FAQ

Get answers quickly for our most asked questions
How can I manage and monitor my internet usage?

Gearheart Broadband offers a range of internet speeds tailored to different users and needs. Whether you require a basic connection of 100Mbps for browsing and emails or ultra-fast speeds up to 2Gb for streaming, gaming, and large file uploads, there’s an option for you. Select the speed that best fits your daily online activities. Plus, Gearheart Broadband’s customer service team is ready to assist you in finding the fastest and most affordable internet plan in your area, providing personalized guidance to ensure you get the perfect connection.

What is Eero?

Eero is a mesh Wi-Fi system — a smart way to improve your home Wi-Fi coverage. Instead of relying on just one router, Eero uses multiple devices (called Eero nodes or beacons) placed around your home to create a strong, seamless wireless network.

How It Works:

  • You connect the main Eero to your modem.

  • Then you place additional Eero units in different rooms.

  • Together, they create a “mesh” network that covers your entire home with fast, reliable Wi-Fi.

This eliminates dead zones and weak signals in hard-to-reach places.

Why People Love Eero:

  • Easy setup with the Eero app

  • No more dead spots or slow zones

  • Automatic updates for security and performance

  • Great for larger homes or families with many devices

  • Some models come with built-in smart home hubs (like Amazon Alexa)

What is Plume?

Plume is a smart home Wi-Fi system and network management service that gives you stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home — and much more.

It combines mesh Wi-Fi technology with smart features to keep your internet fast, secure, and personalized.

How Plume Works:

  • You plug in Plume Pods (also called SuperPods) around your home.

  • These pods create a self-optimizing mesh network that adjusts in real time to how you use the internet.

  • The system is managed through the Plume HomePass® app, which gives you full control of your network.

Key Features:

  • Consistent Wi-Fi coverage in every room

  • Advanced security — blocks threats and protects connected devices

  • Parental controls — set internet time limits and content filters

  • Device monitoring — see what’s connected and how much data they use

  • Guest Wi-Fi — create secure networks for visitors in seconds

 

How does Plume and Eero enhance my home WiFi experience?

Both Plume and Eero are mesh Wi-Fi systems, which means they use multiple devices (called “pods” or “nodes”) to blanket your entire home in a strong, seamless wireless signal — no more dead zones or weak spots.

What They Both Do:

Whole-Home Coverage – You get fast, consistent Wi-Fi in every room
Mesh Network – Multiple pods or beacons connect to each other and your modem to create a stronger signal
Easy Setup – Use a mobile app to get everything running in just a few minutes
Automatic Updates – Keeps your system secure and performing at its best
Parental Controls & Device Management – Control who gets online and when

