Get to Know YS1603 YoLink Hub (Q&As)

Q: Why is a YoLink Hub necessary?
A: YoLink smart devices utilize a unique wireless technology based on LoRa, which provides an exceptionally long range (1000 feet compared to 100 for WiFi, outdoors, line-of-sight) and superior obstruction penetration, including concrete and metal. However, they do not use your WiFi. To wirelessly connect to the internet, the cloud, and integrate with the YoLink system and third-party services, YoLink devices require a YoLink Hub. One YoLink Hub can support over 200 YoLink devices in real-world tests.
Q: What is the maximum number of devices one hub can connect to?
A: There is no specific limit on the number of devices you can add to one hub. In tests, a single hub was capable of supporting 180 devices without issues. It is recommended customers consider adding another hub if they have between 100 and 200 devices.
Q: Is my YS1603-UC Hub compatible with your newer devices?
A: Yes, both the YS1603-UC Hub and YS1604-UC SpeakerHub are compatible with all YoLink UC model (US server) devices, except for the YS3603-UC Remote.
Q: If I purchase a speaker hub, will my regular hub become redundant?
A: If you already have a regular hub and then add a speaker hub, your regular hub will not become redundant. Having two hubs makes your system more reliable; when hub A is offline, devices will automatically connect to hub B. If you don't have a regular hub, a single speaker hub should be sufficient.
Q: Can I use multiple YoLink hubs within the same network?
A: Yes, you can set up multiple hubs within the same network, and it is recommended doing so. Having two or more hubs increases system reliability. If hub A is offline, devices will automatically connect to hub B. Additionally, placing hubs in various locations throughout your home will expand their communication range.
Q: What is the communication range between the hub and the devices?
A: The maximum communication range between the hub and devices is up to 1/4 mile (open-air). However, the range may decrease due to interference from metals and other obstructions.
Q: Can a motion detector or door alarm at my mailbox, located 0.2 miles away, communicate with a hub in my home?
A: YoLink sensors have been tested and found to work effectively at outdoor distances of up to 0.25 miles. While 0.2 miles is near the limit of this range, the connection should work well if there are no obstructions between your mailbox and the hub in your home.
Q: My garage is about 400 feet away, behind my apartment building and on the top floor. Will the hub's signal reach that far?
A: It is difficult to say for certain without knowing the specifics of your building's construction. The signal should work if your building has a wood structure. However, if your building has a metal structure or brick walls, the signal may be at the edge of its range. You can try adjusting the hub's location in your home to find the best possible reception. If the signal doesn't reach, you can return the product for a full refund.
Q: How can I extend the range of my YoLink Hub within my facility?
A: To extend the range of your YoLink Hub, install multiple hubs at different locations throughout your facility. This will expand the communication range and improve overall coverage.
Q: Can YoLink work across multiple homes?
A: Yes, YoLink can operate in multiple homes at different locations. However, you will need a YoLink Hub for each location to ensure proper connectivity.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub require a 2.4GHz WiFi connection?
A: If you are using a WiFi connection, yes, the YoLink Hub requires a 2.4GHz WiFi connection.
Q: Will YoLink work with 5G internet? My home has 5G WiFi; is that compatible?
A: YoLink supports 5G cellular networks but does not support 5GHz band WiFi. "5G WiFi," technically referred to as 5GHz, is a frequency band, whereas 5G cellular refers to the fifth generation of mobile networks. Although they share a similar name and technology, they are not the same thing.
Q: If I connect my YoLink Hub using a wired internet connection, will it still require a 2.4GHz WiFi connection?
A: No, if you connect your YoLink Hub using an Ethernet cable, you do not need a 2.4GHz WiFi connection for internet access.
Q: Can YoLink Hub work with free public WiFi?
A: No, the YoLink Hub is not compatible with free public WiFi networks.
Q: Can I plug the YoLink Hub into a 220V outlet?
A: Yes, the YoLink Hub can work with a 220V power supply. It requires an output of 4.3-6V and an input of 100V-240V. The provided power adapter has an input range of 100V-240V and an output of 5V-1A.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
A: The current version of the YoLink Hub does not have built-in PoE functionality. However, you can use a PoE splitter with a MicroUSB connector as an alternative solution.
Q: I just bought a YoLink Hub and need to connect it to my network, but I'm out of Ethernet ports. What kind of splitter or adapter should I use? Will a simple cable splitter work, or do I need a network switch?
A: You can use any Ethernet splitter, network switch, or connect the YoLink Hub using a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.
Q: How much power does the YoLink Hub consume?
A: The YoLink Hub has low power consumption, with an average consumption of about 0.012 KWH/day at a 5V DC power supply (peak current can reach up to 350mA).
Q: Will the YoLink Hub work with a 2Mb/s internet connection?
A: The YoLink Hub requires a stable internet connection but does not need a high-speed connection. The YoLink smart home system uses very little data from the internet, so a 2Mb/s connection will work.
Q: What is the MAC address format for the regular YoLink Hub?
A: The MAC address for the Wireless LAN Driver is D88B4C + the last 6 digits of the EUI number. The MAC address for the Ethernet Driver is D88B4CFF/D88B4CFE + the last four digits of the hub's EUI number. You can find the EUI number on the device details screen.
Q: My network has firewall restrictions. What IP addresses and ports do I need to allow for YoLink?
A: To ensure YoLink functions properly with your network, please allow the following IP addresses and ports in your firewall settings:

