Enabled Guest 2G and 5G Networks and now 2.4G devices will not connect to main network

[dylkys]

I changed my main network password and also decided to setup a 2.4G and 5G guest network with a password.  Now my 2.4G devices will not connect the main network.  Several devices report the WiFi password is incorrect (definitely was entered correctly).

After getting very frustrated with trying to get the 2.4G devices to connect, I reset the router to factory settings.  I then set up my main network and guest networks again.  2.4G devices still will not connect to the main network.  5G devices have no issue connecting.

I would appreciate any guidance to correct this situation.  If it turns out there is an issue with having a guest network activated, then I need to ask, why even have the option?

Thanks in advance!

[dylkys · Accepted solution]

For clarification, the Apple devices we have do not issues connecting as most are connecting on the 5G network.

The devices that are having issues are the devices that connect at the 2.4G network.

Now for something really different, without me doing anything (too busy with work) the devices are all connecting today.

At this point, I do not know if I still have an issue?  It does seem like some of the devices are running slower for certain activities, but my speed tests are close to or the same as what they were prior to any of the changes.

[FURRYe38]

How is the main wifi network configured?

How is the guest network configured? 

Does disabling guest network get the devices reconnected to the main network again? 

Is Smart Connect enabled on the main network? 

What channels are configured on the router? 

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-...

[dylkys]

I am not a network engineer, so I am not going into each setting and making changes.  I only enabled the guest networks.  The other variable is, I changed my Main network password just prior to enabling the guest networks.

Once again, I appreciate any guidance......Thanks!

Main network:

Enable AX = On

Enable Smart Connect = On

Enable SSID Broacast = On

Security options are set to:  WPA2-PSK [AES]

Guest Network(s):

Each network has a unique SSID

Enable SSID Broacast = On

Security options are set to:  WPA2-PSK [AES]

[FURRYe38]

When you changed the main network password, was devices connecting ok after making this change before you enabled GN? 

Might try the Forget This Network on your devices, then attempt to reconnect to the main network again.

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-...

[dylkys · Accepted solution]

For clarification, the Apple devices we have do not issues connecting as most are connecting on the 5G network.

The devices that are having issues are the devices that connect at the 2.4G network.

Now for something really different, without me doing anything (too busy with work) the devices are all connecting today.

At this point, I do not know if I still have an issue?  It does seem like some of the devices are running slower for certain activities, but my speed tests are close to or the same as what they were prior to any of the changes.