What do I do if my device is experiencing slow speeds?
  • Test the Actual Speed
    • Use speedtest.net or the Speedtest app on the slow device.
    • Run the test near your router and again farther away.
    • Compare with your internet plan’s expected speeds.
  • Restart Your Device
    • Restart the phone, laptop, tablet, etc. that’s running slow.
    • Sometimes background apps or software glitches can bog down performance.
  • Reboot Your Network (Router + Modem)
    • Unplug your modem, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in.
    • Unplug your router or mesh system, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in.
    • Wait a couple of minutes for it to fully restart.
  • Move Closer to the Router
    • Walls, metal, and appliances can weaken your Wi‑Fi signal.
    • If your device gets faster when you’re closer, a mesh extender or additional pod might help.
  • Check for Interference
    • Avoid placing routers near:
      • Microwaves
      • Baby monitors
      • Cordless phones
      • Thick walls or mirrors
    • Use the 5 GHz band for short-range high-speed and 2.4 GHz for better range.
  • Prioritize or Pause Other Devices
    • Too many devices can slow your connection.
    • Use your Eero or Plume app to:
      • Pause devices you’re not using
      • Temporarily prioritize the slow device (e.g. for gaming or video calls)
    • Update Firmware and Apps
      • Ensure your router firmware, mobile app, and device operating system are all up to date.
    • Run Device-Specific Checks
      • Clear your browser’s cache.
      • Disable VPNs or proxies (they can slow things down).
      • Disconnect from and reconnect to Wi‑
    • Try Wired (Ethernet)
      • If using a laptop, connect it directly to the router with an Ethernet cable.
      • If speeds are fast on Ethernet but slow on Wi‑Fi, it’s likely a wireless signal issue.
    • Contact Your ISP
      • If speeds are slow across all devices, your internet provider may be having issues.
      • Ask if there’s an outage, line problem, or if you’re being throttled.
What do I do if I’m getting an error creating my account?
  • Troubleshooting Account Creation Errors
    • Check Your Internet Connection
      • Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
      • Try switching from Wi-Fi to wired or vice versa.
    • Use a Supported Browser or App
      • If creating the account via a web browser, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
      • If using a mobile app (Eero or Plume), make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
    • Verify Your Email Address
      • Double-check that you entered your email correctly.
      • Look for typos or missing characters.
      • Avoid using disposable or temporary email addresses.
    • Check Password Requirements
      • Make sure your password meets the requirements (e.g., minimum length, includes uppercase, numbers, special characters).
      • Avoid using easily guessable passwords.
    • Clear Cache and Cookies
      • Sometimes old data can cause issues.
      • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies and try again.
    • Try a Different Device or Network
      • If possible, switch to a different device or network to see if the problem persists.
    • Check for Service Outages
      • Sometimes the service might be temporarily down.
      • Visit the provider’s status page or social media for updates.
    • Contact Support
      • If none of the above works, contact customer support with:
      • A screenshot of the error message
      • The email address you’re trying to register
      • Details of the device and browser/app you’re using
What do I do if I’m getting an error in verifying my account?
  • Troubleshooting Account Verification Errors
  • Check Your Email Inbox & Spam Folder
    • Make sure you’ve received the verification email.
    • Sometimes it may land in Spam, Promotions, or Junk folders—check those too.
  • Resend the Verification Email
    • Most services have an option to resend the verification email.
    • Wait a few minutes and try resending if you didn’t get it.
  • Verify Within the Time Limit
    • Some verification links expire after a certain time (e.g., 24 hours).
    • If expired, request a new verification email.
  • Use the Same Email Address & Device
    • Make sure you’re verifying the same email you registered with.
    • Use the same device/browser/app that you used to create the account.
  • Avoid Clicking Multiple Links
    • Clicking multiple verification links from different emails may cause errors.
    • Use the most recent verification email only.
  • Clear Browser Cache or Try a Different Browser
    • Sometimes cached data can interfere—clear cache or try another browser/device.
  • Check Your Internet Connection
    • Ensure you have a stable internet connection during verification.
  • Contact Support if Problems Persist
    • If you still can’t verify, reach out to customer support with:
    • Your email address
    • A screenshot or description of the error message
    • Details of the device and app/browser used
What should I do when there’s an error “network name and password invalid” when setting up my account?
  • If you see a “Network name and password invalid” error while setting up your account or Wi-Fi network, it usually means there’s a mismatch or formatting issue with what you’re entering. Here’s how to fix it:
    • Steps to Resolve “Network Name and Password Invalid” Error
      • Follow Network Name Rules
        • Make sure your Wi-Fi network name (SSID):
        • Is not blank
        • Is under 32 characters
        • Doesn’t use special symbols like @, #, ^, or emoji (stick to letters, numbers, and basic punctuation)
      • Use a Valid Password
        • Your Wi-Fi password should:
        • Be at least 8 characters long
        • Use only letters, numbers, and standard symbols
        • Avoid unsupported characters (like emoji or non-English characters)
      • Check for Extra Spaces
        • Make sure there are no spaces before or after the network name or password.
        • Some devices copy and paste with extra spaces by mistake.
      • Try a Different Name/Password
        • If the app keeps rejecting your entry:
        • Try simplifying the name and password temporarily (you can change them later in the app).
      • Restart Setup
        • Close and reopen the app.