us.yosmart.com 443
api.yosmart.com 443
mq-yl-appt.yosmart.com 8001-8002
For ports 8001-8002, only TCP traffic is allowed.
Q: If I replace my YoLink Hub, do I need to rebuild my system and rebind all my devices?
A: No, all you need to do is connect the new hub to the internet. All settings are saved in the cloud, and the hub only transfers data without storing any information.
Q: Is there an option for cellular backup with YoLink?
A: Currently, YS1603 is not a cellular-hub. However, you can use a mobile hotspot device and a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) battery backup as an alternative solution. YoLink will release a cellular-hub in the future.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub have a battery backup?
A: The YoLink Hub does not have a built-in backup battery. You can connect the hub to a UPS backup power supply for uninterrupted operation during power outages.
Q: Will the YoLink Hub continue to function during internet interruptions or power outages?
A: The YS1603 YoLink Hub does not support local networks and does not have a battery backup. If you are concerned about internet interruptions or power outages, it is recommended using a mobile hotspot for Wi-Fi and a UPS battery backup to maintain functionality in those situations.
Q: If there is an internet outage at my location, will the programming that I set up for my YoLink home security system still work?
A: If there is an internet outage, the app functions will not work as the settings are saved in the cloud. However, you can set up a hub offline notification to stay informed about the hub's status.
Q: Is there a retry limit in the firmware and network settings for a loss of network connection?
A: The YoLink Hub does not have a retry limit for reconnecting to the internet. If the hub is offline, its software will reboot the system every 2 minutes until the connection is re-established.
Q: Can the YoLink Hub work simultaneously with an internet service and a mobile hotspot?
A: The YoLink Hub can be hardwired to your router while also configured for a Wi-Fi connection or a mobile hotspot. In case of internet outages, the hub will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi or hotspot. The hotspot should be a dedicated device with carrier service, not a phone hotspot.
Q: Can you confirm that the YoLink Hub can connect to two different networks?
A: Yes, the YoLink Hub can connect to two different networks, one through a hardwired Ethernet connection and the other via Wi-Fi. Both connections can be on different networks.
Q: When the YoLink Hub is connected to two different networks, does it route traffic between the networks? Is it a router or just a wireless modem?
A: When both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections are active, the YoLink Hub prioritizes the Ethernet connection. The hub does not function as a router but serves as a bridge between devices and the cloud.
Q: Is there a way to remotely reboot the YoLink Hub?
A: To remotely reboot the hub, you can use a YoLink smart plug. Set up automation in the app to turn off the plug and then add a delayed device action to turn it back on.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub work with Google Home?
A: Yes, the YoLink Hub can be integrated with Google Home. Please note that in the Google Home App, you will only see YoLink devices, not the YoLink Hub itself.
Q: Can you provide definitive information on how often each YoLink device communicates with the Hub to report its status?
A: YoLink devices are classified into three types: Class A, Class C, and Class D. Most battery-powered devices are Class A, such as door and leak sensors. They send a signal to the Hub when an event occurs and transmit a status update to the cloud every 4 hours. Class C devices, such as energy plugs, are externally powered and always in receive mode. They send status updates to the cloud every 30 minutes. Class D devices, like valve controllers, can be powered by a battery and external power simultaneously. They are always in receive mode and send status updates to the cloud every 4 hours.
Q: How often do YoLink devices send status updates?
A: Class A devices (battery-powered) send updates every 4 hours, Class C devices (external supply) every 30 minutes, and Class D devices (battery and power supply) every 4 hours.
Q: How can I set up offline notifications for my YoLink Hub?
A: You can set up offline notifications for your YoLink Hub by following these steps:

