The easiest way to put a Yamaha RX-V685 on Wi-Fi is the free MusicCast CONTROLLER app: tap “Setup,” follow the prompts, and hold CONNECT on the receiver’s front panel for 5 seconds when the app asks. Without the app, press SETUP on the remote and go to Network > Network Connection > Wireless(Wi-Fi). Pick “Access Point Scan,” choose your network, type the password and select CONNECT. “Completed” means you’re online.
Before you start, stand the two wireless antennas on the back of the receiver straight up. The RX-V685 works with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Yamaha lists WEP, WPA2-PSK (AES) and Mixed Mode as its supported security types, and WPA3 isn’t on that list. That matters with some newer routers (see troubleshooting below).
Before you connect: a quick checklist
- Antennas up. The same antennas handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Raise them gently; Yamaha warns that forcing them can cause damage.
- Your network name and password. Most methods ask for them. Only WPS, PIN Code and the iPhone method work without typing the password.
- TV on the receiver’s input. All the on-screen methods use the menu on the TV, which comes through the receiver’s HDMI OUT jack.
- Phone on the same Wi-Fi. For the app method, your phone must be on the network you want the receiver to join.
- Wired option. If the router is close, an Ethernet cable is simpler (see the end of this guide).
Pick the right method
| Method | Where you start | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| MusicCast CONTROLLER app | Phone or tablet | You’ll stream or control the receiver from your phone (Yamaha’s recommended method) |
| Access Point Scan | SETUP menu on the TV | You don’t want to use the app and your network name is visible |
| WPS Button | SETUP menu or front panel | Your router has a WPS button and you don’t want to type a password |
| Manual Setting | SETUP menu on the TV | Your network is hidden (it doesn’t appear in the scan) |
| Share Wi-Fi Settings (iOS) | SETUP menu plus an iPhone or iPad | You want to copy Wi-Fi settings from an Apple device (read the warning first) |
| PIN Code | SETUP menu plus your router’s admin page | Your router supports WPS PIN entry |
Method 1: Connect with the MusicCast CONTROLLER app
This method connects the receiver to Wi-Fi and adds it to the MusicCast app in one pass. Install “MusicCast CONTROLLER” from the App Store or Google Play first.
- Turn on the receiver.
- Open MusicCast CONTROLLER on your phone and tap Setup. If you already have other MusicCast devices, tap Settings, then Add New Device.
- Follow the app’s instructions until it asks you to use the receiver.
- On the receiver’s front panel, press and hold CONNECT for 5 seconds. It’s the key labeled STRAIGHT (CONNECT).
- Go back to the app and follow the remaining screens. Choose your network and enter its password when asked.
- When the app says setup is complete, the receiver is on your Wi-Fi and added to MusicCast.
After you set up Wi-Fi this way, the wireless LAN indicator on the front display lights whenever the receiver connects to a network, even if you later switch to a cable.
Method 2: Connect from the SETUP menu (Access Point Scan)
- Turn on the receiver and switch your TV to the receiver’s HDMI input.
- Press SETUP on the remote.
- Select “Network” and press ENTER.
- Select “Network Connection” and press ENTER.
- Select “Wireless(Wi-Fi)” and press ENTER, then select “OK” and press ENTER. A list of connection methods appears.
- Select “Access Point Scan” and press ENTER, then select “NEXT” and press ENTER. The receiver searches and lists nearby networks on the TV.
- Highlight your network and press ENTER to put a check mark on it. Then select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Type your Wi-Fi password (the “security key”) using the cursor keys and ENTER. Passwords are case sensitive.
- Select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Select “CONNECT” and press ENTER. When “Completed” appears on the TV, you’re connected.
- Press SETUP to close the menu.
If you see “Not connected,” start again from step 6 and check the password carefully, or try another method.
Other on-screen methods
Each of these starts from the same place: SETUP > “Network” > “Network Connection” > “Wireless(Wi-Fi)” > “OK.”
WPS Button (no password typing)
- Select “WPS Button” and press ENTER, then select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Read the note on the TV, then press the WPS button on your router.
