Reconnecting SMA Inverter after Changing Modem or WiFi

Why has your SMA UPS lost its WiFi connection?Have you recently changed modem, internet box or WiFi password? It is normal that your SMA Sunny Boy inverter has lost its connection to the network. Without this connection, you can no longer monitor your solar production via Sunny Portal or the SMA mobile application. Fortunately, reconnection is simple and only takes a few minutes.This guide applies to all SMA inverters with integrated WiFi: Sunny Boy 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and Smart Energy models. The procedure is the same whether you have changed your internet provider, replaced your router or simply changed your WiFi security settings.💡 Related article : How to bring your SMA UPS online for the first time. Complete guide to the initial configuration of SMA invertersMaterial required for reconnectionBefore you start, make sure you have at hand:A smartphone, tablet or laptop with an active WiFi connectionThe WPA2-PSK password of your inverter (written on the side label of the device)The new name (SSID) and password for your home WiFi networkPhysical access to the inverter (you must be close by to read the label)⚠️ Important information: The WiFi password of the SMA inverter (WPA2-PSK) is different from the password of your internet box. It is a unique code specific to your inverter, printed on its side label. This password is case-sensitive (upper/lower case).Step 1: Connect to the inverter's WiFi networkYour SMA inverter creates its own temporary WiFi network to enable configuration. This is the network you will first join with your mobile device.Detailed procedureUnlock your smartphone or tablet and access the WiFi settingsSearch for the inverter's WiFi network in the list of available networks. It appears in the format SMA[serial number] (example: SMA1234567890)Select this network by clicking on itEnter the WPA2-PSK password shown on the side label of your UPS (case sensitive).Wait for the connection confirmation (usually 5-10 seconds)Once connected to the UPS WiFi network, your device will temporarily no longer have access to the internet. This is normal: you are now directly connected to the UPS. TROUBLESHOOTING TIP The SMA network does not appear?✅ Check that you are less than 5 metres from the inverter.✅ Make sure the inverter is switched on (indicator light active)✅ Wait 2-3 minutes after switching on the inverter✅ Temporarily disable mobile data (4G/5G) on your smartphoneStep 2: Accessing the UPS web interfaceNow that you are connected to the UPS WiFi network, you will access its configuration interface via a web browser.Steps to followOpen your web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge...)Type the following IP address in the address bar: 192.168.12.3Confirm by pressing Enter or the search buttonThe SMA UPS web interface will appear after a few secondsYou are now on the home page of your Sunny Boy user interface. If a connection error appears, check that you are connected to the SMA WiFi network [number] of the inverter and not to your home network.Step 3: Authentication in installer modeTo modify the network parameters, you must connect withinstaller rights. This step is essential to access the WiFi configuration parameters.Login procedureLocate the "User Group" drop-down menu at the top of the interfaceSelect "Install" from the drop-down listEnter your installer password (the one you created when you first set up, or use the default password if you've never changed it)Click on "Login" or "Connexion".📌 Forgot your installer password? If you have never created an installer password, try leaving the field blank or use the default password. If you get stuck, contact Wattuneed technical support for a reset.Step 4: Configure WiFi network settingsThis is the crucial step where you will reconfigure your UPS's connection to your new home WiFi network. The procedure differs slightly depending on the firmware version of your UPS.Method A: Via the main menu (recent interface)Click on the "hamburger menu" icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right of the interface.Select "Device Configuration".Click on 'Edit Parameters Scroll down to 'System Communication', then 'WLAN' and finally 'SecurityIn the SSID field: enter the exact name of your home WiFi network (case sensitive)In the "Network Key" or "Password" field: enter the new password for your internet boxScroll to the top of the page and click on "Save".Method B: Using the installation wizard (classic interface)On the interface home page, look for the "Installation Assistant" buttonClick on the "WLAN" or "Wireless Network"tab Start a search for available networks by clicking on "Scan" or "Search".Select your home WiFi network from the list that appearsClick on the "Settings" icon (gear wheel) next to your networkEnter the password for your internet boxClick on "Connect to WLAN ".Confirm with "Save and Next".