1. Open the YoLink app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner to access the menu.
3. Select "Settings" from the menu.
4. Choose "Alarm Strategies" from the settings options.
5. Tap on the plus icon in the lower right corner to create a new strategy and name it "hub".
6. In the "Related Devices" area, choose your hub(s).
7. Enable the strategy and set the app/email/SMS notification to admin/all, if desired.

To test the setup, unplug the hub, wait for 1 minute for it to show offline in the app, and then wait for 5 minutes to receive notifications.
Q: Can I receive an alert when there is an Internet outage or power supply failure for my YoLink Hub?
A: You can set up hub offline notifications by following the steps provided in the above answer. Be sure to allow YoLink app notifications in your phone settings, verify your email address (to receive email notifications), and add your phone number (to receive text messages). You can check your email address and phone number in the YoLink app by going to Menu (upper left) > Settings > Account.
Q: Why doesn't the Ethernet connection work for my YoLink Hub?
A: To troubleshoot the Ethernet connection issue, please follow these steps:

1. Check the LED behavior on the hub. If the LED blinks green, blue, and red alternately, the hub is in ATE mode. Repower the hub without pressing and holding the SET button during the process.

2. If the green LED is dimly blinking, try using another USB adapter and USB cable. Do not plug the USB cable into a USB extension cable, as it may reduce the power supply, causing the hub to malfunction.

3. If the LED blinks green only, check the Ethernet jack's LED lights. The yellow LED should blink, and the green LED should remain on.

If the Ethernet LEDs do not work:

1. Try using a different Ethernet cable (RJ45).
2. If the Ethernet LEDs work properly, try another router port.
3. If the issue persists, restart your router.
4. If the issue still persists, whitelist the MAC address of the hub on your router's configuration page.
5. If none of the above steps resolve the problem, please contact YoLink Customer Support.
Q: Why doesn't the Wi-Fi connection work for my YoLink Hub?
A: To troubleshoot the Wi-Fi connection issue, please follow these steps:

1. Check the LED behavior on the hub. If the LED blinks green, blue, and red alternately, the hub is in ATE mode. Repower the hub without pressing and holding the SET button during the process.

2. If the green LED is dimly blinking, try using another USB adapter and USB cable. Do not plug the USB cable into a USB extension cable, as it may reduce the power supply, causing the hub to malfunction.

3. If the LED blinks green only, follow these instructions based on your hub's firmware version (you can view the firmware version in the Device Details screen):

For firmware 032X: Temporarily connect the hub via Ethernet, then go to the YoLink app > tap to select your hub > tap the Wi-Fi icon in the upper right corner, input your SSID and password, then unplug the Ethernet cable. If you're using a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, make sure your phone is connected to the 2.4GHz band before entering the password.

For firmware 035X or newer: Use the hotspot configuration method as instructed by the app. If you encounter a "Connect to device timeout" error, tap Close, pull down the notification panel on your phone, and select the notification about no internet access. Tap "Yes" to stay connected to the hotspot and continue. Alternatively, you can temporarily connect the hub via Ethernet and input the SSID and password on the Wi-Fi configuration page in the app.

If you're using a mesh network, search for a solution to temporarily disable the 5GHz band on your router forum or contact YoLink with your router brand and model for assistance. Temporarily disabling 5GHz will not disconnect your other devices.

