How To Fix Ecobee Thermostat Connection Problems?

You’re not alone if you’re having problems connecting your Ecobee thermostat. A lot of people are reporting the same issue, and there are easy fixes. The good news is that you don’t always need to call a professional or buy a new thermostat.

To fix Ecobee thermostat connection problems, try power cycling the device, checking whether the WiFi network is working properly, updating your firmware, setting the encryption type to WAP/WAP2-AES, checking if the device is using the correct WiFi network, and checking the connection strength. 

This article covers some of the most common issues that may prevent your thermostat from connecting to your WiFi. It will cover everything from possible causes to solutions, so make sure to keep reading until the end.

1. Power-Cycle the Ecobee and Router

It’s funny how often the simplest solution is the one that works. In many cases, power cycling (turning off and then back on) the Ecobee thermostat and router will fix connection issues.

Restarting the Ecobee clears the cache and RAM, which can help fix minor glitches. This means that if there’s a problem with the settings, it might go away after a restart. Restarting your router will also clear any issues and allow the Ecobee to connect properly.

Here’s how to power-cycle your devices:

1. Turn off the power to your router. You can do this by unplugging it from the wall or flipping the switch on the back (if it has one).
2. Remove the Ecobee from its mount on the wall. This will disconnect it from the power. Leave it off for a minute or two before moving on to the next step.
3. Turn the power back on to your router and wait a few minutes for it to boot up.
4. Put the Ecobee back on its mount and turn it on. It should now be able to get into your WiFi network.

I often use this method to fix Ecobee connection problems, and it usually does the trick. However, if it doesn’t work for you, you still have a bunch of other solutions you can try.

Read: Ecobee Lite 3 Vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat: Differences, Worth Of Upgrade?

2. Check if the WiFi Network Is Working Properly

Before we troubleshoot the Ecobee, it’s a good idea to ensure there’s nothing wrong with your WiFi network. Any issues on this end mean your thermostats won’t connect no matter what you do.

Here are a few things you can check:

1. Make sure your router is turned on and plugged into an outlet.
2. If you use a WiFi extender, make sure that it’s also turned on and plugged in.
3. If you have a mesh WiFi system, ensure all the nodes are turned on and connected.
4. Log into your router’s web interface and check that the correct WiFi network is enabled (usually the 2.4Ghz).
5. Verify that the password is correct. If you’ve changed it recently, make sure you update the password on the Ecobee as well.

If everything looks good on your end, then it’s time to move on to troubleshooting the Ecobee.

Read: Why Ecobee Thermostat Runs For 5 Mins And Then Shuts Off?

3. Update Your Firmware

If you’re having consistent connection problems on your Ecobee, one of the first things you should do is ensure that you’ve installed the latest firmware. Newer versions of the firmware often include bug fixes and performance enhancements.

To check for updates, open the menu, tap “About,” then select “Version.” You should see the current firmware version listed here. If there’s an update available, it will prompt you to install it.

Most people will want to install the update right away. However, if you’re having trouble with a specific feature, you may want to wait to see if that particular issue has been fixed in the new version. You can always check the release notes to see what’s changed.

Read: Can I Use An Ecobee Thermostat In An RV?

4. Set the Encryption Type on the Router to WAP/WAP2-AES

I know this is starting to sound like a lot of technical mumbo jumbo but bear with me. This next step is actually pretty easy.

Some routers allow you to choose the encryption type that’s used, and changing it can fix Ecobee connection problems, so it’s definitely worth a try.

Here’s how to change the encryption type:

1. Open your router’s web interface. This is usually done by typing the router’s Internet Protocol (IP) address into a web browser.
2. Find the section that allows you to change the encryption type on the WiFi settings.
3. Select WAP/WAP2-AES from the drop-down menu.
4. Save your changes and reboot the router.

5. Check That the Ecobee Is Using the Correct WiFi Network

If you have more than one WiFi network in your home, it’s possible that your Ecobee is trying to connect to the wrong one. So, if you’ve tried all the other steps and are still having trouble connecting, make sure that the Ecobee is set to use the correct WiFi network.

Here’s how to check the WiFi network:

1. Open the menu on the Ecobee and go to “Settings.”
2. Select “WiFi” from the list of options.
3. Make sure that the correct WiFi network is selected. If not, select it from the drop-down menu.
4. Enter your password and save changes, then try to connect again.

Interference from other devices can also cause connection problems. So, if you’re still having trouble connecting after trying all these steps, you may want to move the Ecobee to a different location or get a better WiFi access point.

You want to get a dual-channel access point that allows you to switch channels. By this, I mean you want to be able to use channels 1, 6, and 11 on the 2.4ghz band. These 3 channels do not overlap and will give you the best chance for a solid connection.

6. Check the Connection Strength on the Ecobee

The Ecobee needs to be within range of your router to connect. So, if you’re still having trouble connecting, it’s a good idea to check the WiFi strength on the Ecobee.

Here’s how to test it:

1. Open the menu on the thermostat and go to “Settings.”
2. Select “WiFi” from the list of options.
3. You should see a signal strength indicator next to your network. If the signal is below 75, try moving the Ecobee closer to the router.
4. Once you have a strong signal, try connecting again.

I have also had success adding a repeater/extender to boost the signal in a specific area of the house. You can also try moving the router closer to the Ecobee if possible. This is usually not the ideal solution, but sometimes it’s the only way to get a strong enough signal.

Read: Can You Use Multiple Ecobee Thermostats In The Same House?

7. Call Support

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still have trouble connecting your Ecobee, it’s time to call customer support. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem or offer a replacement if your Ecobee is defective.

Some say it’s difficult to get in touch with customer support online. However, I’ve never had any trouble. I simply go to the Ecobee website and click on the “Contact Us” link, select “I need help with my Ecobee device,” then “I’m having trouble connecting to my WiFi network.” This usually puts me in touch with a support representative pretty quickly.

Alternatively, you can call 1-877-932-6233 to speak to a customer support representative. This is another effective way to get the help you need, and it’s often quicker than trying to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

Read: Why Ecobee Thermostat Not Using Average Temperature From The Sensors? Troubleshooting Guide

Final Thoughts

If you’re having trouble connecting your Ecobee to your WiFi network, do not panic. There are a few things you can try to fix the problem. Start by checking your router and making sure that it is turned on and properly configured. Then, update the Ecobee’s firmware and check that it is using the correct WiFi network. If all else fails, you can always contact customer support for help.