service provider.