Please ensure that you follow these troubleshooting steps and instructions for the proper connection of your YoLink Hub to Wi-Fi.
Q: I have reset the hub numerous times, but it still connects to an old wireless SSID. What should I do?
A: Resetting the hub doesn't clear the SSID, but connecting to a new Wi-Fi network will overwrite it. Please connect the hub to the desired Wi-Fi network, and it will replace the old SSID.
Q: The hub seems to disconnect and then reconnect to the network frequently (more than once per day) when using a Wi-Fi connection. Is there anything I should know?
A: To ensure network stability, connect the hub using an Ethernet cable. If the hub continues to go offline frequently, please contact YoLink support for assistance.
Q: I want to change my current setup from:
Incoming Cable ==> Cable Modem ==> YoLink Hub via Ethernet cable
to:
Incoming Cable ==> Cable Modem ==> Router ==> YoLink Hub via Ethernet cable
In the latter case, the YoLink Hub doesn't show a blue light when using the Ethernet cable. Everything else, Wi-Fi and hard-wired devices plugged into the Router, is working without error. The router is correctly serving DHCP with no issues.
A: Please whitelist the MAC address of the YoLink Hub on your router. The MAC address of the Wireless LAN Driver is D88B4C + the last 6 digits of the EUI number, and the MAC address of the Ethernet Driver is D88B4CFF/D88B4CFE + the last four digits of the hub's EUI number. You can view the EUI number on the device details screen in the YoLink app.
Q: I only have Wi-Fi from my phone hotspot, but I haven't had any luck getting the hub to connect. My phone shows the Wi-Fi and connects to it, but the hub won't.
A: To connect the hub to your phone's hotspot, follow these steps:

1. Use Phone A to create a 2.4 GHz hotspot Wi-Fi
2. Connect Phone B to the hotspot Wi-Fi provided by Phone A
3. Download the YoLink app on Phone B, go to the hub page, and tap the Wi-Fi icon to configure the Wi-Fi settings
Q: How can I remotely reboot the YoLink hub?
A: You can purchase a YoLink plug to remotely reboot the hub. Set up an automation in the app with the following actions:

When the plug turns off
Add a device action: delay on the plug
This automation will trigger a reboot of the hub when the plug turns off.
Q: My hub is connected to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, but only the Wi-Fi connection seems to be working. What should I do?
A: When the YoLink hub is powered on, it attempts to connect to the cloud via both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. If either connection establishes a successful connection to the internet, the hub will maintain that connection and will not attempt to use the other connection method. (The WiFi or Ethernet icon will be green) In your case, the hub is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, so it is not using the Ethernet connection. If the Wi-Fi connection fails, the hub will automatically try to connect through Ethernet.
Q: Can I use my Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa as a hub for YoLink devices?
A: Unfortunately, YoLink devices use a proprietary protocol based on LoRa, which is not compatible with the Amazon Echo Dot or Alexa hubs. To use YoLink devices, you will need a YoLink Hub specifically designed for their system.
Q: Can I combine two locations with two hubs in the same app under "home"? Would that work?
A: Yes, you can have multiple hubs at different locations within the same "home" in the YoLink app. There is no device limit, so you can manage both hubs and their associated devices seamlessly through the app.
Q: Why is the hub going offline many times?
A: There could be several reasons for the hub going offline frequently. To troubleshoot the issue, try the following steps:

1. If you're using an Ethernet connection, switch to a Wi-Fi connection (or vice versa) and test for a couple of days.
2. Ensure your internet connection is stable and doesn't have any issues.
3. Check the hub's power supply and cable to make sure they are functioning correctly.
4. Restart your router and see if the problem persists.
If the issue still occurs after trying these steps, please contact YoLink Customer Support for further assistance.
Q: Is the Hub required during pairing a siren and water leak sensor for YoLink Control?
A: No, the Hub is not required when you are pairing the siren to the water leak sensor. If you only want the siren to be controlled by the water leak sensor and do not require smartphone notifications, you do not need the Hub. This is known as the YoLink Control protocol. However, if you want to have remote control and receive notifications on your smartphone, then the Hub is necessary.
Q: Does YoLink hub use DHCP server 192.168.100.10 on my network?
A: Yes, YoLink hub uses DHCP server.

Get to Know YS1603 YoLink Hub (Q&As)

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