B-hyve Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: Fixes That Work

When a B-hyve device will not connect to Wi-Fi, check four things first: the device connected before, your network or Wi-Fi password did not change, the band matches the model, and Bluetooth is on for your phone or tablet. If those are fine, reboot the device and try again.

This page covers pairing and connection problems. For a device that was online and dropped off, see Why is my B-hyve offline?.

What does Orbit ask you to check first?

Orbit's connection guidance lists these checks:

• Did the device ever connect to this network?
• Did the home network change recently, such as a new router?
• Did the Wi-Fi password change?
• Does your router offer separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks?
• Is Bluetooth enabled on the phone or tablet you are using for setup?

Is the Wi-Fi band the problem?

Often, yes. The B-hyve XR supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz. The indoor controller 57925 uses 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n), and Wi-Fi hub setups are also described as 2.4 GHz. Do not assume every B-hyve device is 2.4 GHz only, and do not assume every device accepts 5 GHz. See Which Wi-Fi band does my B-hyve use?.

If your router merges both bands under one network name, some owners find it easier to pair when the 2.4 GHz network has its own name. Orbit's guidance asks whether separate 2.4 and 5 GHz networks are available for this reason.

Does the hub or the timer connect to Wi-Fi?

It depends on the product.

• Sprinkler controllers such as the 57925 and the XR have built-in Wi-Fi and connect to your router directly.
• Bluetooth hose timers talk to your phone over Bluetooth. Only the matching Wi-Fi hub connects to your router.

If a hose timer will not reach the internet, the hub is the device that needs to be online. Make sure the hub generation matches the timer: a Gen 1 hub works only with Gen 1 hose timers, while XD timers, Gen 2 timers and flood sensors need a Gen 2 hub. See Which B-hyve hub works with my timer?.

Hubs are meant for indoor placement. Orbit setup material mentions placing a hub within 150 feet of a timer, but treat that as a planning figure, not a guaranteed range. Walls, distance and the router's location all matter.

Which problems do owners report?

App Store reviews describe a few patterns. This is a summary of what people run into, not a diagnosis of your device:

• A device that pairs on the second or third try, even with a strong signal.
• A hub that stays on a "pairing" screen while the timer still seems to work.
• Wi-Fi that drops once or twice a month until the unit is unplugged and plugged back in.
• Networks that need advanced settings, where the app asks for a firmware update before it will continue.
• An app that shows the device as connected but times out on commands. Closing and reopening the app helped some owners.

How do I reboot the device?

Orbit's troubleshooting article gives these examples:

1. Underground timers (sprinkler controllers): disconnect power for 30 seconds, then reconnect.
2. Hose timers: remove the battery tray for 15 to 20 seconds, then reinstall it fully.

A reboot only restarts the device. It is not a Wi-Fi reset, a deauthorization or a factory reset. Those are separate procedures, explained in How to reset a B-hyve timer, hub or controller.

What if it still will not connect?

Check the manual for your exact model, then contact support. Orbit's support portal is at support.orbitonline.com, and the App Store listing publishes (800) 488-6156 and [email protected]. Manuals are at the Orbit manual library. OrbitAssist is a separate Orbit app meant to help diagnose connectivity between a home network and B-hyve equipment.

Related

• Which Wi-Fi band does my B-hyve use?
• Why is my B-hyve offline?
• How to reset a B-hyve timer, hub or controller
• Can B-hyve work without Wi-Fi?