NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Can't get Pixel 8 Pro to work with Orbi
150m2 house with an Orbi RBK853 no other devices having issues. Did a quick search and apparently there are issues with Pixel phones working on Mesh networks. I can connect to the network but it is...
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
Something to ask the phone Mfr about.
I don't know if you saw the update but I've found a workaround, so the clue to resolving the issue is something about the shared SSID and how the mesh network interacts with the phone.
- Firmware for the phone is Android 14 running March 5th Feature Release.
- Firmware for the RBR850 is V7.2.6.21_5.0.20
- No, wireless only.
- Channel Configurations are currently:
| Region | Australia / New Zealand |
| 2.4 GHz Channel | Auto (2) |
| 2.4 GHz Wireless mode: | Up to 1147 Mbps |
| 5 GHz Channel | 36 + 40(P) + 44 + 48 |
| 5 GHz Wireless mode: | Up to 2402 Mbps |
What's the work around?
In Router Wireless Settings I enabled the IoT Network and set it to 5GHz only. I connected the phone to that network and it fixed the speed and connectivity instantly. So the issue is with the main AX shared SSID network, I'm guessing for some reason the way Orbi broadcasts the network it is confusing the device.
The phone is not the problem as it's WIFI clearly works so there must be an issue with the main network. As I said in my first post apparently Fast Roaming and Band Steering appears to cause this but I can't see any options to disable in the Orbi firmware.
Design of ALL Orbi systems is the 2.4 and 5Ghz radios are put into one SSID name. This is called Smart Connect. FIrst appeared back in 2012. Orbi has been using this since 2016 and in all current Orbi systems.
It's up to device Mfrs to ensure there devices can work with "Smart Connect" featured wifi router systems. Orbi only provides the platform for devices to connect too.
Fast Roamng and Band Steering is all automatice now on Orbi AX systems.
There is also known issues with Google Pixel phones with other MESH systems. Something you'll need to take up with Google and let them know what is happening.