X10 Community Forum

📱X10 WIFI => 🐞X10 WIFI App problems or bugs => Topic started by: Walt2 on January 25, 2018, 06:21:13 PM

Title: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 25, 2018, 06:21:13 PM
Well, after installed the Android App, and setting up my X10 WiFi Module, my Android Phone's WiFi seems to be totally screwed up.   :(

Even though I turn off my WiFi, it keeps turning right back on again, and I get the top-line msg "Wi-Fi network available".

It seems to have deleted all my WiFi passwords.   Probably why I get the msg "Wi-Fi network available" instead of it simply connecting back up to my home's WiFi network.  It can't because it doesn't have the password.

When I manually reconnect to my home network, by selecting it and re-entering my password, it does connect.  Kind of.   I get the typical messages of authenticating, getting IP address, followed by connected, but then a few seconds later, it disconnects on it own (WiFi still on).   Also, it seems to be deleting my password again.   :'(   So, if I attempt to re-connect again, I have to enter my password again.   "Rinse and repeat".

I have never had any problems with my Phone's WiFi before this, and definitely nothing like this.  Well, until I installed the X10 WiFi App and module.   

BTW, whenever I start the X10 app, it attempts to connect with WiFi even though I have 4G-LTE data enabled and available.  This is a minor annoyance.   I only mention this just in case its a clue to my major problem.

How do I get my phone back working correctly again?   :o
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Noam on January 25, 2018, 07:31:41 PM
The app does try to turn WiFi on, and connect to the same network as the WM100 was set up with. Supposedly, that's by design, to help save mobile data usage. Personally, I find it annoying, and I'd rather be able to turn that off.

As for your specific problem, did you try rebooting the phone?
Did you try uninstalling the app?
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 05:17:43 AM
Follow-up:

I tried every trick I know of, and could not get my WiFi to work again.   That included re-booting (more than once).

In desperation, I uninstalled the X10 App (and re-booted once again).  That stopped the behavior of it constantly enabling (turning on) the WiFi on my phone, even when the X10 App itself was closed.

I am able to now successfully connect to the other WiFi Network in my home; my Guest Network.  But that is only a work-around, not a fix.

I still cannot connect to the same WiFi Network that I used to Set Up the WM100; my main Network   As I mentioned above, when I try to,  I get the typical messages of authenticating, getting IP address, followed by connected, but then a few seconds later, it disconnects on it own (WiFi still on).   Something's wrong.   Very wrong.

I really, really, need X10 to come up with a way for me to fix this, and once again be able to successfully connect to the main WiFi network in my home.  Come on, please.

Summary:

For the X10 App, apparently the X10 App is hacking around (overriding) the device's settings, and not properly restoring them when the CM100 install is completed.   It also leaves the device in a state where the user can't manually restore those settings back.   That's bad.  Very bad.   

Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 26, 2018, 06:23:10 AM
I've been trying to wrap my mind around this one B:( But I think I'm still partially asleep. ::) :'
Have you tried going to your wifi settings and forgetting the problem connection? That should remove anything that may have been changed with that setup. You should be able to then rediscover and set up the password which should keep it alive.
What brand Phone and android version is it?
Newer Phones tend to be a bit finicky ( my experience ) with different settings, these tend to get worked out over time with updates.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 06:44:31 AM
Yep, I tried "forgetting" my main network.    One of the many things I tried, more than once, before simply giving up and uninstalling.

Its a Motorola Droid Mini.  Android 4.2.2 (so, not all that new).

I can make a lot of potential guesses on the cause.   What I don't know, is how does the X10 App initially connects to the CM100?   On very first power-up, the CM100 doesn't know my network name, nor its password.   So, it can't directly connect to my network, at least not initially.   One my of guesses is that the X10 App drops the connection to my network, directly connects to the CM100, and passes onto the CM100 the required configuration info which includes network name and password.   After the X10 App gets the CM100 up and running (connected on its own to my network), the X10 App reestablishes the device's (my phone's) own network connection.   

If that is even partially true, then the bug is in how the X10 App reestablishes the connection.   It isn't saving/restoring all the settings quite correctly.   And like with the Sleep Timeout, locks/blocks the user (me!) from changing any of those bad settings.

Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 26, 2018, 06:57:34 AM
Have you tried a reinstall of the app?
If that doesn't fix things try going to the apps setup and then  "enter the wifi setup wizard" and setting things up again from there.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 07:09:10 AM
Have you tried a reinstall of the app?
If that doesn't fix things try going to the apps setup and then  "enter the wifi setup wizard" and setting things up again from there.

There are two problems here, though related.

If I reinstall the X10 App, the one problem of the X10 App trying to always force my phone into using WiFi will still be there.   :(    True?   If so, why would I want to reinstall the X10 App until that is fixed?

Unlike with my WiFi-only tablets, my phone uses cellular data, 4G-LTE, 99% of the time.  Its rare, if ever, I enable WiFi and have my phone directly connect to my home network.    The only times I enable WiFi on my phone, are times like with this CM100 setup (the others are with other apps that require the two or more devices to be on the same local network, to communicate/work).

As I mentioned, I have uninstalled the X10 App, but the "bad stuff" remains.   Because of that, I am really reluctant to "enter the wifi setup wizard" ever again, since I am fairly sure, that's the cause; the very bad code.   Again, not until X10 informs me that they found the problem, and fixed it.

BTW, being one of the old time X10 beta testers (back with Mike C), if X10 wants to directly work with me on this, I would be glad to help.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 26, 2018, 07:28:32 AM
If I reinstall the X10 App, the one problem of the X10 App trying to always force my phone into using WiFi will still be there.   :(    True?   If so, why would I want to reinstall the X10 App until that is fixed?
True the issue with switch to wifi would still be there that is by design, however once you left your house your phone should switch back to 4G-LTE. Did you test to see if it did that?

Quote
As I mentioned, I have uninstalled the X10 App, but the "bad stuff" remains.   Because of that, I am really reluctant to "enter the wifi setup wizard" ever again, since I am fairly sure, that's the cause; the very bad code.   Again, not until X10 informs me that they found the problem, and fixed it.
if the bad stuff still remains what can a reinstall hurt?
I've forwarded your issues to Authinx and they have fired of an email to the developer on this.
Your issues are the first time they've heard of any issues like this.
They are as stumped as you and I are on this.
I also mentioned your willingnest to work directly with them on this.
Saddly I don't expect them to get a reply back from the developer till early Monday now.

Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 07:54:31 AM
True the issue with switch to wifi would still be there that is by design, however once you left your house your phone should switch back to 4G-LTE. Did you test to see if it did that?

Last night, I was home and stayed home. 

Once I leave the house and get far enough away, the WiFi connection to my home's network will obviously be dropped.   However, wouldn't the X10 App want o keep the WiFi 'on'?   

WiFi on my phone really drains the battery quickly.   That's why I like to leave it 'off' as much as possible.   Since the X10 App insists that the WiFi remain 'on', once I leave my house, the WiFi will be constantly searching for my home network, and that drains the battery even faster.   That's why I am reluctant to re-installed the X10 App.   Like I said, this is secondary problem, but still a problem I rather not have.

Couldn't X10 add a X10 App Setup option to say, basically, hay, I'll take care of own network connections.   Just assume that you will be able to talk with the CM100, and leave it to me for that to be either WiFi or Cellular Data.     

if the bad stuff still remains what can a reinstall hurt?

After I posted previously, it dawned on me, that I can never really run the X10 App's WiFi Setup Wizard ever again.   Remember, my main bug is that I can't stay connected to my main WiFi network anymore.   I think you need a working WiFi network connection to run the Setup Wizard, true?    And honestly, I am not going to sacrifice my Guest network connection fearing that I would afterward loose it too.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Noam on January 26, 2018, 08:52:07 AM
Boy, this sure is a strange problem. I've never heard of anything remotely like this, so I really have no other suggestions for you.
If the device is rooted, you may be able to find a utility to clean out any traces of the old app, and/or completely reset your WiFi settings - although you should have to do anything nearly as drastic when you uninstall an app. I know there are (root) tools out there that can override app permissions - and should (in theory) prevent the X10 app from being able to turn your WiFi back on. But I don't know if that's an option for you - or if the app would work in that case at all.

