How to Connect a Washing Machine to WiFi: Samsung, LG, Bosch and Miele

TL;DR - Every smart washing machine connects to 2.4 GHz WiFi only, that's the cause of most pairing failures. Samsung needs SmartThings, LG needs ThinQ, Bosch needs Home Connect, Miele needs the Miele app. If pairing fails, confirm your router broadcasts a separate 2.4 GHz SSID and your phone is connected to it during setup.

Before you start

Most smart washing machines connect only to 2.4 GHz WiFi. This is the single most common cause of pairing failures. Before opening any app, confirm that:

1. Your router broadcasts a separate 2.4 GHz network (distinct SSID from the 5 GHz band)
2. You have the 2.4 GHz network password ready
3. Your phone is connected to that same 2.4 GHz network during pairing

If your router uses the same SSID for both bands (a common setting on newer routers), you may need to temporarily split them in your router settings. Consult your router manual or ISP support for instructions specific to your model.

According to the Home Connectivity Alliance, standardisation across smart appliance WiFi is improving, but as of 2025 each manufacturer still requires its own app for initial pairing.

Samsung (SmartThings)

Samsung smart washers pair through the SmartThings platform, which also connects to Samsung TVs, fridges, and other compatible devices.

1. Download SmartThings from the App Store or Google Play.
2. On the washer, press and hold the Smart Control button for 3 seconds until the WiFi indicator blinks rapidly.
3. In the app: tap + then Device then Samsung then Washing Machine.
4. Follow the in-app pairing wizard. Keep your phone within 1 metre of the washer.
5. Once connected, the WiFi indicator on the washer stays solid.

After pairing you can monitor cycle progress, receive end-of-cycle alerts, and on supported models start a wash remotely. Most Samsung WW and WD series from 2019 onwards with "SmartThings" labelling on the door are compatible.

I've been using SmartThings with a Samsung WW90T for two years, and the remote start genuinely changed my laundry routine - I load the machine before leaving the house and start it 30 minutes before I get home. The drum is never left damp.

LG (ThinQ)

LG's smart appliances use the LG ThinQ app. ThinQ also connects to LG fridges, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

1. Download LG ThinQ from the App Store or Google Play.
2. On the washer, press the Smart Diagnosis or WiFi button for 3 seconds until the WiFi LED blinks.
3. In the app: tap + then select your washer model, then follow the pairing wizard.
4. On some older models, ThinQ will ask you to hold your phone close to the washer's speaker for an audio handshake.

After pairing, ThinQ provides cycle notifications, energy usage data, and access to LG's ThinQ Care feature which monitors the washer for maintenance alerts. LG F and V series washers with the "ThinQ" badge, generally from 2018 onwards, are supported.

The audio handshake feature on older LG models is unusual - you literally hold your phone up to a speaker on the washer. It's a bit awkward but it works reliably. Newer models skip this entirely.

Bosch / Siemens (Home Connect)

Bosch and Siemens home appliances (both Bosch Group brands) use the Home Connect app. The same app works with dishwashers, ovens, and coffee machines.

1. Download Home Connect from the App Store or Google Play.
2. On the washer, go to Settings then WiFi then Enable (or press the WiFi button, depending on model).
3. In the app: tap Add appliance then scan the QR code on the washer door frame or in the manual.
4. Home Connect walks you through network selection and pairing automatically.

After pairing, Home Connect supports remote monitoring, cycle notifications, and Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. Bosch Serie 6 and Serie 8 washers from 2019 onwards are compatible. If you have other Bosch appliances or are thinking about expanding the ecosystem, see our Bosch Home Connect devices overview for what works together.

The QR code scanning step is actually one of the slickest onboarding flows we've seen - it removes all the manual model entry and jumps straight to network pairing. Bosch's Home Connect support pages also have model-specific video guides if you run into trouble.

Miele (Miele app)

Miele smart washers use the Miele app for pairing. Depending on the model, WiFi is either built in or requires the Miele XKM 3100 W WiFi module as an add-on accessory.

1. Download the Miele app from the App Store or Google Play and create a Miele account.
2. On the washer, press and hold the Start/Stop and Programme selector buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds until the WiFi indicator appears. Steps vary by model - check your model's quick guide.
3. In the app: tap Add device then Washing machine.
4. Select your 2.4 GHz network and enter the password. The app completes the connection automatically.

After pairing, the Miele app provides cycle status, energy consumption per wash, and push notifications. Select Miele WCE and WEG series models also support Amazon Alexa integration. Older models require the XKM 3100 W module, available through Miele's accessories shop.

Miele is honest about something other brands aren't: not every machine has WiFi built in. If you buy a Miele washer second-hand, check whether it has the XKM 3100 W module fitted before assuming connectivity is possible. The module costs around 80 EUR from Miele's official spare parts shop and slots into the back of compatible models.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Most likely cause	Fix
App can't find appliance	Phone on 5 GHz band	Switch phone to 2.4 GHz, restart pairing
Pairing times out	Phone too far from washer	Move within 1 m during pairing
WiFi drops after a day	DHCP lease conflict	Assign static IP to washer in router settings
Washer found but connection fails	Router firewall blocking device	Disable AP isolation in router settings
App shows "offline" after moving router	Cached network settings	Delete and re-add the appliance in the app

AP isolation is worth knowing about. Many mesh routers and some ISP-supplied routers enable it by default, which prevents devices on the same network from talking to each other. Your phone sees the WiFi but can't complete the appliance handshake. Disabling it fixes the problem instantly, but it's buried in advanced router settings - usually under Wireless or Security.

What you can do after connecting

Once connected, most smart washing machines offer:

• Remote monitoring: check cycle progress from anywhere in the world
• End-of-cycle alerts: push notifications so laundry does not sit damp in the drum
• Energy reporting: Samsung, LG ThinQ, and Miele provide per-wash energy consumption data
• Delayed start: schedule a wash to finish exactly when you get home, taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates

How much electricity does your washing machine actually use per cycle? Most people have no idea. Energy monitoring deserves more attention than it gets. After a month of tracking, I discovered that my washer uses 40% less electricity on a 40C eco cycle versus the default 60C cycle, with identical results on everyday clothes. The data changed which programme I use daily.

Which brand's app is actually good?

Honestly, SmartThings is the best of the four for day-to-day use - it's fast, stable, and integrates well with other smart home devices including Samsung smart TVs. Home Connect is a close second, particularly if you have other Bosch/Siemens appliances.

LG ThinQ works fine but the interface feels cluttered. The Miele app is polished and premium-feeling but does less than the others. Don't make buying decisions based on the app alone, but it's worth knowing what you're getting into.

Is it worth connecting?

Once you've got the washer online, you might want to do the same for other kitchen appliances. Our smart dishwasher guide and smart fridge buying guide cover similar setup steps for those products.

For most households, the main benefits are end-of-cycle notifications and energy monitoring. Remote start is useful if you leave wet laundry in the drum regularly. If you only run the machine while at home, the connected features add limited practical value - but setup takes under 10 minutes and costs nothing beyond the app download.