Ecobee Not Connecting To Wi-Fi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
One of the advantages of an Ecobee thermostat is the ability to control it remotely. But to do this, the Ecobee needs a strong and secure Wi-Fi connection. So what happens if your Ecobee won’t connect to your Wi-Fi?
Ecobee doesn’t need a Wi-Fi connection to operate like a traditional thermostat. However, you won’t have access to its smart technology features like remote access or Home IQ. If you’re having difficulty connecting your Ecobee to your Wi-Fi, there are a few things you can try.
With the exception of the SmartThermostat with voice control, Ecobee needs to be connected to your router through a 2.4GHz network. You should be using the most up-to-date Ecobee firmware. The router encryption type should be set to WPA/WPA2-AES. If your Ecobee was previously connected to Wi-Fi, check that the signal strength is above 75%.
The following information is relevant to all Ecobee thermostats except Smart, Smart SI, EMS, and EMS SI.
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Ecobee Operates without Wi-Fi Connection
Ecobee has the ability to function as a traditional thermostat without a Wi-Fi connection. If this is your aim, you can skip the Wi-Fi configuration during set-up.
However, skipping this step means you can’t complete registration. An unregistered Ecobee poses some problems down the line. If you need to contact Ecobee support for help, they will be limited in what they can do since you won’t technically have an account.
Not only that, but without a Wi-Fi connection, you lose access to all the features that draw users to Smart Home technology.
No App or Web Portal Access
Without a Wi-Fi connection, you won’t have access to the Ecobee app or web portal. This means you cannot check or adjust your thermostat remotely.
No Weather Data
Ecobee will not be able to gather any data from the weather outside. If your home has a heat pump, Ecobee uses weather data to determine if it’s safe to run the compressor.
No Home IQ
Ecobee cannot run efficiency reports or system monitor reports without a Wi-Fi connection. Without knowing how much energy you’re using, you can’t adjust your system to run more efficiently.
No Third-Party Apps
Any third-party applications, software, or outside programs can’t be connected to your Ecobee without Wi-Fi. This includes things like Alexa-enabled devices, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit among others.
Sensors Won’t Work
Ecobee’s famous room sensors require a wireless connection in order to report specific room temperatures. They will not connect to the main thermostat without Wi-Fi.
Connecting Your Ecobee to Wi-Fi
Ecobee’s initial set-up includes the Wi-Fi configuration. Whether you skipped this step initially or made updates to your home network, you can follow these steps to establish a Wi-Fi connection for your Ecobee.
- On your thermostat, go to Main Menu > Settings > Wi-Fi. Click to open the Wi-Fi configuration.
- Ensure that the Wi-Fi Radio is enabled. Then, click the Network option.
- You will have the choice of selecting your Wi-Fi network or using an IOS device (iPad, iPhone, iTouch). If you don’t have an IOS device, you must choose Select Wi-Fi Network.
- Once on this screen, choose your Wi-Fi name from the available options. If you have a dual-band network, make sure you are broadcasting from the 2.4GHz network. (This goes for all Ecobees except the SmartThermostat with voice control. Either network is appropriate for the latter.)
- Input your Wi-Fi password, and then hit Connect.
- Once Ecobee shows the connection was successful, hit OK to complete the process.
Using an IOS Device
The first two steps are the same when using an IOS device to connect to your Wi-Fi. On the third step, click Use iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Then, click Next.
On your IOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Then, select the Ecobee’s serial number and choose the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. Once the connection was successful, click Done.
Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Checklist
If you can’t seem to get your Ecobee connected to your Wi-Fi, it might be due to a number of reasons. Follow the checklist below to see if one of these solutions fixes your problem.
Broadcasting Network
Your router needs to be powered on and broadcasting on a 2.4 GHz network. For dual-band routers, make sure it’s not broadcasting on a 5GHz network. (This does not apply to SmartThermostat with voice control. It supports either a 2.4GHz or 5GHz connection.)
Firmware
Make sure your Ecobee is using the most up-to-date firmware. On your thermostat, go to Main Menu > About > Version to check. The chart below details the current firmware for each device.
| Device | Firmware Version |
| SmartThermostat with Voice Control | 4.7.5.250 |
| ecobee4 | 4.7.5.246 |
| ecobee3 lite | 4.7.5.244 |
| ecobee3 | 4.7.5.240 |
Encryption
Make sure your router encryption type is set to WPA/WPA2-AES. TKIP encryption is no longer supported by Ecobee. Update your router settings if needed.