I agree about the automatic WiFi issue. The app should have a setting to *not* force WiFi on. I know that if I turn my phone's Wifi off, opening the app back up would turn it back on. But I didn't play around with it enough to see if WiFi would come back on by itself with the app closed. Perhaps it has something to do with the old version of Android - and the way it handled WiFi settings? Is it possible that something else on your phone *also* interacts with Wifi, and the X10 app somehow broke *that*?

Have you tried changing your main WiFi password, to see if you could get the phone to connect back to it again? I agree with your desire to not mess with your guest WiFi - is there any other WiFi network that you could connect to in order to test? Do you have a spare router on which you could set up a test WiFi, to see if you could affect the behavior at all?
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 26, 2018, 09:20:30 AM
Once I leave the house and get far enough away, the WiFi connection to my home's network will obviously be dropped.   However, wouldn't the X10 App want o keep the WiFi 'on'?   
no the app is designed to connect using your Wi-Fi if available.
if not it tries to connect to your external IP by what ever means available.(cell or another (totally different) Wi-Fi hot spot)
Quote
Couldn't X10 add a X10 App Setup option to say, basically, hay, I'll take care of own network connections.   Just assume that you will be able to talk with the CM100, and leave it to me for that to be either WiFi or Cellular Data.     
others have asked for that as well, I even asked for the ability to specify IP and Port during testing
Quote
After I posted previously, it dawned on me, that I can never really run the X10 App's WiFi Setup Wizard ever again.   Remember, my main bug is that I can't stay connected to my main WiFi network anymore.   I think you need a working WiFi network connection to run the Setup Wizard, true?    And honestly, I am not going to sacrifice my Guest network connection fearing that I would afterward loose it too.
I understand you not wanting to sacrifice your guest network but you stated you can connect to your main network for a while before it disconnects. Not sure if it will stay up long enough for a connection but you specify what network to connect to.
I'd suggest forgetting the guest wifi so there is no chance of it even being seen by the app.
Since the app only sees the wifi your currently connected to during setup you wouldn't have to worry about the guest account being picked up during setup.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 26, 2018, 09:36:57 AM
Its a Motorola Droid Mini.  Android 4.2.2 (so, not all that new).
I have two Droid Minis doing nothing but Harmony Hub control. As soon as I saw this post I loaded WM100 on one.

I have no problems so far. Phone is running Android 4.4.4.

I turned phone WiFi off and it stayed off, X10 App just showed "Disconnected" in lower right corner. Re-booted phone and WiFi remained off. One note however; since I do not use the Droid Mini as a phone anymore, I keep it in Airplane mode. So I have to manually turn WiFi and Bluetooth  back on after a reboot. I turned Airplane mode off, rebooted and and WiFi remained off until I turned back on. When on, it had no problem connecting to home network.

You might have other apps in conflict OR try up dating to Android 4.4.4

I doubt X10 will be able to fix, I think the problem is local to your setup.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 10:23:40 AM
Not sure if it will stay up long enough for a connection but you specify what network to connect to.

It connects, but in less than a minute, it disconnects on its own (and with that, seems to forget the password).   I don't think that enough time to do a "virgin" new CM100 install.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 10:26:59 AM
I have two Droid Minis doing nothing but Harmony Hub control. As soon as I saw this post I loaded WM100 on one.

I have no problems so far. Phone is running Android 4.4.4.

When you "loaded", was it connecting to a new CM100, or to an existing CM100?

As I posted above, my speculation is the root (no pun) problem is in the new CM100 install for the first time, code.

BTW, much much thanks for taking the time to check this out with one of your Droid Minis.   :)
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 26, 2018, 11:43:55 AM
Not sure if it will stay up long enough for a connection but you specify what network to connect to.

