---
title: "Devices Connecting to the Wrong Access Point | Smart Systems"
description: "A device connects to a far-away access point instead of the closest one, resulting in poor performance."
url: "https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/devices-connecting-wrong-ap"
---

[Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/)/[Support](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support)/Devices Connecting to the Wrong Access Point

# Devices Connecting to the Wrong Access Point

A device connects to a far-away access point instead of the closest one, resulting in poor performance.

Network & Wi-Fi

### Why This Happens

 Wi-Fi devices decide which access point to connect to — your network can suggest, but can't force the switch. Devices often "stick" to the AP they first connected to, even when a closer one is available.

### Symptoms

- A device in the living room is connected to the AP in the garage
- Signal shows 1–2 bars even though an AP is nearby
- You have to manually disconnect and reconnect to get a better signal

### Solutions

1. **Forget and reconnect** — On the device, forget the Wi-Fi network, then reconnect. It should pick the closest AP.
2. **Restart the device's Wi-Fi** — Toggle Wi-Fi off/on to force a rescan.
3. **Check AP power levels** — If one AP is broadcasting at much higher power than others, devices may latch onto it from far away. Power levels should be balanced.
4. **Enable band steering** — This encourages dual-band devices to use the faster 5 GHz band (which has shorter range and naturally promotes better roaming).

### Smart Systems Solution

 We configure minimum RSSI thresholds on our managed networks, which disconnects devices when their signal drops below a threshold, forcing them to reconnect to a closer AP. This ensures seamless roaming throughout your space.

## Related articles

- [Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Dead Zones in Your Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/troubleshooting-wifi-dead-zones)
- [What to Do When Your Internet Feels Slow](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/internet-feels-slow)
- [Reconnecting a Device That Dropped Off Your Wi-Fi](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/reconnecting-dropped-device)
- [How to Restart Your Network Equipment Safely](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/restart-network-equipment)
- [Setting Up and Managing Your Guest Wi-Fi Network](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/guest-wifi-network)

## Still stuck?

Submit a ticket or talk to our support assistant, and we’ll take it from here.

[Submit a Ticket](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support?tab=ticket)[(423) 877-8195](tel:+14238778195)