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Using a Hotspot - MEATER Block, Pro Duo & Pro XL

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What's in This Article?

Use a mobile hotspot from a second device with data when no stable home WiFi is available. This helps with initial WiFi setup, pairing, or completing over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

Mobile hotspot setup can be used as a workaround when home WiFi is unavailable or unstable. Use this method when:

  • Your home WiFi network has weak signal strength or is unstable
  • You need to complete a firmware update but your router is too far from the MEATER device
  • Initial WiFi setup is failing on your home network
  • Your network has VPN or firewall restrictions preventing updates
Model-Specific Compatibility and Features
Model External Hotspot Built-In Access Point Requirements
MEATER Block ✓ Supported ✗ Not available Requires second mobile device with hotspot capability
MEATER Pro Duo ✓ Supported ✓ Available App v4.6.0+, firmware v3.0.9.8+
MEATER Pro XL ✓ Supported ✓ Available App v4.6.0+, firmware v3.0.10.21+

About MEATER-Created Hotspots (Pro Duo & Pro XL Only)

If your WiFi network isn't stable enough for a firmware update, MEATER Pro Duo and Pro XL have the ability to create their own WiFi hotspot in order to complete the update. When this happens, you will see a prompt in the app inviting you to connect to the hotspot.

MEATER Hotspot.jpeg
Requirements
Note for iOS users: Personal Hotspot on iOS 18 and newer is not supported for this process due to Apple system limitations. Apple has disabled client-to-client communication over IPv4 in Personal Hotspot mode. Since MEATER devices only support IPv4, this prevents them from connecting via hotspot on iOS 18+. We're currently working on a fix for this. Devices running older iOS versions may work, but functionality cannot be guaranteed.

For External Hotspot Method (All Models)

  • Two mobile devices:
    • Primary device: Phone/tablet with the MEATER app.
    • Hotspot device: Second phone/tablet with mobile data and hotspot capability (Android recommended; iOS supported on versions earlier than iOS 18).
  • Active mobile data plan on the hotspot device.
  • MEATER device powered on and kept close during setup.
  • Latest MEATER app version installed.

For Built-In Access Point Method (Pro Duo & Pro XL Only)

  • MEATER app version 4.6.0 or newer
  • MEATER Pro Duo firmware v3.0.9.8+ OR MEATER Pro XL firmware v3.0.10.21+
  • Single mobile device with the MEATER app
  • The device will automatically prompt you when this method is needed
Step-by-Step: Using an External Mobile Hotspot

  1. Prepare the hotspot device

    Android

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Connections or Network & Internet.
    3. Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
    4. Turn Mobile Hotspot on.
    5. Set a simple SSID and Password, and use the 2.4 GHz band for best compatibility.

    iOS (earlier than iOS 18)

    1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot (or Settings > Personal Hotspot).
    2. Turn on Allow Others to Join.
    3. Enable Maximize Compatibility to improve reliability (especially important for iPhone 12 or newer, which default to 5GHz hotspots).

  2. Connect your primary device to the hotspot

    On your primary device, open WiFi settings, select the hotspot SSID, and enter the password.

  3. Put your MEATER device into WiFi/setup mode
    • MEATER Block: Power on → Tap the gear icon → Setup WiFi.
    • MEATER Pro Duo / Pro XL: Power on and follow in-app prompts.
  4. Configure in the MEATER app
    1. Open the MEATER app.
    2. Follow the automatic WiFi or update prompt.
    3. If no prompt appears, tap the Initial icon in the top right corner and select "My Devices".
    4. Select your MEATER Pro Duo / Pro XL Or Block.
    5. Select "Wi-Fi Settings" and then select "Configure Wi-Fi".
    6. Select the hotspot network and complete setup.

  5. Complete and test

    Wait for confirmation that setup or firmware update completes. Avoid interruptions during the process.

Step-by-Step: Using Built-In Access Point (Pro Duo & Pro XL Only)

If your Pro Duo or Pro XL detects that your WiFi network is too unstable for a firmware update, it will automatically create its own hotspot and prompt you in the app.

  1. Wait for the prompt

    When you see the prompt to connect to the MEATER hotspot, tap to proceed.

  2. Connect to MEATER hotspot

    Your device will guide you to connect to the MEATER-created WiFi network.

  3. Complete the update

    Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.

  4. Reconnect

    Once complete, your MEATER device will automatically reconnect to your normal WiFi network.

Troubleshooting

If firmware updates continue to fail even with a hotspot:

  1. Move closer to the WiFi router - Ensure your MEATER device has strong signal strength
  2. Update the MEATER app - Check that you have the latest version installed
  3. Disable VPNs or firewalls temporarily during the update process
  4. Try a different device - Pair the MEATER to another phone or tablet
  5. Try a different network - Update on an alternative WiFi network if available
  6. Reset the network stack:
    • Turn on Airplane mode, wait at least 30 seconds, then turn it back off, OR
    • Turn off your mobile device completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on
  7. Factory reset (last resort for Pro Duo) - Leftover data from older firmware may cause incompatibility. Use the Reset Options article to guide you through resetting your unit. 

Product-Specific Notes

  • MEATER Duo: The device may be in probe-pairing mode (not visually indicated). Ensure at least one probe is paired before updating.
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