Before you start. Wi-Fi setup happens in the charger's app, never inside the charger. Do not remove the faceplate or open the unit to look for a reset button or antenna. If the charger also shows a fault light or will not charge, start with EV charger not charging.
Why won't my EV charger connect to Wi-Fi?
The usual reasons are a network band the charger does not support, a security type it cannot use, a phone app missing the permissions it needs to find the charger, a changed router password, or a weak signal where the charger is mounted. Check your charger's supported network type first, because it rules out the most common mismatch.
The charger supports 2.4 GHz only
Some chargers cannot see 5 GHz networks at all. Tesla's Gen 3 Wall Connector manual says it "only supports WPA2 secured, 2.4 GHz, 802.11 infrastructure mode networks," and repeats: "Wall Connector is only compatible with 2.4 GHz networks." Grizzl-E lists "Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz)" for its Classic Connect. If your router combines both bands under one network name, check its settings or app for a separate 2.4 GHz network.
| Charger | Wi-Fi bands (maker's documents) | Other connection |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector | 2.4 GHz only; WPA2 secured networks only | Own setup hotspot |
| ChargePoint Home Flex | 2.4 and 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n) | Bluetooth |
| Grizzl-E Classic Connect | 2.4 GHz | Mobile app |
| Grizzl-E Classic | No Wi-Fi ("No Internet Connection") | None |
| Wallbox Pulsar Plus | Wi-Fi (band not stated on datasheet) | Bluetooth |
| Emporia Pro | Wi-Fi (band not stated for the charger in the guide we read) | Bluetooth for setup |
From each maker's current datasheet, manual or product page. Check your own model's documents.
Open networks are not supported
Tesla says: "Networks that are not password protected are not supported. The Wall Connector will not display non-password protected networks in the options list." If your network is missing from the list, check whether it is open or uses a security type other than WPA2.
The app cannot find the charger
Setup apps need phone permissions. Tesla's manual says Apple users must allow Tesla One to find local network devices, and Android users must allow location consent. Emporia's guide says to check that your phone's Bluetooth is on and that Android users "turn on Location Services," then try power cycling the charger's breaker, restarting the app and rebooting the phone. Keep a Tesla Wall Connector's Quick Start Guide: its QR code is used for setup, and Tesla warns it "may be required in the future!"
The router password changed
A charger that was online and then dropped off often lost its saved password. Tesla's four red blinks mean "Internet connection lost, online features disabled," and the fix includes: "If the Wi-Fi password was changed recently, follow the commissioning process on your mobile device to update the Wi-Fi settings." Codes are on Tesla Wall Connector flashing red.
The signal is weak at the charger
Garages are often the farthest point from the router. Tesla advises against installing "on opposite sides of concrete, masonry, metal studs, and other physical obstructions," and offers a simple test: "If a mobile device is able to connect to local Wi-Fi at a given location, it is a good indication that Wall Connector will also be able to connect." Grizzl-E sells an accessory it describes as one that "extends charger Wi-Fi range."
What should I try, in order?
Confirm the band and security your charger supports, then check your phone's Bluetooth, location and local network permissions for the app. Stand at the charger and test Wi-Fi on your phone. Re-enter the router password through the app. Power cycle the charger's breaker once. If it still fails, contact the charger maker's support.
- Look up your charger's supported Wi-Fi band and security type.
- Make sure the network you are joining is password protected and on a supported band.
- Turn on Bluetooth and allow the app's location or local network permission.
- Stand next to the charger and check your phone's Wi-Fi signal.
- Re-run the app's Wi-Fi setup with the current router password.
- Turn the charger's breaker off and on once, as Emporia suggests.
When does an electrician need to be involved?
Rarely for Wi-Fi alone. An electrician matters when the signal problem comes from where the charger is mounted, when a hardwired charger needs moving, or when Wi-Fi is needed for a setup only the installer can do, such as entering breaker size or load management settings. Network settings themselves belong to you and the charger maker.
Tesla notes that Wi-Fi brings "over-the-air firmware updates, remote diagnostics access, and usage data tracking," and its high-temperature fault asks owners to connect so firmware can update. Emporia's PowerSmart load management needs the app and Wi-Fi. If you are planning an install, check Wi-Fi at the mounting spot first; garage EV charger installation covers placement.
Charger Wi-Fi questions
Will my charger still charge without Wi-Fi?
Usually, yes. Tesla's Wall Connector code for lost internet says online features are disabled, unlike its fault codes that say charging is disabled. ChargePoint says an electrician can set Home Flex amperage over Bluetooth without Wi-Fi. You lose remote control, scheduling in the charger app, and firmware updates.
Does my EV charger need a 2.4 GHz network?
It depends on the model. Tesla's Wall Connector supports only 2.4 GHz, WPA2-secured networks, and Grizzl-E lists Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz for its Classic Connect. ChargePoint's Home Flex datasheet lists 2.4 and 5 GHz. Check your charger's spec sheet before changing router settings.
Is a weak signal in the garage an electrical problem?
No, it is a network problem, but it can affect where the charger should go. Tesla advises against mounting on the far side of concrete, masonry or metal studs. If you are planning an install, check Wi-Fi with your phone at the spot first.
Planning where a charger should go? Tell us your charger, your garage layout and where the router is.
Ask about charger placement