Wi-Fi: Connection issues
Reading time: 12 minutes
Are you encountering difficulties when trying to connect your Sound Capsule to Wi-Fi through the Companion App?
We understand how frustrating connectivity issues can be, and we're here to help. This article aims to identify and address common causes that might be hindering your connection. By reviewing the following information, you'll be able to diagnose the type of Wi-Fi network you're attempting to access and understand its specific limitations.
1. Is your Sound Capsule turned on?
First things first - before you can connect your Space Recorder to Wi-Fi using the Companion App, it needs to be fully powered on.
To power on your Space Recorder, remove the lid from the charging case. It will automatically wake up.
If the screen remains dark without any text appearing, it means your Space Recorder needs to be charged. Please charge it before proceeding.
Once your Space Recorder has regained power and text appears on the screen, you can proceed with connecting it to Wi-Fi through the Compantion App.
If you are still experiencing connection issues, please proceed to the next step.
2. Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks (hotels, cafés, etc)
Current Support Status: Not Available. Please see the detailed information below. Please refer to the detailed information provided below for more insights.
What is a public Wi-Fi network?
A public Wi-Fi network is typically provided by venues such as hotels, cafés, and similar locations. At present, the Sound Capsule does not support the type of Wi-Fi networks commonly found in these public spaces.
Why don't the Sound Capsule support this?
1. Landing page requirements: Public Wi-Fi networks often require you to navigate a landing page in your browser, where you might need to enter some details or agree to terms and conditions before connecting. Since the Sound Capsule doesn't have a built-in screen meant for browsing the internet, it cannot interact with these landing pages.
Consequently, it's unable to bypass these pages and connect to such Wi-Fi networks.
2. Secondary device connection limitations: Using an external device, like a smartphone, to facilitate the Sound Capsule's connection through these landing pages is not feasible. This is due to specific network protocols that prohibit these types of indirect connections.
If it doesn't work, why does my Sound Capsule seem connected but doesn't work?
It can be confusing when your Space Recorders display shows that the Sound Capsule is connected to Wi-Fi, while you still can't access internet. This happens because the device does connect to the Wi-Fi network, but it's unable to proceed beyond the landing page. This situation leads to an apparent connection without actual internet access.
Connecting to public Wi-Fi without a landing page
In scenarios where you encounter a public Wi-Fi network that doesn't use a landing page, connecting your Sound Capsule should be seamless and function as usual. In these cases, your device should be able to connect and operate without the restrictions associated with standard public Wi-Fi networks.
3. Connecting to restricted Wi-Fi networks (work, schools, etc)
Is this type of network supported by the Sound Capsule?
As of now, the Sound Capsule does not natively support restricted Wi-Fi networks. However, if the restricted network allows access via a device's MAC address, connection may be possible.
→ Guide: .
What is a restricted network?
For security reasons, most workplaces, Schools and similar, have restrictions to who and what can connect to their Wi-Fi network. Many organizations enforce network restrictions for security purposes. These networks, known as restricted networks, limit access to approved users and devices. We can compare it to a VIP list to a party, but instead it's a restricted list only allowing certain websites and services to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
What is a MAC address and how does it aid in connecting to a restricted network?
Currently, the Sound Capsule doesn't directly support connections to restricted networks. However, some of these networks may grant access if a device’s MAC address is registered with them.
To avoid confusion, a MAC address has nothing to do with the brand name Macbook as known by Apple. A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network device, such as a computer, smartphone, or router. "MAC" stands for "Media Access Control" address.
Think of a MAC address like a digital fingerprint for your device. Just like each person has a unique fingerprint, every network device has a unique MAC address. It is made up of a series of numbers and letters, separated by colons or dashes.
The MAC address helps identify and distinguish one device from another on a network. It is used by routers and switches to direct data to the correct device within a local network. Unlike IP addresses, which can change or be assigned dynamically, the MAC address remains constant and is associated with the hardware of the device.
4. Connecting to a Mobile Hotspot (using your phone or a similar device)
Connecting to mobile hotspots can sometimes be a bit of a puzzle, but don't worry! We've compiled some helpful tips to guide you through the process.