It connects, but in less than a minute, it disconnects on its own (and with that, seems to forget the password).   I don't think that enough time to do a "virgin" new CM100 install.
you'd be connecting to an existing hub (WM100 not CM) it should be a faster connect.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 26, 2018, 01:22:38 PM
When you "loaded", was it connecting to a new CM100, or to an existing CM100?
Was an existing. However I have a second WM100 (a brand new virgin) and will initialize on a Droid Mini. Can't do it tonight but tomorrow. Will let you know the results
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 26, 2018, 01:45:54 PM
(WM100 not CM)

Whoops sorry.  You're correct.   Brain fart.   :-[
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2018, 06:40:52 AM
When you "loaded", was it connecting to a new CM100, or to an existing CM100?
Was an existing. However I have a second WM100 (a brand new virgin) and will initialize on a Droid Mini. Can't do it tonight but tomorrow. Will let you know the results
OK, This morning I downloaded the WM100 App to the second Droid Mini and used it to initialize my second (virgin) WM100. After the init I turned off WiFi on the phone and rebooted the Mini with Airplane mode on. WiFi did not come back on. I also turned Airplane mode off and repeated the reboot. With Airplane mode off,  WiFi  came back on when I loaded the app.  But nothing as far as SSID or passwords was messed up.

One thing I would try is to force an Android update if you are running 4.2.2
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 27, 2018, 07:21:29 AM
OK, This morning I downloaded the WM100 App to the second Droid Mini and used it to initialize my second (virgin) WM100. After the init I turned off WiFi on the phone and rebooted the Mini with Airplane mode on. WiFi did not come back on. I also turned Airplane mode off and repeated the reboot. With Airplane mode off,  WiFi  came back on when I loaded the app.  But nothing as far as SSID or passwords was messed up.

First, let me give a heartfelt thanks. 

I now wonder if something went wrong during my initial setup?.   The setup worked well enough to get the WM100 up and running, but the X10 App didn't clean up after itself (or something similar)?

Just to confirm, you didn't loose any (for me, all) of your saved WiFi passwords? 

Can you please try this? With WiFi 'on', go into the X10 App, exit the X10 App by pressing Home, turn WiFi 'off', wait, does WiFi turn itself back 'on'?    From what I am getting is that this is intentional behavior by the X10 App, but IMHO, very undesirable.   I use Cell Data almost exclusively, and don't want WiFi ever turning 'on', whether I am home or elsewhere, especially when I am not even actively using the X10 App.   

If we could solve the WiFi turning 'on' problem (solve = stop), I would be temped to try re-installing the X10 App on my phone again.   BTW, I still have the X10 App on my tablet (but that has the Sleep Timeout problem  :(  )

One thing I would try is to force an Android update if you are running 4.2.2

For other reasons, updating the phone's O/S isn't an option (blame Verizon).
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 27, 2018, 07:38:20 AM
Just to keep this somewhat separate.   I still can't get my phone to connect to my main home WiFi network, and stay connected.  Just to summarize...

I had no problems connecting to my main WiFi network before running the WM100 setup.   Matter of fact, just before running the X10 App for the first time, I successfully connected to my main WiFi network (I assume such was necessary for the WM100 setup).

I can still connect to my guest WiFi network (different name than my main WiFi network).   I had to re-enter its password (because I lost all my passwords after the setup), but it successfully now remembers that password, and will auto-connect to that network whenever WiFi is turned back 'on'.   Also, the guest WiFi network is running off the same router as my main home WiFi network.

Now, when I connect to my main WiFi network, it disconnects on its own after a short while (seconds.... less than 1 minute).

During the brief connect time, I tried quickly pulling up its options, and selected 'forget'.   It was suggested that this might clear out any bad settings.   It didn't help.   :(
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: m82a1pa on January 27, 2018, 07:48:02 AM
Is it possibly router issue?  Have you tried power cycling your router?  I have to do this occasionally.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Knightrider on January 27, 2018, 08:54:18 AM
Could it be that the router only allows so many connections? Mom has an ATT Homebase that only allows 10.
i.e. 5 per guest and 5 per main, or any combination thereof.

I have seen stranger things. I have a printer that refuses to connect to my main router, but does fine on my homebase (only 10 connections and no guest account). Real PITA when I want to print from my desktop which has a CAT5 line to the router behind my HomeBase.

I never figured out what the problem was, I just work around it.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2018, 09:09:56 AM
First, let me give a heartfelt thanks. 

Just to confirm, you didn't loose any (for me, all) of your saved WiFi passwords? 

