YoLink US vs EU Server: Key Differences and Which to Choose

If you’re setting up a YoLink smart home system, one detail you might overlook is which server region you’re connecting to US or EU. But it matters more than you might think. This guide explains the difference between the two, the pros and cons of each, and whether users in one region can connect to the other.

What’s the Difference Between YoLink’s US and EU Servers

YoLink runs separate servers in different regions, primarily the United States and the European Union. These servers handle all communication between your YoLink devices and the YoLink app and cloud integrations.

The server you use depends on which region you choose during initial setup. It’s not automatically based on your physical location, but selecting the correct one is important for performance, data compliance, and integration compatibility.

Pros and Cons of Each Server

US Server

• Pros:
  • Works with third-party services like IFTTT, Alexa, and Google Home without limitations.
  • Access to the latest features and updates.
  • Larger user base and community support.
• Cons:
  • Slower response times if you’re located in Europe due to geographical distance.
  • Data is stored outside the EU, which may raise privacy concerns for some users.
  • Does not not comply with GDPR regulations in a business or enterprise setting. This isn’t a problem for private home users

EU Server

• Pros:
  • Faster response times for users in Europe.
  • Data stored in the EU complies with GDPR compliance.
• Cons:
  • Limited compatibility with some third party integrations (e.g. no IFTTT support at the time of writing).
  • New features and firmware updates can take a bit longer to appear. Although, this can be seen as a benefit as US users would have tested first, so less likely to have bugs and issues
  • Smaller user base, so fewer community resources.

Can EU Users Connect to the US Server, and Vice Versa

Technically, yes. You can select either the US or EU server during the initial setup of your YoLink app, regardless of where you’re physically located. However, once selected, you cannot switch servers later without resetting all devices and starting from scratch. The app and your devices are locked to the server you originally chose.

This means:

• A UK user can choose the US server if they want full integration support.
• A US user can pick the EU server if they prefer

But be aware: you can’t mix devices across regions. Devices tied to the US server won’t talk to those on the EU server, even if they’re in the same home.

Does YoLink Smart Device Frequency Affect Server Choice

In a word, No

YoLink smart devices use sub GHz radio frequencies to communicate with their hubs, and these frequencies differ between regions due to local laws and regulations.

US devices operate on 915 MHz.

EU devices use 868 MHz.

The frequencies used by YoLink smart devices does not affect which servers can be used. Server selection is separate from device frequency.

What Should You Choose

If you’re in the UK or Europe and plan to use voice assistants or third party services like IFTTT, the US server may be the better choice, as long as you’re OK with your data being stored outside the EU.

If speed, local data laws, and privacy are more important, and you don’t need those integrations, then the EU server is the safer option.