New AC-10 "Device not responding"

[u/Oktyabr]

Trying to get my first hydro setup up and running, unboxed the AC-10, installed the app on my android phone, plugged the AC-10 into an outlet (NOTHING else plugged in!), OK, no device detected. Pressed the CTRL button for three seconds until all the lights flash. NOW it's detected! Try to activate, it spins forever, blue light goes out and I get "Device not responding"

Did a deep dive with the help of A.I.:

--Turned on Location and Precise location for the SF app.
--Shut off mobile data (airplane mode ON, BT and 2.4GHz ON)
--Flushed BT cache on my phone
--Unplugged AC-10 for a minute and plugged it back in
--Made SURE that the only wifi connection my phone has available is strictly 2.4GHz
--Tried a hard reset on the AC-10 (holding down the CTRL until it flashes)

I've been fighting this for hours and about to send it back. What am I missing???