What is a mobile hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a feature available on most smartphones and some tablets, allowing these devices to share their internet connection. This feature effectively turns your phone or tablet into a portable router, enabling you to connect devices like the Sound Capsule to the internet wherever you have mobile coverage.
Important Reminder:
Keep in mind that using your mobile device as an internet access point may consume data from your mobile plan, which could impact your phone bill.
Tips for a smooth connection to a mobile hotspot:
Tip 1: Avoid Shortcuts
Navigate to the Personal Hotspot settings directly from the main Settings app on your phone. Avoid using quick-access shortcuts to ensure a more stable setup. Check if you can establish a connection this way.
Tip 2: Managing Auto-Off Timers
Some mobile devices have a timer that automatically turns off the hotspot feature after a certain period of inactivity or when you navigate away from the hotspot settings page. If you switch to another app, like the Nomono Companion App, your hotspot might deactivate. To work around this, you can use a second phone for the initial setup:
- On your primary phone, go to the hotspot settings page. Turn on your personal hotspot. Stay on this page.
- Use a second phone to download the Nomono Companion App. Open up the app and go through the setup process.
- With the second phone, connect the Sound Capsule to the hotspot from your primary phone.
- Once set up, your Sound Capsule should automatically reconnect to the established hotspot in future without any issues.
If you are using an iPhone and it still doesn't work, continue to tip 3.
Tip 3: Special Considerations for iPhones
Due to limitations in the iPhone's hotspot functionality, iPhones may sometimes require additional steps for a successful connection. If you're having trouble connecting your Sound Capsule to an iPhone's hotspot, try connecting the hotspot to another Apple device (like a Mac) first. This often makes it easier for the Sound Capsule to recognize and connect to the iPhone's hotspot.
5. Are you unable to find your Wi-Fi network?
Possible cause for the issue:
If you cannot locate your Wi-Fi connection in the Companion App, it may be because your Wi-Fi router is using a wireless band that is not currently supported by our Space Recorder.
We are actively working on an update to address this issue in the future.
Solution:
We recommend the following.
For customers in the United States:
Connect using the 2.4 Ghz band.
This will provide the best connection compatibility, while you may experience issues with a 5 Ghz band.
For customers in the UK and EU:
Connect using the Use the 5 Ghz band.
This will provide the best connection compability, while you may experience issues with a 2.4 Ghz band.
If you are unsure about what we mean and need further clarification:
Wi-Fi signals are transmitted through two different frequency bands: 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz.
- The 2.4 Ghz band provides slower speeds but has a longer range, allowing the signal to reach greater distances throughout your home or location. It is also compatible with older Wi-Fi devices.
- The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but has a shorter range, meaning you may experience connectivity issues at greater distances or when obstructed by walls or obstacles.
During the initial setup of your Wi-Fi router, you likely had the option to choose between these two wireless bands (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Some routers even have the capability to use both bands simultaneously, known as "dual-band" Wi-Fi.
If you are unable to find your wireless network in the Companion App, it may be because the Space Recorder does not currently support your specific wireless band. Therefore, we recommend using the 2.4 GHz band for customers in the United States and the 5 GHz band for customers in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
How to tell if you have 2.4 Ghz or 5 Ghz Wi-Fi (guide by pulsegrow.com).
6. Are you still unable to connect to a wireless network?
If you have attempted all the solutions provided above and are still experiencing difficulties connecting to Wi-Fi, performing a factory reset on your Sound Capsule may help resolve the issue.
Important note:
Performing a factory reset will erase all stored recordings, settings, and saved Wi-Fi passwords on your Sound Capsule.
Prior to initiating a factory reset, ensure that all your recordings have been successfully uploaded to your Nomono Cloud account. You can check this by logging into your Cloud account and verifying if your recordings appear in your workspace. Once confirmed, you can proceed with the factory reset process without the risk of losing your recordings.
→ Guide: .
Need assistance?
If you have any queries, suggestions, or require assistance, our customer support team is always ready to help. Feel free to reach out to us here. We are committed to ensuring you have the best experience with Nomono.