        • Restart your router or mesh device.
        • Try setup again using the corrected name and password.
      • Update the App
        • Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Eero or Plume app.
      • Still not working?
        • If you’ve checked everything and it still fails:
        • Try setting up the network on a different phone or tablet
        • Or contact customer support for help—they may be able to clear a stuck configuration
What should I do if my device is falling offline?
  • Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your Device Is Falling Offline
    • Restart the Device
      • Turn off your device (phone, laptop, smart home device, etc.) and turn it back on.
      • This often clears temporary connectivity bugs.
    • Check Wi‑Fi Signal Strength
      • Move the device closer to your router or mesh node (like an Eero or Plume SuperPod).
      • Weak signal is a common reason devices drop offline.
    • Forget and Rejoin the Network
      • On the affected device:
      • Go to Wi‑Fi settings
      • Select your network
      • Tap “Forget” or “Remove”
      • Reconnect using the correct password
    • Restart Your Router or Mesh System
      • Power cycle your Eero, Plume, or other router:
        • Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
        • Wait a few minutes for full restart.
      • Check for Interference
        • Keep the device away from:
          • Microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones
          • Thick walls or metal surfaces
        • If possible, switch the device to a 5 GHz network for faster, shorter-range signal.
      • Update Software
        • Make sure:
          • Your device’s OS is up to date
          • Your router or mesh app (Eero or Plume) is updated
          • Any firmware updates for the network system are installed
        • Assign the Device to the Correct Network
          • In Eero or Plume apps, check if the device is connecting to the right access point.
          • Some devices struggle with band steering (switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
        • Limit Bandwidth Hogs
          • If lots of devices are streaming or downloading at once, some may drop.
          • Temporarily pause unused devices in the app to free up bandwidth.
What should I do if my devices can’t see each other?
  • Step-by-Step: Fix Devices Not Seeing Each Other on the Network
    • Make Sure They’re on the Same Network
      • Some routers create separate networks for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, or for guests.
      • Check that all devices are connected to the main/home network, not a guest network.
      • Devices on a guest network are usually isolated for security and can’t talk to devices on the main network.
    • Disable Client Isolation (if enabled)
      • In some routers or mesh systems (like Eero or Plume), there’s a setting to prevent devices from talking to each other.
      • Check the app settings:
        • For Eero: Go to the Eero app > Network Settings > ensure no client isolation or similar setting is enabled.
        • For Plume: In the HomePass app, ensure devices are on the same zone (not IoT or guest) and not restricted.
      • Restart Devices and Router
        • Power cycle all affected devices.
        • Reboot your router or mesh system (Eero/Plume).
        • This helps reassign IPs and clear network confusion.
      • Assign Devices to the Same Profile (Eero)
        • In the Eero app, if devices are grouped under different profiles (like “Kids” or “IoT”), make sure they’re not paused or restricted.
      • Avoid Mixed Band Conflicts
        • Some devices on 4 GHz can have trouble seeing those on 5 GHz if band steering is active.
        • Try temporarily disabling band steering in your router settings (if available), or ensure both devices are on the same band.
      • Check Device Settings (Especially for Printers or Smart Devices)
        • Devices like printers or smart TVs may have their own isolation or network visibility settings—check their network or Wi‑Fi setup menus.
What do I do if I get trouble with port forwarding?
  • Step-by-Step: Troubleshooting Port Forwarding Issues
    • Make Sure You’re Using the Right IP Address
      • The port forwarding rule must point to the correct internal (LAN) IP address of your device (like a PC, camera, or console).
      • To find it:
        • On Windows: ipconfig in Command Prompt
        • On macOS: System Settings > Network
        • Or check in the Eero/Plume app under “Connected Devices”
      • Tip: Devices may get a new IP after rebooting—set a static IP or DHCP reservation if needed.
    • Confirm the Port Number and Protocol
      • Double-check you’re forwarding the correct port and using the right protocol:
        • TCP, UDP, or both (depends on the service or app)
      • Some devices require port ranges (e.g., 8000–8010)
    • Check for Double NAT
      • If you’re using a modem/router combo and an Eero or Plume:
      • You may have two routers doing NAT, which breaks port forwarding.
      • Solution:
        • Bridge your ISP modem/router, so Eero or Plume is the only router doing NAT.
        • OR, enable DMZ on the ISP router pointing to the Eero/Plume’s IP.
      • Use the App’s Port Forwarding Settings
        • In Eero app:
          • Go to Discover > Eero Secure > Reservations & Port Forwarding
          • Add a rule with the correct device and port
        • In Plume (HomePass) app:
          • Go to Settings > Advanced > Port Forwarding
          • Add internal IP and port rules
        • Turn Off Firewalls or Antivirus Temporarily
          • On the device you’re forwarding to, temporarily disable firewall or security software to see if it’s blocking the connection.
        • Test the Port
          • Use an online tool like org or a port scanning app to verify the port is open.
          • Make sure the service you’re forwarding to is actually running on the device.

Your question isn't here? Contact us!

Chat Support

Use live chat in your browser to communicate with one of our expert associates, and diagnose your problem.

Call Us

Speak with on of our helpful associates on the phone. Let them get to the bottom of any issues you maybe having.

FAQ

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page and find fast solutions to common problems you may be experiencing.