- Select “CONNECT” and press ENTER. “Completed” appears on the front display when it’s done.
No TV handy? Hold INFO (WPS) on the receiver’s front panel for a few seconds. When the front display reads “Press WPS button on Access Point,” press WPS on the router. Yamaha notes that WPS may not work if the router uses WEP security.
Manual Setting (for hidden networks)
- Select “Manual Setting,” press ENTER, then select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Type the network name (SSID) exactly, then select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Choose the security type your router uses. The manual lists None, WEP, WPA-PSK(AES) and Mixed Mode. Then select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Type the password, then select “NEXT” and press ENTER.
- Select “CONNECT” and press ENTER, and wait for “Completed.”
Share Wi-Fi Settings (iOS)
Warning: This method also resets the receiver’s network settings, Bluetooth settings, saved shortcuts, internet radio “Favorites” and network-service account information. Use another method if you don’t want to set those up again.
You need an iPhone or iPad on iOS 7 or later that’s already on your Wi-Fi, and it won’t work with WEP security. Unplug any network cable from the receiver first. Select “Share Wi-Fi Settings (iOS),” then “NEXT” twice. On the iPhone’s Wi-Fi screen, choose the receiver as an AirPlay speaker and pick the network to share. Yamaha’s example uses iOS 10, so the screens on a newer iPhone may look different. If you can’t find the option, use Access Point Scan instead.
PIN Code
Select “PIN Code,” then “NEXT,” choose your network, and select “NEXT” again. The TV shows the receiver’s PIN. Enter that PIN in your router’s settings, then select “CONNECT” on the receiver.
Check that the receiver is really online
- Press SETUP and go to “Network” > “Information.”
- Look at “Wired/Wireless” (the connection status), “SSID” (the network it joined) and “IP Address.” Use the left and right cursor keys to page through the information.
If “IP Address” is blank or reads 0.0.0.0, the receiver didn’t get an address from the router. Try restarting the router, or set the address by hand under “Network” > “IP Address” by turning “DHCP” off.
Once you’re online, it’s a good time to check for a firmware update. Yamaha added AirPlay 2 to this model through firmware.
Troubleshooting
“Not connected” after entering the password
The password is the usual culprit. Re-enter it carefully, including capital letters. Also make sure the router is on and within range, and that the antennas are standing up.
Your network doesn’t show up in the scan
Hidden networks never appear in the list. Use Manual Setting and type the name. If the network isn’t hidden, move closer or check whether your router’s 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz networks have different names. Try the other one.
Newer router with WPA3 security
Yamaha’s spec sheet lists WEP, WPA2-PSK (AES) and Mixed Mode, but not WPA3. If your router is set to WPA3 only, the receiver likely can’t join. Switch the router to WPA2 or a WPA2/WPA3 mode, or connect the receiver with a cable.
“Please wait” stays on the front display
The receiver is getting ready to connect. If the message stays up for more than 3 minutes, Yamaha says to turn the receiver off and on again.
The MusicCast app can’t find the receiver
The receiver and your phone must be on the same network. Guest networks often keep devices from seeing each other. If you turned on “MAC Address Filter” in the Network menu, only the devices you listed can reach the receiver.
Wi-Fi keeps dropping
Yamaha notes that a wireless connection can be too unreliable for some tasks, such as network firmware updates. A wired connection is the most dependable fix. If nothing works and you’ve changed many settings, a factory reset of the RX-V685 clears the network settings so you can start clean.
Prefer a cable? Use the wired connection
Connect the receiver’s NETWORK jack to your router with a shielded (STP) CAT-5 or better straight Ethernet cable. Then set SETUP > “Network” > “Network Connection” to “Wired.” With a normal home router that hands out addresses automatically (DHCP), there’s nothing else to set.
One setting worth knowing: Network Standby
“Network Standby” (SETUP > “Network”) lets apps and other network devices turn the receiver on. It’s set to “Auto” by default. Setting it to “Off” saves a little power, but it also disables Bluetooth Standby, so your phone can’t wake the receiver over Bluetooth.
Yamaha’s manual has step-by-step pages for adding the receiver to MusicCast and for each wireless connection method.