Connect your Traeger to WiFi through the Traeger app in three steps
To connect your Traeger grill to WiFi, download the Traeger app on your phone, create or sign into your account, and follow the in-app setup wizard. The app will ask you to select your WiFi network and enter your password. Your grill must be powered on and within range of your router during setup. Most grills connect within a few minutes, though some older models require a firmware update before WiFi becomes available.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you own a newer WiFi-enabled Traeger or an older model. Newer grills — generally those made after 2019 — have WiFi built in. Older grills can add WiFi through a separate accessory called the Traeger WiFi Controller, which plugs into the grill's control board. Both routes use the same Traeger app once the hardware is in place.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Traeger app, create an account, and use the setup wizard to connect your grill to your home WiFi network.
- Your grill must be powered on and within 30 feet of your router for the connection to work.
- If your grill is older than 2019, you will need to purchase and install a Traeger WiFi Controller accessory before the app can find it.
- If setup fails, restart both your grill and router, then check that you are entering your WiFi password correctly.
What you need before you start
Have your WiFi network name and password ready. The app will ask for both during setup. If you do not know your WiFi password, check the label on your router or log into your router's settings page through a web browser on your phone or computer.
Make sure your grill is plugged in and powered on. The grill does not need to be heating — it just needs to be on so the WiFi hardware can communicate with your phone. Position your grill within 30 feet of your router if possible. Walls and metal objects can weaken the signal, so the closer the better.
Check your grill's model year. If it was made before 2019, you will need a Traeger WiFi Controller. You can find your model year on the rating plate on the back of the grill or in your owner's manual. If you are unsure, the Traeger website has a model lookup tool.
Steps to connect a WiFi-enabled Traeger
Open the app store on your phone and search for "Traeger." Download the official Traeger app — it has the Traeger logo and is published by Traeger Inc. Open the app and tap "Create Account" if you do not already have one. You will need an email address and password. If you already have a Traeger account, sign in instead.
Once you are signed in, tap the plus icon or "Add Grill" button. The app will search for grills on your WiFi network. When your grill appears in the list, tap it to select it. The app will then ask you to confirm that you are standing near the grill — this is a security step to prevent someone else from adding your grill to their account.
Enter your WiFi network name and password exactly as they appear. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Tap "Connect" and wait. The app will show a progress screen while your grill connects. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Once the connection is complete, you will see your grill's name and status in the app.
Adding WiFi to an older Traeger with the WiFi Controller
If your grill was made before 2019, you will need to buy a Traeger WiFi Controller accessory. This is a small device that plugs into the control board inside your grill's lid. You can order it from Traeger's website or from retailers that sell Traeger parts.
To install it, open your grill's lid and locate the control board — it is the panel with buttons and a display. Unplug the power cable from the back of the grill. Find the connector port on the control board (it looks like a small rectangular slot) and plug the WiFi Controller into it. Plug the grill back in and power it on.
Once the WiFi Controller is installed, follow the same steps as a WiFi-enabled grill: open the Traeger app, sign in, tap "Add Grill," and enter your WiFi details. The app will find your grill and connect it to your network.
Why your Traeger won't connect to WiFi
The most common reason is an incorrect WiFi password. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count. If you are not sure, restart your phone and try entering the password again slowly, character by character. Another common issue is that your grill is too far from the router. Try moving the grill closer or moving your router closer, then attempt the connection again.
If the app cannot find your grill at all, restart both your grill and your router. Turn off the grill's power switch, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once both devices have restarted, open the Traeger app and try adding your grill again.
Some older grills need a firmware update before they can connect to WiFi. The app will tell you if an update is available. If you see an update prompt, follow the on-screen instructions. The update happens over WiFi once your grill is connected, so you may need to connect to a temporary hotspot from your phone first if your grill cannot reach your main router.
What to do after your Traeger connects
Once your grill is connected, the Traeger app will show you real-time temperature readings, let you adjust the grill remotely, and send you notifications when the grill reaches your target temperature. You can also view recipes and cooking guides within the app.
Your grill will stay connected to WiFi as long as it is powered on and within range of your router. If you move your grill to a different location or change your WiFi network, you will need to reconnect it through the app. To do this, open the app, go to your grill's settings, and select "Reconnect to WiFi."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Traeger to a 5GHz WiFi network?
Most Traeger grills only support 2.4GHz WiFi networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, make sure you are selecting the 2.4GHz network name during setup. Check your router's settings or contact your internet provider if you are unsure which frequency your network uses.
What if I forgot my Traeger app password?
Open the Traeger app and tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Enter the email address associated with your account. Traeger will send you a password reset link. Click the link in the email and create a new password.
Do I need to reconnect my Traeger every time I turn it on?
No. Once your grill is connected to WiFi, it will automatically reconnect each time you power it on, as long as your router is on and your grill is in range. You only need to manually reconnect if you change your WiFi network or move your grill far from your router.
Can I control my Traeger from outside my home?
Yes, once your grill is connected to WiFi and signed into the Traeger app, you can monitor and control it from anywhere using your phone. You do not need to be on the same WiFi network — the app communicates with Traeger's servers.
What happens if my WiFi goes down?
Your grill will continue to work normally. You just will not be able to monitor it or adjust settings through the app. Once your WiFi comes back online, the app will reconnect automatically.