How to determine whether your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz – 8 working methods

You've connected to your home network, but you don't know if it's working on the right frequency. 2.4 GHz or 5 GHzThis information is critical if your devices are slowing down, losing connection, or can't connect to certain gadgets (for example, smart bulbs that only support 2.4 GHz). The difference between frequencies is not only in speed, but also in coverage range, resistance to interference and even compatibility with technology.

In this article you will find 8 proven methodsHow to determine the Wi-Fi frequency on any device—from a smartphone to a smart TV. We'll explore the built-in tools. Windows 10/11, macOS, Android And iOSWe'll also show you how to find the frequency directly on your router (even if you don't have access to its settings). Plus, we'll explain why your network sometimes "jumps" between frequencies and how to control it.

Don't have time to read everything? Use quick checklist below to jump directly to the desired method:

1. How to find the Wi-Fi frequency on Windows 10 and 11

Operating systems Windows 10 And Windows 11 Network frequency information is hidden deep within network settings. But it can be accessed in 30 seconds—without installing any third-party software.

The method works for all versions of Windows, starting from 1803 (April 2018 Update). If you have an older version, update your system or use the alternative methods in this article.

Open Settings (Win + I) → Network & Internet | Go to Wi-Fi → click on your network name | Scroll down to the Properties block | Find the line Network band (it will be 2.4 or 5 GHz) -->

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Click Win + Ito open Settings.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click on your network name (under "Connected").
4. Scroll down to the block Properties.
5. Find the line Network range - it will be indicated there 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

If the line Network range absent, then:

• 🔹 Your Wi-Fi adapter does not support 5 GHz (relevant for older laptops).
• 🔹 The router is configured to automatically select the frequency (see section on router settings).
• 🔹 You have a hybrid network with the same name for 2.4 and 5 GHz (see section on smart grids).

⚠️ Attention: In some Windows 10 builds (for example, LTSC) the "Properties" section of the network may be missing. In this case, use command line method.

2. Determine the Wi-Fi frequency via the command line (CMD)

If the Windows GUI does not show the frequency, it will help command lineThis method is universal and works even on server versions of Windows.

You will need just one command:

netsh wlan show interfaces

What to do:

1. Open the command prompt: press Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Paste the command above and press Enter.
3. Find the line Channel (channel) in the output. Channel numbers with 1 to 14 - This 2.4 GHz, and the channels 36–165 — 5 GHz.

Example output:

SSID Name: MyWiFi_5G
Network type: Infrastructure
...
Channel: 44
...

Here Channel: 44 means that the network is running on 5 GHz.

3. How to check the Wi-Fi frequency on a MacBook or iMac

IN macOS information about the network frequency is hidden in System monitoringTo see it, you need to hold down the key Option (⌥) when you click on the Wi-Fi icon.

Instructions:

1. Hold down the key Option (⌥) on the keyboard.
2. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. In the drop-down menu, find the line Channel (channel).

Channel decoding:

If there is no line in the menu Channel, update macOS to the latest version or use Wireless Diagnostics utility:

1. Hold Option (⌥) and click on the Wi-Fi icon.
2. Select Open Wireless Diagnostics.
3. In the window that opens, go to Window → Utilities.
4. Tab Wi-Fi Scan will show all networks and their frequencies.

⚠️ Attention: On a Mac with chips Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) utility Wireless Diagnostics may not show the frequency for some networks. In this case, use the app WiFi Explorer from the Mac App Store.

4. Checking the Wi-Fi frequency on an Android smartphone

On Android There's no universal way to find out your Wi-Fi frequency—it all depends on the operating system and shell version (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS, etc.). We've compiled methods for the most popular brands.

General method (works on 70% of devices):

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your network name.
3. Look at the line Frequency, Range or Standard.

If there is no information, try:

• 📱 Samsung (One UI): Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → ⚙️ (network settings) → Frequency.
• 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI): Long press on the network name → Manage network → Advanced → Frequency.
• 📱 Google Pixel (Stock Android): Use the app WiFi Analyzer (see below).
• 📱 Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS): Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Network Frequency.

If there is no data in the settings, install a free app WiFi Analyzer (from farproc):

1. Open the app and go to the tab Channel Graph.
2. Find your network in the list - the frequency will be indicated next to the name.
3. Colors: blue — 2.4 GHz, red/orange — 5 GHz.

What to do if WiFi Analyzer does not show the frequency?

Some routers hide frequency information for security reasons. In this case:

1. Connect to another network (for example, a guest network) and check its frequency.

2. Use a second smartphone or laptop to check.

3. Go to your router settings (see next section).

5. How to find the Wi-Fi frequency on an iPhone or iPad

iOS doesn't provide the user with direct access to Wi-Fi frequency information. However, there are workarounds, ranging from hidden settings to third-party apps.

Method 1: Using the Airport Utility app (Apple's official method)

1. Download Airport Utility from the App Store (free).
2. Open the app, go to Wi-Fi Scan (in the top menu).
3. Tap Scan - after a few seconds a list of networks with frequency indication will appear (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

Method 2: Via Wi-Fi Diagnostics (hidden function)

This method works on iOS 14 and later:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the icon ℹ️ near your network.
3. Scroll down and click Wi-Fi diagnostics (you may be asked to enter a password).
4. Find the line in the report Channel - determine the frequency by the channel number (see table for macOS).

