How to change the Wi-Fi frequency on iPhone: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz

• 🌐 Enter the router's address in the browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔐 Log in (login/password is usually on the router sticker).
• 📋 Find the section Connected devices or Wireless Clients — the range for each gadget will be indicated there.

Method 1: Separating networks on a router (recommended)

The most reliable method is to configure the router so that the network 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz were broadcast under by different names (SSID). Then iPhone will be able to connect to the required frequency manually.

Instructions for popular routers:

Router brand	Path to settings	Parameter for separating SSIDs
TP-Link	Basic → Wireless	Disable Enable Smart Connect
ASUS	Wireless → General	Choose Separate V Band Selection
Keenetic	Wi-Fi → Hotspot	Disable Combining ranges
MikroTik	Wireless → Security Profiles	Create separate profiles for 2GHz And 5GHz

After split:

1. On iPhone go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Select a network with a postfix _2G or _5G (For example, MyWiFi_5G).
3. Enter the password and connect.

Make sure your router supports both bands|

Disable Smart Connect or Band Steering

Come up with unique names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz|

Save settings and reboot the router-->

What should I do if my router does not support SSID separation?

If your router doesn't allow you to separate networks (for example, older models from your provider), try:

1. Update the router firmware through the manufacturer's official website.

2. Buy a more modern router with support Wi-Fi 6 (For example, Xiaomi AX3600 or Tenda AC10U).

3. Use alternative methods (see Methods 2 and 3 below).

Method 2: Force connection via "Forget network"

If the router does not separate the networks, but you know that the desired range is available (for example, 5 GHz (for high-speed internet), you can try resetting the connection:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the symbol ⓘ near your network.
3. Select Forget this network and confirm.
4. Turn it off iPhone from all networks and reboot it.
5. Turn on Wi-Fi and wait 10-15 seconds - sometimes iOS connects to an alternative range.

This method does not always work because iOS can choose again 2.4 GHz by default. However, in some cases it helps, especially if the network 5 GHz less busy.

Method 3: Using Force Selection Apps

IN App Store There are apps that allow you to manually select a Wi-Fi frequency, bypassing restrictions. iOS. For example:

• 📲 WiFi Master - shows available networks with the range and allows you to connect to a specific frequency.
• 🔧 Network Analyzer - analyzes surrounding networks and helps select the least loaded channel.
• 🛠 AirPort Utility (official from Apple) - for advanced users (requires enabling the mode) Wi-Fi Scanner through Settings → AirPort Utility → Wi-Fi Scanner).

Example of working with WiFi Master:

1. Download and open the application.
2. Click Scan - a list of networks with marks will be displayed 2.4G or 5G.
3. Select the desired network and connect to it.

Method 4: Setting frequency priority via a configuration profile

For advanced users there is a way to create configuration profilewhich will force iPhone Prioritize a specific frequency. This doesn't work on all models, but it can help in some cases.

Instructions:

1. Download the utility on your Mac or PC Apple Configurator 2 (free in Mac App Store).
2. Create a new profile and select Wi-Fi in the settings list.
3. Please specify SSID your network and in the field Security Type select WPA2/WPA3 Personal.
4. In the section Advanced add parameter Roaming with meaning Disabled (This will reduce the likelihood of automatic switching between frequencies).
5. Export your profile and send it to iPhone (for example, through AirDrop or mail).
6. On iPhone open the profile file and install it in Settings → General → VPN and device management.
Risks of using configuration profiles

An incorrectly configured profile may result in:

- Loss of Wi-Fi connection.

- Conflicts with other networks.

- Increase in mobile traffic consumption.

You can delete your profile in Settings → General → Profiles.

Common problems and solutions

When changing the Wi-Fi frequency iPhone Errors may occur. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔄 iPhone won't connect to 5GHz:
  • Check if yours supports it iPhone 5 GHz (all models starting from iPhone 5 support).
  • Make sure that the router is in the enabled mode. 802.11a/n/ac/ax (in wireless network settings).
  • Try changing the channel 5 GHz on the router (for example, from 36 to 44).
• 📶 Weak signal at 5 GHz:
  • Move the router closer to iPhone or use repeater (signal repeater).
  • Change the antennas on the router (if they are removable).
• ⚠️ After changing the frequency, the Internet disappeared.:
  • Check that the router is enabled for the selected range. DHCP (automatic IP acquisition).
  • Reboot your router and iPhone.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers from providers (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) Wi-Fi settings may be limited. In this case, please contact support or request access to advanced settings.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to manually select a Wi-Fi channel on an iPhone (for example, 6 instead of 11)?

No, iOS does not allow you to select a specific channel manually. This setting is only configured on the router side. You can change the channel in the router's web interface (section Wireless Settings), A iPhone connect to it automatically.

Why is my iPhone 13 Pro connecting to 2.4GHz when 5GHz is free?

It has to do with the algorithm. Band Steering on the router that's trying to "balance" the load. To fix:

1. Turn it off Band Steering in the router settings.
2. Or separate networks 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz to different SSID (see Method 1).

Will there be a difference in speed if I force 5GHz?

Yes, but only if:

• Your tariff plan supports speeds above 100 Mbps.
• The router is located nearby iPhone (within 10-15 meters without obstacles).
• Net 5 GHz not overloaded with other devices.

Otherwise, the difference will be minimal or negative (due to weak signal).

Can you use both bands at the same time on iPhone?

No, iPhone can only connect to one frequency at a time. However, some routers (with Wi-Fi 6) support technology Dual Band Simultaneous, which automatically switches the device between ranges without breaking the connection.

Why did the 5 GHz network become worse after updating iOS?

Sometimes updates iOS are making changes to Wi-Fi control algorithms. Try:

• Reset network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset network settings).
• Update the router firmware.
• Disable the feature Private Wi-Fi Address in network settings (may cause conflicts).