🔧 NEED ASSISTANCE?Our technical team is available to support you ⚡ CONTACT WATTUNEED SUPPORT Step 5: Checking the connectionAfter saving the new settings, your UPS will restart its WiFi connection and attempt to connect to your home network. This process generally takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.How do I check that the connection is established?Theindicator light on the UPS: it should display a steady blue light (successful connection) instead of flashing or being red/orange.In the web interface: the network configuration page displays a new IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.45) assigned by your Internet box.Make a note of this new IP address: it will enable you to access the UPS from your home network in the future💡 Practical tip: Take a photo of the screen displaying your UPS's new IP address, or write it down in a safe place. You'll need it to access the web interface from your home network.Step 6: Reconnect your device to home WiFiNow that the UPS is configured, you need to reconnect your smartphone or tablet to your usual home WiFi network to regain internet access and check that it is working properly.Access your device's WiFi settingsDisconnect from the inverter'sSMA[number] network Reconnect to your home WiFi network (that of your Internet box)Wait for the internet connection to be re-establishedStep 7: Test online monitoringThe last step is to check that your inverter is communicating its production data to the SMA monitoring platforms.Verification via Sunny PortalOpen your browser and access Sunny PortalLog in with your login detailsCheck that the inverter is online (status "Online")Check the current production data: it should be displayed in real timeCheck via the SMA mobile applicationOpen the Sunny Portal application on your smartphoneRefresh the data by pulling down the screenCheck the real-time production displayIf the data is displayed correctly, congratulations! Your SMA inverter is connected again and online monitoring is operational.Summary table: IP addresses and passwordsÉlémentValeur / InformationOù le trouver ?Réseau WiFi onduleurSMA[numéro de série]Liste des réseaux WiFi disponiblesMot de passe WiFi onduleurWPA2-PSK (code unique)Étiquette latérale de l'onduleurAdresse IP configuration192.168.12.3À taper dans le navigateurMode d'accèsInstallerMenu déroulant interface webNouvelle adresse IPAttribuée par votre box (ex: 192.168.1.45)Interface web après connexion WiFiCommon problems and troubleshooting solutions1. The SMA network does not appear in the WiFi listProbable cause: The inverter WiFi is disabled or the inverter is in standby mode.Solution: Wait until the inverter is in full production (sunny day) and move closer than 3 metres. If the problem persists, the inverter can be configured with WiFi disabled: use an Ethernet cable and a laptop to connect.2. WPA2-PSK password does not workProbable cause: Input error (upper/lower case, confusion between 0 and O, 1 and l)Solution: Check each character on the label carefully. The password is case sensitive. If the inverter has been running for more than 10 hours, the default password SMA12345 will no longer work.3. The inverter does not connect to the new WiFi network.Probable cause: Incompatible security type, unsupported 5 GHz network, or incorrect home WiFi password.Solution: SMA inverters only support 2.4 GHz WiFi with WPA2 security. Check that your box is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network (and not just 5 GHz). Some special characters in the WiFi password may cause problems: use letters, numbers and hyphens instead.4. The indicator light remains red or orangeProbable cause: Network communication fault or configuration error.Solution: Restart your Internet box and then the UPS (cut the DC power supply, wait 30 seconds, reconnect). Also check that your box's DHCP is activated to automatically assign an IP address.5. Data does not appear on Sunny PortalProbable cause: Synchronisation delay or firewall blockingSolution: Wait 15-30 minutes: the first synchronisation may take some time. Check that your internet box does not have a firewall blocking communication from the inverter to the SMA servers (ports 80 and 443 must be open).