Can you please try this? With WiFi 'on', go into the X10 App, exit the X10 App by pressing Home, turn WiFi 'off', wait, does WiFi turn itself back 'on'?    From what I am getting is that this is intentional behavior by the X10 App, but IMHO, very undesirable.   I use Cell Data almost exclusively, and don't want WiFi ever turning 'on', whether I am home or elsewhere, especially when I am not even actively using the X10 App.   

If we could solve the WiFi turning 'on' problem (solve = stop), I would be temped to try re-installing the X10 App on my phone again.   BTW, I still have the X10 App on my tablet (but that has the Sleep Timeout problem  :(  )

1. Not a problem. I am with the gubment and here to help.
2. Nope,  had no password problems at all.
3. No. WiFi remained off until I restarted the App many minutes later. Starting the App did turn on WiFi.

Wow, you are taking the long way around the mountain to communicate with the WM100 via Verizon network (BTW I am on Verizon also).

BTW you should be able force and update through Verizon. When you check for system updates, under "Settings", "System", Verizon comes back and says you are up to date???  That ain't right.
I am pretty sure between Android 4.2.2 and 4.4.4 there was an Android security patch on April first 2016. Check if you got that. It is under "Settings", "About Phone".
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2018, 09:19:55 AM
Now, when I connect to my main WiFi network, it disconnects on its own after a short while (seconds.... less than 1 minute).
That sounds a little like a router issue. When this first started was WiFi screwed up ONLY for the one phone? Or was all homes WiFi screwed up? If that be the case, and I'm shooting in the dark, but if me, I would go in to the router delete the SSID and passwords then reload them in the router.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 27, 2018, 09:37:34 AM
@ Walt2
When you uninstalled the app did you first reset to factory from the apps settings?
You shouldn't need to do that but since it appears it messed up your connection settings that may need to be done on older android versions.
I wonder if a reinstall , connect to existing hub, then do a reset to factory will fix things ::) :'
You should also still be able to forget your wifi even if not connected to it from the phones settings/wifi.
That may prevent the app from trying to connecting via wifi. ::) :'


Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 27, 2018, 10:32:57 AM
As far as I know, there is no limit to the number of devices on my router (I have many due to my home automation... everything from my thermostats to my dishwasher).   Also, when I have my phone connect to my main WiFi network, it has to disconnect from my guest network first.   So, that would free up a "spot", if one was even required.

Remember, I can't do a new, fresh, install of my WM100 from my phone, because I could never stay connected long enough to my main WiFi network to do it.

Other than for the Sleep Timeout problem, my tablet is doing fine.   Though, it was done as a connection to an existing WM100.

Only my phone is affected.   My tablet and everything else in the house has no problems with my router.

No, when I uninstall the X10 App from my phone, I didn't do a factory reset first.  I assume that only resets the WM100, and like I said, my tablet is working OK with it.

I haven't tried simply resetting the router (yet).   I have a teenager, who would cry uncontrollable if he lost internet for even a few minutes (probably call child services on me too  ;D  ).    :'

I still have the open question on how did my phone, running the X10 App, initially connect to the WM100?  At that initial point in the setup, the WM100 couldn't itself directly connect to my home WiFi network because it didn't yet know my network's name nor password.  So, possibly my phone and the CM100 had to establish some kind of direct (ad-hoc?) WiFi connection?   My guess is still, whatever the X10 App did at that point, was left not restored. 

The only problems I remember from when I did the install, was that since I left my phone laying flat on the table, my phone's screen flipped from portrait to landscape.   The X10 App didn't seem to like that at all.   Later in the processes, when I was attempting to update the firmware from x.22 to x.23, it failed because of the screen flip.  I had to try the firmware update again, this time holding the phone so that its screen would not flip orientation.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 27, 2018, 10:45:39 AM
For initial setup from my understanding of how IoT devices initially connect  is it listens for a connection on a specific IP (Direct connection) once connected your phone tells it what WiFi access point to use.
I would think you should be able to reinstall the app and connect to existing hub without being on wifi, but I could be wrong.
the WM100 already knows what Wifi to use.

