WiFi Troubleshooting

Having trouble connecting to your Ryzer or accessing the web interface? This guide covers solutions to common connectivity issues.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist

Before diving into specific issues, check these basics:

• ✅ Ryzer is powered on (12V adapter connected)
• ✅ LED shows some color (white, yellow, or green)
• ✅ Your device (phone/computer) has working internet
• ✅ You’re on the same WiFi network as Ryzer
• ✅ You tried http://ryzer.local in your browser

If all checked and still having issues, continue below.

Issue: Can’t Find “Ryzer” WiFi Network

Symptoms

• “Ryzer” network doesn’t appear in WiFi list
• Trying to do initial setup but no access point

LED Status Check

• Yellow LED: Ryzer is in AP mode - network should exist
• Green LED: Ryzer already configured and connected
• No LED: Power or hardware issue

Solutions

1. Wait for Network to Appear

• Power on Ryzer
• Wait 30-60 seconds
• Refresh WiFi network list
• “Ryzer” network should appear

2. Power Cycle Ryzer

1. Unplug the 12V power adapter
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Plug back in
4. Wait 30 seconds
5. Check for “Ryzer” network

3. Move Closer

• Ryzer’s WiFi range is limited (~30 feet / 10m)
• Move your device within 10 feet of Ryzer
• Try again

4. Check Your Device’s WiFi

• Is WiFi turned on?
• Can you see OTHER networks?
• Try with different device (phone vs. computer)

5. Factory Reset WiFi

If Ryzer LED is NOT yellow, it may already be configured. Reset WiFi:

1. Go to http://ryzer.local (or IP address)
2. Navigate to Troubleshooting page
3. Click “Reset WiFi Settings”
4. Ryzer reboots into AP mode
5. Wait for “Ryzer” network

Issue: Connected to “Ryzer” Network But Can’t Access Portal

Symptoms

• Successfully connected to “Ryzer” WiFi
• No captive portal opens
• Can’t browse to 192.168.4.1

Solutions

1. Manual Portal Access

1. Open web browser
2. Type: http://192.168.4.1
3. Press Enter
4. Portal should load

2. Disable Mobile Data (Phones)

On smartphones, automatic switching can prevent portal access:

iPhone:

1. Settings -> Cellular
2. Turn OFF “Cellular Data”
3. Retry portal access

Android:

1. Settings -> Network -> Mobile Data
2. Turn OFF mobile data temporarily
3. Retry portal access

3. Use Different Device

• Try phone instead of computer
• Try computer instead of phone
• Different devices handle captive portals differently

Issue: Can’t Access http://ryzer.local

Symptoms

• Ryzer connected to network (LEDs black)
• Can’t browse to ryzer.local
• Error: “Server not found” or “Can’t connect”

Why This Happens

mDNS (.local addresses) not supported by:

• Some routers
• Some network configurations
• Some operating systems
• Enterprise networks

Solutions

1. Use IP Address Instead

Find Ryzer’s IP address:

1. Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Find “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Clients”
3. Look for device named “ryzer”, “ESP32”, or “Espressif”
4. Note the IP address
5. Browse to http://[that IP]

Issue: Ryzer Won’t Connect to My WiFi

Symptoms

• Enter WiFi credentials in portal
• Click Save
• LEDs turn blue then back to white
• “Ryzer” network reappears
• Connection failed

Common Causes & Solutions

1. Wrong Password (Most Common!)

• Is password case-sensitive correct?
• Any special characters correct?
• Caps Lock on/off?

Solution: Try portal again and carefully re-enter password.

2. Network is 5GHz (Not Supported)

ESP32-S3 only supports 2.4GHz WiFi.

How to check:

• 5GHz networks often have “5G” or “5GHz” in name
• Check router settings

Solution:

• Connect to 2.4GHz network specifically
• Some routers have separate SSIDs (e.g., “MyWiFi-2.4” and “MyWiFi-5”)

3. Wrong Security Type

Ryzer supports WPA2 only.

Not supported:

• WPA3 (too new)
• WEP (too old, insecure)
• Enterprise WPA2-EAP (requires login)

Solution: Check router WiFi security setting and change to WPA2-PSK.

4. Hidden Network (SSID Not Broadcast)

Ryzer can’t connect to hidden networks.

Solution: Unhide your network (broadcast SSID).

5. Network Out of Range

Weak WiFi signal causes connection failures.

Solutions:

• Move router closer
• Move Ryzer closer
• Add WiFi extender

Issue: Connection Drops Frequently

Solutions

1. Check WiFi Signal Strength

• Use WiFi analyzer app on phone
• Check signal at Ryzer’s location
• Aim for -70 dBm or better

2. Reduce WiFi Interference

Common sources: Microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, other 2.4GHz devices

Solutions:

• Change router WiFi channel (use 1, 6, or 11)
• Move Ryzer away from interference sources

3. Power Supply Issues

Unstable power = unstable WiFi.

Check:

• Use quality 12V power adapter
• Adequate supply for LED count

Quick Reference

WiFi Requirements

Onboard LED Status Colors

The small onboard LED indicates system status:

Note: The LED strip is separate and displays printer status when connected.

Most Common Issue: Wrong WiFi password (50% of connection problems)

Second Most Common: 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz

Quick Fix: Reset WiFi and try again with correct settings