To verify you’re using AES, log in to your router as an administrator. Find the WPA/WPA2 encryption setting and make sure it’s set to AES and not TKIP.
Signal Strength
If your Ecobee was previously connected to your Wi-Fi, check the signal strength by going to Main Menu > About > Wi-Fi on the thermostat. If the strength is lower than 75%, this could be the cause of connection issues. The router and thermostat need to be close enough to ensure a strong signal.
Still Not Working?
If, after checking all the areas above, you still aren’t connected to the Wi-Fi, there are a few other things you can try. Power-cycling your thermostat can be effective. You can also check that your Ecobee is connected to their online servers. Finally, you can try connecting your Ecobee to a personal hotspot.
Power-Cycling Your Ecobee
Power-cycling simply means to turn a device off and then back on again after a few minutes. It’s often an effective way of resetting a device. You can power-cycle your Ecobee and router if you’re having trouble establishing a connection.
First, unplug your router, and then, remove the thermostat from the wall for two minutes. Plug the router back in first. Once the router is running again, place the thermostat back in the wall, and wait for it to power up. From here, it should connect back to the Wi-Fi on its own.
Personal Hotspot
Connecting your Ecobee through a personal hotspot is a good way to see if you have a network problem.
On your IOS or Android, enable your personal hotspot. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to find your device on the Ecobee. On the thermostat, open Main Menu > Settings > Wi-Fi > Network. Scroll until you see your device’s hotspot name under available networks.
If you can connect your thermostat to a hotspot but not your home network, this indicates a problem with the network. Check for the following:
- The router is connected to the 2.4 GHz network.
- You’re entering the correct password.
- The security settings aren’t too high for Ecobee to access.
Online Server Connection
Check the Wi-Fi connection by going to Main Menu > About > Wi-Fi > Connected to Ecobee.com. If you don’t see that you’re connected to Ecobee.com, you can try power-cycling or connect to a personal hotspot.
If you can connect to the Ecobee server through a hotspot but not your home network, the problem is most likely the security settings on your router. It’s possible you have a firewall that blocks outbound traffic to Ecobee.com.
Ecobee recommends you check with your router manufacturer on how to determine that no outbound ports are being blocked. Your router and any firewall settings should permit connections to Ecobee.com and *ecobee.com.
Related Questions
Does Ecobee work if Wi-Fi goes out?
Your Ecobee will still function as a traditional thermostat should your Wi-Fi go out. However, you will not have access to any smart device functionality until the server is back on. You shouldn’t have to reprogram any personal information or settings.
Does Ecobee use 5GHz Wi-Fi?
The SmartThermostat with voice control is the only Ecobee thermostat that supports a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection. All other Ecobee thermostats must be connected to a 2.4GHz network.
Does Ecobee work with Google Home?
The Ecobee3, Ecobee3 Lite, and Ecobee4 are compatible with Google Assistant-enabled devices, including Google Home. However, in order for Ecobee to respond to Google Home, it needs to be connected to the Wi-Fi.
What happens to my Wi-Fi thermostat if the power goes out?
Your Ecobee, or any Wi-Fi thermostat, will continue working while the power is out. A power outage affects an Ecobee similarly to a server outage. The Ecobee continues to run on whatever power it has stored in its rechargeable battery. It functions as a traditional thermostat with no access to the smart features that need a Wi-Fi connection. Once the battery is drained, you will no longer have access to the HVAC system.
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Conclusion
In order to use your Ecobee to the fullest, a Wi-Fi connection is key. If your Ecobee won’t connect to your home network, check that the router is set to broadcast at 2.4GHz. The router’s signal strength shouldn’t be too low and its security settings shouldn’t be too high. Ensure you have the proper encryption setting and most up-to-date firmware.
Brigid Levi is a wife, mother, and freelance writer who enjoys a good DIY project and creating beautiful spaces within her home. From cleaning and organization hacks to home decor ideas, she loves helping people in their quest to turn a house into a home. Her hobbies include pretending to be Joanna Gaines while updating her home with her husband and performing in local theater productions.
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