the reset to factory is actually to reset the app not the WM100 I tried to get that reworded prior to release or at least a description  of what it did in the manual,  which the manual does:
Quote
o Reset to Factory Settings  This option will reset all the data on your APP ONLY.  This does not affect the WM100.  This will simply clear out the data on your phone.  If the WM100 does not receive a hardware reset, once you reconnect with the WM100 it will resync the App and download the information and settings from your WM100.  To completely remove all data from both the hardware (WM100) and the App, do a hard reset on the WM100 itself. • To do this, HOLD down the SYNC button for about 10-15 seconds.  You will see a slow blink after about 4 -5 seconds then around 10-15 seconds
>!
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2018, 02:07:00 PM
Walt2 FWIW
If you have not replaced the batteries in the Droid Mini, you will soon need to. It isn't difficult but does need a plastic cracker tool to crack the case without damage. There is an inductive charger coil above the battery. Once that is out of the way, putting in a new battery is easy. Just be delicate with the fragile Flex circuits. I got new batteries for ours off ebay for 12 bucks and they are working fine. There are a couple of good YouTube videos on replacing the battery in the Droid Mini. BTW Motorola is no longer the premiere cell phone manufacturer, but the Droids are really good phones.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 27, 2018, 02:16:35 PM
OK, I've playing around with all of this, and stumbled upon something.   Apparently, when I close the X10 App, it simply goes into the background, but is still kind-of running.  I don't know the official name for it, but if I press on the soft button next to the home button, I get a list of all the apps running in the background.   If I swipe over the X10 App, to fully and totally close it, the WiFi stops turning itself back 'on'.   Maybe this is obvious to some of you, but it wasn't to me.

Not a great requirement, and something I have to start to remember to do, but it certainly makes the X10 App more "livable".   :)%
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 27, 2018, 03:06:38 PM
For initial setup from my understanding of how IoT devices initially connect  is it listens for a connection on a specific IP (Direct connection) once connected your phone tells it what WiFi access point to use.

Problem solved.

Well, as mentioned, my cell service provider is Verizon.   A while back, Verizon "forced" the download and installation of a "Security & Privacy" app onto most (all?) phones connected to their network.   Amongst other functions, its kind-of like an anti-virus program.   I am not sure, but I think the true author of it, is McAfee.
 
Anyway...

Apparently something in the X10 App's setup routine, triggered this Security App.   Just guessing, but possibly the "listening" mentioned?    Anyway, the X10 App triggered the Security App into adding my home WiFi network to its list of "bad" networks.    That is probably why I could connect briefly to my home network, and it was the Security App that was subsequently disconnecting it after a short while.

I opened up the Security App, went into Wi-Fi Security, went into Managed WiFi Networks, and there listed as BLOCKED was my home WiFi network.    I remove it. 

Now I can connect to my home WiFi network !!!

Possibly, someone in some official capacity at X10 (customer support?  WM100 support?) should know about this?   If some other new X10 App user has a phone that's on Verizon, and has this Security App installed, they should check its list of bad/blocked WiFi networks after Setup.

My thanks to all of you for all your suggestions and help. 
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 27, 2018, 03:11:59 PM
Glad you figured it out!!  :)% :)%  I'll forward your solution and try to get it added to the manual.
I'll also add something to the FAQ thread I started .
 >!
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 28, 2018, 05:41:41 AM
Follow-up:

In the Security App, I found two networks listed, both with the same date/time stamp.    The first was the name of my home WiFi network.   The second one had no name given.   Yesterday, I chalked the second network as being some kind of glitch or duplicate.   In thinking about this some more, I now wondering if the second network was the WM100 itself?   And with that, I would be worried that some other user could experience some odd problems during setup with the WM100 itself being blocked ("my WM100 is DOA !!!!   :(  ").
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 28, 2018, 05:54:45 AM
The second wifi address which was blocked at the same time would have been the WM100.
Since many IoT devices use the same IP for initial setup this may stop futher smart devices from being able to install.
The DOA issue was different as no light on was present and the Replacement worked if I recall.
Many security softwares go to far in blocking or flagging risks but in this day and age it is a good thing.
 >!
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: dave w on January 28, 2018, 02:37:37 PM
If some other new X10 App user has a phone that's on Verizon, and has this Security App installed, they should check its list of bad/blocked WiFi networks after Setup.
I'm on Verizon, but I do not have a "Security App". Is that the name under Settings, All Apps?

