The Perfect Pair

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Throughout this blog, we have covered a few different use cases. From two-way lighting to timers etc. One of the issues that appears from time to time is a device that just doesn’t want to play nice when it comes to pairing. This article explains two Tuya pairing processes, the second one you may not know about.

Firstly let’s take a look at pairing when it goes right. There are two types of pairing methods:

  • Wi-Fi Fast Connection (EZ mode), and

  • Hotspot Distribution Network (AP mode)

Wi-Fi Fast Connection (EZ mode) is the most common mode used to get devices such as Tuya Light Switches, Power Points, and Light bulbs online. The process is quite straightforward.

  1. On the app's "Home" page, click the "+" icon in the upper right corner and then select “Add Device” to enter the device selection page.

  2. Select the right category and find the device (Wi-Fi) that needs to be added. For example a Tuya Switch (Wi-Fi)

  3. After clicking, you need to select the network and ensure the Wi-Fi password is set. If you’ve added devices before you should find the network SSID and Password are already populated. (remember most devices only support 2.4G wireless networks).

  4. Now is the time to put your device into pairing mode (EZ mode). Long press the reset button or hold the first gang (on a light switch or powerpoint) for about 5 seconds. Wait a few moments until the lighting starts blinking rapidly.

    • Note: If You’ve got a bulb then you’ll need to turn it on and off three times (on-off-on-off-on) - (2 to 4 seconds between each on and off). Wait a few moments until the lighting starts blinking rapidly

  5. Now in the app hit “Next” and you’ll be asked to confirm the indicator is blinking rapidly. Select “Blink Quickly”

  6. The app will then show a Connecting Device screen, with a timer and three progress indicators, Scan devices, Register on Cloud, and Initialize the device. If all goes well your device will join successfully.

In most instances, the process above will get your device online without any hassle. However, there are times when you just can’t get the device to pair. Or in some instances, you had it paired then it dropped off the network and you just can’t get it back online.

  • Note: If a device does drop off your network, the EZ mode is typically all you need to get it back online. It should show up as the same device name. Just keep in mind though that any automations you set up will no longer see the device and you’ll need to add it back into your automations. “Grrrr this is really annoying TUYA”

OK so hopefully you’re on your way and don’t need to read past this point. However, if you’ve got a problem child that won’t pair then the following pairing mode should get your device online.

Hotspot Distribution Network (AP mode) is a secondary way of getting a network configuration onto the device. Your Tuya device manual or quick start guide typically doesn’t cover this process.

  1. On the app's "Home" page, click the "+" icon in the upper right corner and then select “Add Device” to enter the device selection page.

  2. Select the right category and find the device (Wi-Fi) that needs to be added. For example a Tuya Switch (Wi-Fi)

  3. After clicking, you need to select the network and ensure the Wi-Fi password is set. If you’ve added devices before you should find the network SSID and Password are already populated. (remember most devices only support 2.4G wireless networks).

  4. Long press the reset button or hold the first gang (on a light switch or powerpoint) on the device for about 5 seconds. Wait a few moments until the lighting starts blinking rapidly. Then long press the same button on the device for another 5 seconds. Wait a few moments until the lighting starts blinking slowly. The device is now in AP mode.

  5. Now in the app hit “Next” and you’ll be asked to confirm the indicator is blinking rapidly. Select “Blink Slowly”

  6. The app should walk you through the process. In short, you’ll go to your phone’s Wi-Fi and join the device hotspot. Typically something like SmartLife-XXXX. Then once connected to the device hot spot jump back in the app and complete the join process.

  7. The app will then show a Connecting Device screen, with a timer and three progress indicators, Scan devices, Register on Cloud, and Initialize the device. If all goes well your device will join successfully.

Hopefully, the above has got you sorted and your Tuya device is now online. For the record, this process should be the same in Tuya Smart and Smart Life Apps, as well as many white-labeled apps such as Grid Connect and Mirabella Genio.

All iSwitchoz products are Tuya based so you can use them with your preferred app.

If you're still having network issues check out the Tuya Smart Help Centre - Device Networking Issues page.