Some GE washers can connect directly to a WiFi network, and others also support a small device known as a Connect Module that is plugged into a GE washer which gives it WiFi connectivity. However, when trying to connect your GE washer to a WiFi network using the SmartHQ app it can have issues and won’t connect. So, here’s a rundown of how to troubleshoot your GE washer when it won’t connect to the WiFi network.
As a general rule, restart the 3 devices involved, your GE washer, your smartphone or tablet, and your WiFi router. After that, try to connect your GE washer to the SmartHQ app again. If it’s still not working then double check the WiFi password you are entering is correct, then do the steps below.
Attempt to connect your GE washer to your smartphone over Bluetooth, if it does this can cause the ConnectHQ app to recognize the device, and then begin working. Each of these steps can be a bit tricky so below I’ve covered each step in detail, as well as additional steps to try.
GE Washer Won’t Connect to WiFi (How To Fix)
To connect a GE washer to WiFi you need to connect it to either a phone or a tablet using the ConnectHQ app. It can work straight away without any additional steps. But, if it’s not working then here’s what you should do to get it to work.
In general, begin by restarting your GE washer by unplugging it at the wall and then plugging it back in again, after that restart your WiFi router, and your smartphone or tablet. See if it now connects to the WiFi, if not then clear the SmartHQ app cache, and then do the steps below.
Uninstall and reinstall the SmartHQ app, and see if it now works. After that, open up the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or tablet and try to add your GE washer as a device. If it does connect over Bluetooth, this can get the SmartHQ app to work.
If not below are step by step instructions for all of the steps you should try as well as the top reasons why a GE washer won’t connect to the WiFi.
Top Reasons GE Washer Won’t Connect to WiFi
There are multiple reasons why a GE washer won’t connect to WiFi. Therefore, you typically need to try a number of steps before it begins working. Here are the top reasons why a GE washer won’t connect to WiFi.
In general, your smartphone, GE washer, or WiFi modem need to be restarted, your GE washer needs to be connected over Bluetooth first, there is a setting on your WiFi router than stops it from connecting to your GE washer (contact your internet service provider), or the WiFi password is wrong.
If you are using a Control Connect adapter on your GE washer, there is a way to narrow down what the issue is. As you may know a Control Connect device is a small device that you plug into your GE washer to give it WiFi connectivity.
If you are not using one of these skip to the troubleshooting steps below. But, if you are, a Control Connect device has an LED light on it that will say what the broad issue is.
- When the LED light is solid it means the SmartHQ app can not locate your GE washer. You close and reopen the SmartHQ app, and if it’s still not working you should restart your phone
- When the LED light is flashing it means the WiFi password you entered is incorrect. Try entering the password again, being careful to type it in correctly. If the LED still flashes then double check you have the right WiFi password for your WiFi connection.
GE Washer won’t connect to WiFi because the router needs to be restarted
As with all electronics, doing a restart is a good first step. There can be a glitch in the operating system. And restarting a device resets the operating system.
So, start by restarting your WiFi router, and your GE washer. To do that, unplug them at the wall, wait for around 10 seconds, then plug them back in. Press the power button if required – this differs based on the model.
After that, also restart the smartphone or tablet you’re using. For Android devices hold down the power button. On the screen it will ask you if you want to power off the device or restart it. Select restart.
For iPhones you hold down the power button and volume button until the Apple logo appears. Once, you’ve done open the SmartHQ app and see if it will now connect your GE washer to your phone.
GE Washer won’t connect to WiFi because it needs to connect over Bluetooth first
A few people have reported that when your GE appliance doesn’t connect to your GE washer on the first try, then connecting it over Bluetooth first fixes this issue. They state that after it connects over Bluetooth it allows the ConnectHQ app to recognize the GE washer. And it will then work when you try to set it up.
Therefore, open up the Bluetooth settings on your phone and search for devices. If your GE washer shows up, then tap on it to connect it over Bluetooth to your phone.
After that, open up the ConnectHQ app and see if it now lets you connect your GE washer to it. If not, move on to the next step.
GE Washer won’t connect to WiFi because the WiFi password is wrong
A simple mistake is that the WiFi password you have entered for the WiFi network is wrong. This is an easy mistake to make. Often there are numbers that look like letters.
Or, letters that look like letters. Double check the password you have for your WiFi is correct.
If in doubt, contact your internet service provider. If you’re sure the password is correct then move on to the next step.
GE Washer won’t connect to WiFi due to a corrupted app cache
Applications such as the SmartHQ app used to connect to your GE washer can have a glitch. This is not such a common issue but it’s worth checking it off the list, as it can cause issues. Begin by going into the app settings and clearing the app cache and data using the instructions in the videos below.
One is for Android and the other is for Apple devices. After that, if it’s still not working then uninstall the SmartHQ app, and reinstall it. As well as, installing any pending updates on the smartphone or tablet you are using.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 5, 2022.
I commonly postpone software updates because it does take a bit of time. Install any pending software updates that are available. These can cause a mismatch with the SmartHQ app.
GE Washer won’t connect to WiFi because the software needs to be updated
There is also software on a GE washer. This software can be outdated and won’t connect to the SmartHQ app. A workaround is to connect your GE washer to a temporary network that you don’t intend on using all the time to update the software on your GE washer.
For example, you can enable a data hotspot on your smartphone or tablet, and connect your GE washer to that. Or, you can enable your internet connect as a public
GE Washer won’t connect to WiFi because of a setting on the router
WiFi routers have a few different settings. When an internet service provider sends out a WiFi router it can often have some settings that are locked. Therefore, it’s worthwhile calling your internet service provider.
A few people have stated that changing the band can be the issue. For example, from what it’s set to, to 5Mhz. This is done by logging into the WiFi router and changing the settings.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 5, 2022.
However, you will need to know the username and the password. Contact your internet service provider ideally over the phone or live chat.
And ask them if there is some setting that needs to be changed to get it to work. If you try all of these steps and it still wont connect then GE recommends contacting their support team.
In general, start by restarting your smartphone, GE washer, and your WiFi router. Attempt to connect your GE washer over the SmartHQ app again. If it still won’t connect then connect it over Bluetooth by adding it as a Bluetooth device. When it still won’t connect then do the steps below.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 5, 2022.