💡 Useful tool: Wattuneed calculators and dimensioners Optimise your installation with our free toolsSpecial case: Connection via Ethernet cableIf you encounter persistent difficulties with the WiFi connection, or if the inverter's WiFi has been disabled, you can use the wired Ethernet connection as an alternative.Equipment requiredA laptop with an Ethernet portAn RJ45 Ethernet cableProcedureConnect the Ethernet cable between the SMA inverter (Ethernet port on the side) and your computerOpen your browser and enter the IP address 192.168.12.3Follow steps 3 to 5 above to configure WiFiOnce the configuration is complete, disconnect the Ethernet cable: the UPS will now use WiFi.This method is particularly useful if the UPS WiFi was disabled during a previous configuration, or if your environment has too much WiFi interference.Benefits of keeping your SMA UPS connectedKeeping your SMA inverter connected to the internet offers many benefits for optimising your photovoltaic installation:Real-time monitoring: view your instant solar production from anywhere via Sunny Portal or the mobile applicationRemote diagnostics: Wattuneed technicians can identify and resolve problems without having to travel to the siteAutomatic alerts: receive an email notification in the event of a drop in production or a technical faultFirmware updates: your UPS can receive the latest software enhancements automaticallyEnergy optimisation: analyse your production curves to adjust your consumption at peak production timesProduction history: consult your production statistics over several years to monitor performance🌍 Environmental commitment: By actively monitoring your solar production, you maximise the use of your green energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Every kWh produced and consumed locally avoids the CO₂ emissions associated with conventional electricity production.SMA inverters compatible with this guideThis WiFi reconnection procedure applies to the entire Sunny Boy range with integrated WiFi available from Wattuneed :ModèlePuissanceWiFi intégréLien produitSunny Boy 2.52,5 kVA✅Voir le produitSunny Boy 3.03 kVA✅Voir le produitSunny Boy 4.04 kVA✅Voir le produitSunny Boy 5.05 kVA✅Voir le produitSunny Boy Smart Energy3,6 à 6,0 kVA✅Voir le produitSunny Boy Storage2,5 à 6,0 kVA✅Voir le produitAll these models use the same web interface and the same WiFi configuration procedure. Only very old Sunny Boy versions (without integrated WiFi) require an external communication module.🔧 DISCOVER OUR SMA RANGEGerman quality inverters with extended warranty ⚡ SEE ALL SMA INVERTERS Frequently asked questions (FAQ)Do I have to reconfigure my UPS every time I change my WiFi password?Yes, as soon as you change the name (SSID) or password of your home WiFi network, you must follow this procedure to reconnect your UPS. This is a normal security measure: the UPS cannot automatically guess the new identifiers.Can I use my box's 5 GHz WiFi network?No, SMA Sunny Boy inverters are only compatible with 2.4 GHz WiFi. Make sure that your box is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network (most modern boxes offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously). 2.4 GHz offers a better range, ideal for an inverter installed outdoors or in a garage.How long does it take for the data to appear on Sunny Portal?After a successful WiFi reconnection, it takes between 5 and 30 minutes for the first data to appear on Sunny Portal. The initial synchronisation may take some time, especially if the inverter needs to download firmware updates.Can my inverter work without an internet connection?Yes, absolutely! The inverter continues to convert solar energy into electricity even without an internet connection. You simply lose the remote monitoring and automatic alerts. Electricity production is not affected.The WPA2-PSK password is illegible on my inverter, what should I do?If the label has been damaged by the sun or bad weather, contact Wattuneed support with the serial number of your inverter. They will be able to provide you with the password or guide you towards a reset procedure.Can I connect several SMA inverters to the same WiFi network?Yes, you can connect several SMA inverters to the same home WiFi network without any problem. Each inverter will receive its own IP address and will appear individually in Sunny Portal. This is the standard configuration for installations with several inverters.Conclusion: Simple reconnection for optimum monitoringReconnecting your SMA Sunny Boy inverter after a modem or WiFi password change is a simple operation that only takes a few minutes. By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly restore online monitoring of your PV plant and enjoy all the benefits of SMA monitoring again.Don't forget that keeping your inverter connected allows you to detect anomalies quickly,optimise your self-consumption and maximise the return on investment of your solar installation. Active monitoring is a key element in the long-term performance of a photovoltaic system.If you encounter any difficulties when reconnecting, please do not hesitate to contact the Wattuneed technical team via the support portal. Our experts are there to support you and ensure your system is running smoothly.💡Further information: All our photovoltaic guides Installation, maintenance, optimisation: everything you need to make a success of your solar projectWattuneed SPRL - Your Belgian partner for photovoltaic and renewable energy solutions. Technical expertise, personalised support and high-quality after-sales service since 2010.