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Solution to Connecting Smart Plugs to BT Hub2

geowillsmith — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 07:12:19 GMT

After I installed my new BT Hub2, everything worked except my smart plugs just would not be recognised. Tried everything suggested in the forum such as temporarily switching off the 5GHz wifi but without success.

Here's what did work.

Go into the Hub settings and change the WPA2 Mode from 1 to 3.

This allows older, more stubborn devices to be recognised and pair but with possible reduction in distance and speed.

I have not tried the intermediate Mode 2 yet which may be a better compromise.

An unrelated issue was the number of ethernet ports of 3, one less than in the replaced Hub. I need all 4 ports.

I successfully sorted this by adding a switched ethernet splitter with dual output. This requires a 5V 1A power supply. I resisted using the USB socket on the Hub since this is rated less than 1A and since the Hub will be constantly on, I did not want to have a constant draw on power from this socket. Instead I used a spare mobile 5V 1A charger which I can switch off when TV is off.

MY Smart TV and my BT EE box both work perfectly using the split feed.

Hope this is useful.

Re: Solution to Connecting Smart Plugs to BT Hub2

Leanne_T — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 07:57:03 GMT

Morning @geowillsmith

Thanks for sharing on the BT Community 🙂

I'm sure this will be helpful for others who have the same query.

Have a great weekend.

Leanne.

Re: Solution to Connecting Smart Plugs to BT Hub2

WSH — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:06:12 GMT

You’d be better off with a proper switch.

Re: Solution to Connecting Smart Plugs to BT Hub2

geowillsmith — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 12:16:38 GMT

Hi, thanks for comment. So what is a "proper switch" splitter and what is the drawback of using the item I installed and which appears to work perfectly?

I will not be operating both devices fed from the splitter simultaneously, it will either device A or device B.

Re: Solution to Connecting Smart Plugs to BT Hub2

WSH — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 13:18:27 GMT

If it works for you it works, mate, so I wouldn't worry about it.

"Splitters" are usually cheap and nasty and work by dividing the signal, (with all the consequences of that). As this has power it will be an active device & that should mitigate the problem. A 5 or 8 port switch would probably give you better value for money, though, in terms of price per port and perform more reliably.