If none of the methods worked, use cloud service:

• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi from a laptop or other device and check the frequency there.
• 🌐 Check the frequency with your provider (for example, in your personal account) Rostelecom or Beeline (the network type is often indicated).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhones with iOS 17 and later, Apple has restricted access to frequency information for third-party apps. If knowing the frequency is critical (for example, to set up a smart home system), use an Android device or laptop.

6. How to find the Wi-Fi frequency in the router settings

The most reliable way is to go to router web interface and view your wireless network settings. This works even if your device doesn't display the frequency.

Universal instructions:

1. Find out your router's IP address:
   • On Windows: ipconfig in CMD → line Main gateway.
   • On macOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP.
   • On Android/iOS: Look at the sticker on the back of the router.

Enter your IP address into your browser's address bar (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).

Go to the section Wi-Fi, Wireless or Wireless network.

Find the settings for 2.4GHz And 5GHz - it will indicate whether they are enabled and what names (SSIDs) they use.

Examples for popular routers:

If there is an option in the router settings Smart Connect or Band Steering, Means:

• 🔄 The router automatically switches devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz.
• 🔄 The frequency for a specific device can only be found on the device itself (see previous sections).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, from providers MTS or Beeline) Access to frequency settings may be blocked. In this case, please contact technical support or use alternative methods.

7. What to do if the network has the same name for 2.4 and 5 GHz

Many modern routers use technology Smart Connect (or Band Steering), when 2.4 and 5 GHz networks are combined under a single name (SSID). In this case, the device itself chooses which frequency to connect to. But how do you know which frequency it has selected?

Methods of determination:

• 📶 On Windows/macOS: Use methods from Section 1 or Section 3.
• 📱 On Android/iOS: Install a Wi-Fi analyzer app (e.g. WiFi Analyzer or NetSpot).
• 🖥️ Via router: Smart Connect settings sometimes include a list of connected devices with their frequency.
• 🔄 Forced connection: Disable 5 GHz in your router settings - if the device remains online, it was on 2.4 GHz (and vice versa).

How to disable Smart Connect (if you need to separate networks):

1. Go to your router settings (see Section 6).
2. Find the option Smart Connect, Band Steering or Smart connection.
3. Disable it and assign different names (SSID) for 2.4 and 5 GHz (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).
4. Save your settings and reconnect to the desired network.

8. Checking the Wi-Fi frequency on smart TVs and set-top boxes

Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony), prefixes (Apple TV, Xiaomi Mi Box) and game consoles (PS5, Xbox) also connect to Wi-Fi, but they don't always display its frequency. Here's how to find it:

For Samsung TVs (Tizen OS):

1. Open Settings → General → Network → Open network settings.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Additional settings → Network information.
4. Find the line Frequency or Band.

For LG TVs (webOS):

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection.
2. Select your network and click Additionally.
3. In the section Technical information the frequency will be indicated.

For Apple TV:

• 🍎 Go to Settings → Network.
• Select your Wi-Fi network.
• There will be a line at the bottom of the screen Channel - determine the frequency by the number (see table).

For game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S):

• 🎮 On PlayStation 5: Settings → Network → Connection Status → View network details → line Frequency.
• 🎮 On Xbox: Settings → General → Network settings → Advanced settings → Network statistics.

⚠️ Attention: Some TV models (especially budget ones) may not display frequency information. In this case, connect a laptop or smartphone to the same network and check the frequency there.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Frequencies

Can one device use 2.4 and 5 GHz at the same time?

No, the device only connects to one frequency at a time. However, some routers with Smart Connect Automatically switch devices between frequencies to optimize speed and stability.

Why can't my device see the 5GHz network?

Possible reasons:

• 📵 Your Wi-Fi adapter does not support 5 GHz (relevant for older laptops and smartphones).
• 🔄 The 5 GHz band is disabled in the router settings.
• 📡 The 5GHz network has a different SSID (name), and you are connected to 2.4GHz.
• 🛡️ In some countries (for example, in Russia until 2026), some 5 GHz channels were banned - update your router firmware.

How to force connection to 2.4 or 5 GHz?

There are 3 ways:

1. If the networks are separated: connect to the desired SSID (e.g. MyWiFi_2G or MyWiFi_5G).
2. If the networks are combined: disable the unnecessary range in the router settings (see Section 6).
3. On Android: Use the app WiFi Managerto manually select the frequency.

What frequency is best for a smart home (lamps, sockets, cameras)?

Most smart home devices (Xiaomi, Tuya, Aqara) are working only on 2.4 GHz. Exceptions:

• 💡 Some models Philips Hue And Nanoleaf support 5 GHz.
• 📹 Cameras Eufy And Arlo can use both ranges.

If your router uses Smart Connect, create separate network for 2.4 GHz specially for smart devices.

Why is the speed on 5 GHz slower than on 2.4 GHz?

It's paradoxical, but it happens. Possible reasons:

• 📶 Weak 5 GHz signal (this range penetrates walls worse).
• 🔄 Channel overload (check in WiFi Analyzer, how many networks use the same channel).
• 🖥️ Outdated router firmware or Wi-Fi adapter driver.
• 🛡️ A narrow channel width is selected in the router settings (for example, 20 MHz instead of 80 MHz).

Solution: change the channel to a less busy one (for example, from 36 to 48) or update the firmware.