Are you sure this is from Verizon?
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 28, 2018, 04:41:04 PM
If some other new X10 App user has a phone that's on Verizon, and has this Security App installed, they should check its list of bad/blocked WiFi networks after Setup.
I'm on Verizon, but I do not have a "Security App". Is that the name under Settings, All Apps?

Are you sure this is from Verizon?

Its name is indeed "Security & Privacy (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.securityandprivacy.android.verizon.vms&hl=en)".   Its icon is a white box with a pad lock silhouette on the left side and a Verizon red "v" (check mark?) on the right side.  Google Play lists the author as "Verizon - VZ", though I remember reading somewhere that McAfee was the true author.

I never downloaded and installed it.   I remember Verizon forcing a while back.



Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 28, 2018, 05:35:16 PM
Acording to the FAQ Verizon web site for this app(  https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/verizon-security-and-privacy-faqs/#get-basic )you should have been asked before blocking the wifi access points.
Sounds like the Verizon app messed up.
Or you were in a rush setting up the WM100 and missed the block confirmation from the app.
I never liked Mcafee created stuff, I always had issues with it.
 >!
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 29, 2018, 05:11:50 AM
I can say with certainty, that I got no message from their Security App when it added my home network to its Blocked list.   I got no message when it added the WM100 to its Blocked list.  I also got no messages at all each time I was later attempting to connect to my home network, and it blocked it.

I surely agree, it would have be real nice if their Security App did that, wouldn't it?   ;)

The Security App's FAQ, which also includes a note about not being able to connect to your home network, is of very little help if one has no idea that the Security App is the source of your problems.   I can just envision the Security App snickering in the background, while I panicked over not being able to connect my very own home network anymore.

While I enjoy picking on Verizon as much as anyone, X10 isn't without out blame here too.   IMHO, X10 shouldn't be using network tricks in its app, that can easily be miss-ID'ed as coming from some bad virus, tripping this Verizon Security App, or any other security (anti-virus) app.    :'
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 29, 2018, 05:48:34 AM
I'm not sure when your security app was last updated and it may behave the same for other IoT apps initial setups. What the x10 WIFI app does for initial setup is pretty standard it isn't a trick.
There may be other factors involved here as well, at least the fix was found! #:)
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 29, 2018, 05:59:51 AM
I'm not sure when your security app was last updated ...

Jan 8, 2018 to ver 5.0.38.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Tuicemen on January 29, 2018, 06:17:59 AM
I'm wondering if with Authinx's wanting to make this as quick and easy to setup, is what the security app isn't liking. It basically sends your Wi-Fi info to it as soon as the WM100 comes online.
I fired off an email to Authinx stating you found the issue so it can get relayed to the developer. I'm not sure if that will result in any changes in the apps setup routine. But at least they are aware of the issue.
Title: Re: Totally screwed up my phone's WiFi -- HELP
Post by: Walt2 on January 29, 2018, 06:54:01 AM
I can mention that GE does something very similar.   Yea, there are some details that are a bit different, like the GE app uses the camera to read a bar code located on the GE Connect module, instead of a QR code.  But I think overall, it going thru the same actions.

One difference is that the GE doesn't try to hide what it is doing.   It tells you that is temporarily disconnecting from your home WiFi network.   It tells you it is connecting to the GE Connect module.   Matter of fact, if it fails to connect, it will prompt you to manually look for a local WiFi network called GE-serialnumber and have your phone connect to it, and then proceed/continue with the rest of the setup.   Of course, once it is all setup, you'll never see the GE-serialnumber network again.

I have done this for a couple of different GE Connect modules (different GE appliances), and never had a problem with the Security app.   So, IMHO, it is possible, and that's the point I am making here.

BTW, this morning I was talking with a good friend, and he had similar problems but with the AT&T version of some security app (EDIT:  Lookout?).   He couldn't even complete the CM100 setup using his phone.  His solution was to use a tablet, he also has, for the setup, and is now OK.