Smart devices won't work with ZTE M5286D router

[Gill_1]

Hi, I got a new router last week - the ZTE M5286D on 4G. Now none of my smart devices (lightbulbs, security camera, Google Home, Google Assistant, Samsung Smartthings) work. I've read somewhere that the Three routers have the wrong settings to work with home devices like this - but I can't find what the setting should be. Does anyone know? I think I might need to change the APN but I don't know what to change it to.

Also, I've been advised by Tapo-link who make the bulbs, camera etc, to change the DNS to 8.8.8.8 - I can't find where to change the DNS on this router. Anyone know?

This is my last-ditch attempt before sending the damn thing back and finding a different provider. I've literally spent hours in the past week trying to sort this and nobody has been able to help. Please put my out of my misery if anyone has any suggestions! 

[PeteG]

Hello. 

Welcome to the Three Community.

Generally, our hubs should use the 3internet APN. This APN gives the same kind of connection as you'd expect from home broadband. 

The other APN setting you might be referring to is the three.co.uk APN. You can give that one a try, but typically this APN is used for mobile phones. You can set the APN by simply adding "three.co.uk" as the APN. Other settings with the APN options don't need to be entered. 

I don't know if this is relevant, or if you've checked it or not, but it's worth also looking at the WiFi settings to make sure that the Hub is broadcasting on both 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands. Almost all smart home devices rely on a 2.4ghz signal and won't connect to a 5ghz one. 

Pete.

[Gill_1]

Thanks Pete - I did split the bands and try three.co.uk - but it was all still acting really weird, lights switching themselves on and off at will, the camera not updating time/date/room. I've now switched back to my old router and everything is working perfectly. I'm mystified as to how a new router could not work with smart tech but that seems to be the case.