ELEMNT, BOLT, and ROAM all require a direct ELEMNT computer > Wi-Fi connection for firmware updates, route or map downloads, completed activity auto-upload, Strava Live Segment synchronization, and other internet-enabled features. If you're having trouble with an internet-based feature, it's a good idea to ensure the connection is still active following the steps below.
Requirements
- the ELEMNT computer is paired to the ELEMNT app on your phone/tablet
- there is a Wi-Fi network within range of the computer that is
- 2.4 Ghz frequency.
- set to a channel, 1-9.
- authenticated via simple text password, not a secondary splash page.
- does not have MAC address filtering/whitelisting enabled.
- In order to support privacy/safety, ELEMNT computers produce randomized MAC addresses upon restart
How to connect
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With the ELEMNT actively paired to the ELEMNT app, in the ELEMNT app, navigate to the Settings tab. Scroll down to Wi-Fi and select WiFi Network.
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Select the your Wi-Fi network from the list that appears.
- Select Connect.
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Enter the password when prompted and select Connect again.
Connected networks are saved on the ELEMNT computer and will automatically reconnect when in range, regardless of the computer's pairing status with the ELEMNT app.
If a network is saved and connected, it will appear immediately below the ELEMNT Wi-Fi toggle with a check mark beside it.
If a network is saved, but not connected, it will appear just below the ELEMNT Wi-Fi toggle, but without a check mark.
Networks that are in range, but neither saved, nor connected will appear below OTHER NETWORKS.
Using ELEMNT Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is used primarily to update computer firmware, download maps, and bulk sync third party route libraries, planned workouts, and Strava Live Segments. For a complete list of features that require a Wi-Fi connection, please see the ELEMNT, BOLT, and ROAM Connectivity article.
Once a single (or multiple) Wi-Fi network is saved to an ELEMNT computer, as the ELEMNT computer is warming up, it will check for an available saved network. If a saved network is found, the computer will check the computer's records against a Wahoo cloud server for:
- current firmware
- updated routes
- planned workouts
- Strava Live Segments (if enabled)
If found, updated records will be synced (downloaded to the computer).
A Wi-Fi sync event can also be manually triggered by prompting the computer to check for a firmware update, or sync routes, planned workouts, or Strava Live Segments. Triggering a sync event for one will sync any/all of the above components.
After the warmup period as a computer starts up, or if a sync event has been triggered, a Wi-Fi icon will appear at the top of the computer screen. The Wi-Fi icon will flash at ~ 1 second intervals while the computer attempts a connection. If a connection is successful, the icon will become solid.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues
If you are unable to get your ELEMNT to connect to a particular Wi-Fi network, review the following:
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ELEMNT computers only support 2.4GHz wireless networks. Though 5GHz networks can be present without causing interference, the ELEMNT can not connect to 5GHz wireless networks directly.
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ELEMNT computers only connect to WiFi channels 1 - 9. Though most Wi-Fi routers will auto-select a channel from 1 - 9, on some routers, particularly those in the UK and EU, it's possible for the channel to be set outside this range manually. Please check your router settings following manufacturer instructions.
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ELEMNT computers do not support networks that require a splash page to connect (802.1x EAP networks). These are often found in hotels, restaurants, and airports which send devices to a web page for authentication or acceptance of terms before granting internet access.
- ELEMNT computers are incompatible with networks that use MAC address filters or whitelists, as they use dynamic, randomized MAC addresses for privacy and security purposes as prescribed in Android documentation.
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ELEMNT computers can connect mobile hotspots, provided they are set to 2.4GHz. (Most will default to 5Ghz). In some cases, a second phone (not the one running the ELEMNT app) may be required to provide the Wi-Fi hotspot connection.
If you have confirmed that the Wi-Fi network meets all of the compatibility criteria above and you still cannot connect:
- Restart the computer, your phone, and the router (if available), and then try again.
- Try connecting to a mobile hotspot on a second phone. Some phones struggle with managing the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection to the ELEMNT simultaneously.
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Try another Wi-Fi network entirely. The great majority of issues are caused by current network settings, or an incompatible or insufficiently resourced Wi-Fi network. We have not seen a case of a computer's Wi-Fi connectivity failing without other connections failing as well.