If you’re wondering why the Hive thermostat stuck on searching, in this guide, we will help!
Whenever the “Searching” message remains on the thermostat screen for longer than usual, it typically means that the unit cannot connect with the Hive hub.
In this guide, we will review all critical factors of the connection and understand how to fix the Hive thermostat issue in minutes.
To fix the “Searching” message on the Hive thermostat, reboot all participating devices in the Hive Central Heating system. After that, replace the thermostat’s batteries, close the distance between the hub and the thermostat, and factory reset the Hive thermostat.
Let’s investigate the issue further!
Why Hive Thermostat Won’t Stop Searching?
The Hive thermostat stays on “Searching” for a prolonged period of time because it hasn’t established a connection with the Hive hub.
The Hive hub is used for operating all of the devices within the Hive system remotely, with the assistance of the Hive mobile application.
Fundamental issues such as signal interference or Hive app problems could prevent the Hive thermostat from pairing with the broadband-connected Hive hub.
This ultimately results in the never-ending “Searching,” but luckily, there are many ways to solve this problem permanently!
How is a Hive System Connected?
To verify that you know how Hive’s central heating system works, let’s review the essential steps in the installation to verify that everything is intact.
The system won’t work without the following:
- An installed Hive hub.
- An installed Hive receiver.
- One or multiple thermostats.
The Hive receiver is another fundamental device without which your system cannot function.
Hive technicians typically install the device whenever you sign up for the central heating plan, and you shouldn’t attempt to configure the unit by yourself, let alone install it.
Do I Need a Hive Receiver?
Without the Hive receiver, no Hive thermostat will be compatible with the HVAC system and operate the boilers.
The receiver interferes between the hub and the thermostat, linking the devices into what Hive calls the “Central Heating System.”
Hive Thermostat Stuck On Searching – Top Tier Solutions!
Tip: Follow the steps in a consecutive order!
1. Reposition Your Hive Hub
The Hive thermostat will display “Searching” until the system detects and connects to the Hive hub successfully.
Hence, the first and most crucial step is to shorten the distance between the Hive thermostat and the hub to verify that the connection will be re-established successfully.
Since the Hive thermostat uses wireless signals to establish a connection with the hub, the distance between the devices must be no more than 10-15 metres.
For a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection, verify that there are no obstructions or devices intercepting the signal.
Causes for Wireless Signal Interference!
If the Hive thermostat achieved the connection in the past but now remains on “Searching” for an unprecedented amount of time, the issue is probably related to interference.
Here’s what could interfere with the connectivity between the thermostat and hub:
Note: If there’s an issue with the Wi-Fi connectivity, other devices will also disconnect!
2. Inspect the Hive Service Status!
If the Hive thermostat fails to detect the hub and stays on “Searching”, there’s a high chance of an ongoing Hive service outage.
There’s a Hive service page that provides information about the current status of the Hive application, the Hive Active Heating system and all other products.
- To check for an outage with your system, go to status.hivehome.com.
The status page is refreshed every 1 minute, and ongoing outages are uploaded immediately to the page.
There is no need to enter your exact service location to receive information about the status of the Hive service, as outages and maintenance typically target more extensive areas.
Note: If there’s an ongoing Hive outage, wait 1-2 hours until the service problem is addressed!
3. Power Cycle the Hive Equipment
To address any issues with the Hive installation, it is recommended to reboot all participating units, including the Hive hub, the Hive receiver and the Hive thermostat.
The steps below will provide information on how to reboot each device in the most effective way possible!
How to Reboot a Hive Receiver?
- Hold the central button on the receiver to shut down the device.
- Next, wait 60 seconds and put the Hive hub into pairing mode.
- Hold the central button again and wait for the consecutive flashes.
- Keep holding until the LED flashes in amber and the device starts.
How to Reboot the Hive Hub?
- Press and hold the power button on the Hive hub.
- Unplug the power adapter from the electrical outlet.
- Then, unplug the other end of the adapter and wait.
- Lastly, after 60 seconds, reinstall the power adapter.
How to Reboot the Hive Thermostat?
- Hold the “back” arrow and “menu” button on the Hive thermostat.
- After 10 seconds, the Hive thermostat’s display should go blank.
- Release the buttons and press them again to turn on the device.
- Finally, wait until the display of the thermostat displays “Welcome”.
After rebooting the device, the Hive thermostat will display the “Searching” message.
However, if the hub is close enough, the thermostat should establish a connection with the network, and the “Searching” message should disappear!
Note: Press “Install Devices” in the Hive app menu to put the Hive hub into pairing mode!
4. Replace the Batteries of the Thermostat
Replacing the batteries with a fresh set of 4 AA units is advised to address lasting issues with the Hive thermostat.
The Hive thermostat mini version also takes four batteries of the AAA size, so based on the type of your thermostat unit, install matching batteries to restore functionality.
Here’s how to replace the batteries of both the standard Hive and the Hive mini thermostat:
- Unmount the thermostat from the installed wall plate.
- Press the tab on the underside of the Hive thermostat.
- Once the battery compartment is released, pull it out.
- Eject all batteries from the thermostat’s compartment.
- Insert a set of 4 AA/AAA batteries into the thermostat.
- Place the battery compartment back into the thermostat.
- Turn on the Hive thermostat and check if the issue is there.
Verify that the batteries of the Hive thermostat are inserted into the proper position within the compartment.
If the electrical poles on the batteries don’t match the compartment’s poles, the thermostat will not receive a power supply.
Tip: The batteries of the Hive thermostat must be replaced every 1 or 2 months!
5. Update the Hive Mobile Application!
If the Hive thermostat keep searching, an outdated version of the Hive mobile application may be preventing the thermostat from connecting with the hub.
Hence, the next step is to update the mobile application to the current version and reconnect the thermostat with the network hub.
How to Update Hive Mobile On Android?
- Open the Google Play store on your Android device.
- Next, tap on your profile icon, located at the top-right.
- After that, press on “Manage Installed Applications”.
- Scroll down and locate the Hive application on the list.
- Press the “Update” button to start the update process.
How to update Hive Mobile On iOS?
- Open the App Store on your iPhone/iPad device.
- Tap on your profile icon at the top of the homepage.
- Scroll to “Pending Updates and Release Notes”.
- Locate the “Hive” application in the list of platforms.
- Finally, press the “Update” button to start the process.
Before starting the update of the Hive application, verify that the mobile device is connected to the internet.
Wi-Fi or cellular is necessary for updating the firmware of installed applications and games on the mobile device, including the Hive platform.
Tip: Activate “Automatic Updates” for all installed applications within the content store!
6. Restore the Hive to Factory Defaults!
If nothing else worked, restoring the Hive thermostat to factory settings is the most reliable and potent solution to the system complication.
It’s an effective technique to address issues with the settings configuration of the Hive thermostat/hub and resolve the underlying hardware issues.
The factory reset is going to erase all content and settings from the device!
Here’s how to restore the Hive thermostat to factory defaults:
- Hold the “Back” arrow and “Menu” buttons simultaneously.
- Wait for the factory reset countdown to appear on-screen.
- Cease all interactions with the device during the process.
Note: Once the factory reset is complete, set up the Hive thermostat within the mobile app!
Quick Recap:
To address whenever Hive thermostat stuck on searching, relocate the Hive hub closer to the thermostat and replace the batteries.
If the issue persists, check for an ongoing Hive service outage and perform a factory reset on the Hive thermostat to solve the problem!
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.