How to find out if your Wi-Fi network is 2.4 or 5 GHz – check in 2 minutes

You've connected to Wi-Fi, but you don't know if the network is working at the frequency you're using. 2.4 GHz or 5 GHzThis information is critical if your device doesn't support 5 GHz, but your router broadcasts both networks under the same name. Or vice versa: you want to connect to the faster 5 GHz network, but aren't sure if it's available at your access point.

The problem is that most modern routers by default combine 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under one SSID (network name), and devices automatically select a frequency. This is convenient, but it takes away control. In this article, we'll look at 5 reliable ways Determine Wi-Fi frequency - from built-in Windows and Android tools to channel analysis using specialized programs.

Spoiler: If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), it can also work at a frequency 6 GHz — but that's a separate story, which we'll also touch on. For now, let's start with the basics: how to distinguish 2.4 from 5 GHz without technical knowledge.

1. Checking Wi-Fi frequency on Windows 10/11 (without programs)

The fastest way for laptop or PC owners with Wi-Fi adapter — Use built-in Windows tools. There's no need to download third-party software if you only need the basic information.

Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterClick on the name of your Wi-Fi network (next to "Connections"). In the window that opens, click the button Wireless Network Information.

In the column Radio Type (Radio Type) you will see one of two values:

• 📡 802.11n or 802.11g — the network operates on 2.4 GHz.
• 🚀 802.11a, 802.11ac or 802.11ax — network on 5 GHz (or 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E).

Disadvantage of this method: Windows does not always display the frequency correctly if the router uses Smart Connect (automatic switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz under one name). In this case, proceed to the next methods.

2. Determining the frequency via the command line (CMD)

For those who prefer console commands, there is a way through CMDIt works even if the Windows GUI does not show the frequency.

Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and run the command:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Find the line in the results Radio Type (Radio Type). There will be the same designations as in the first method: 802.11n (2.4 GHz) or 802.11ac (5 GHz). Also, pay attention to the line "Channel":

• 📶 Channels 1–13 - This 2.4 GHz.
• 🔝 Channels 36–165 - This 5 GHz.

What to do if CMD shows both radio types?

This means your adapter supports both frequencies, but is currently connected to one of them. To find out the current frequency, look at the "Channel" line—it will indicate the actual connection.

If there is no channel information in the command output, your network may be using dynamic frequency (DFSS) or hide information. In this case, analysis using third-party tools will help.

3. Android and iOS Apps: How to Find Your Wi-Fi Frequency

Built-in tools on smartphones usually don't show network frequency. But there are free apps that do this in seconds.

For Android We recommend:

• 📱 WiFi Analyzer (from VREM Software Development) - shows channels, signal strength and frequency.
• 🔍 NetSpot — scans networks and sorts them by frequencies (2.4/5/6 GHz).

For iPhone will fit:

• 🍎 AirPort Utility (built into iOS, but needs to be enabled in settings).
• 📊 WiFi SweetSpots — displays Wi-Fi channels and standards.

How to use: Open the app, find your network in the list, and look at the column "Frequency" or "Gang" (Band). If it is indicated there 5 GHz - you are connected to a fast network. If 2.4 GHz - to a slower, but longer-range one.

Important: On some models iPhone Apps (especially older ones) may not display the frequency due to iOS limitations. In this case, check your router settings.

4. View the frequency in the router settings

If the previous methods don't work, check your router's web interface. This is a versatile method that will show not only the current frequency but also all available networks.

Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The default login and password are indicated on the device sticker (most often admin/admin).

The further path depends on the router model:

If in the router settings the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks are combined under one name (Smart Connect), you will see one network marked 2.4G/5GIn this case, the current frequency can only be determined from the client device (see methods 1–3).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) the frequency can be displayed implicitly - in the form of supported standards (802.11ac = 5 GHz). If you are not sure, look at the channel number (1–13 = 2.4 GHz, 36–165 = 5 GHz).

5. Analysis of Wi-Fi networks using specialized programs

For advanced users who need detailed information about all the networks around them, programs like inSSIDer, Acrylic Wi-Fi or WiresharkThey show not only the frequency, but also channel load, signal strength, and even router models.

Let's look at an example inSSIDer (there is a free version):

1. Download and install the program from official website.
2. Start scanning (button Start).
3. Find your network in the list. In the column "Band" the frequency will be indicated.
4. Pay attention to the column "Channel" - it will confirm the frequency (for example, channel 6 = 2.4 GHz, channel 48 = 5 GHz).

The advantage of this approach is that you will see all networks around you, including hidden ones, and you'll understand how loaded your channel isThis is useful if your Wi-Fi is slow due to interference from neighbors.

Find your network in the list

View the "Band" (frequency) column

Check channel load ("Utilization")

Pay attention to the signal strength ("RSSI")-->

For Linux the utility will do iwlist (in the terminal, enter iwlist wlan0 scanning | grep Frequency). It will display the frequencies of all available networks.

6. How to find out the Wi-Fi frequency on smart devices (TV, printers, cameras)

Smartphones and laptops aren't the only devices connected to Wi-Fi. What should you do if you need to check your Wi-Fi frequency? Smart TV, IP cameras or printer?

The universal way is to go to the network settings on the device itself:

• 📺 Samsung/LG TVs: Settings → Network → Network StatusLook for the line "Frequency" or "Band".
• 🖨️ HP/Canon Printers: Print the network report (Settings → Network Report).
• 📹 IP cameras: In the camera's web interface, go to Network → Wi-Fi.

If the device does not show the frequency, connect to it from your phone or laptop and use the methods from the previous sections. For example, in WiFi Analyzer On Android, you can see what frequency each device on your network is connected to.

⚠️ Attention: Some smart devices (especially older models) work only on 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts a 5 GHz signal, these devices won't connect. Check your router settings and enable 2.4 GHz support if necessary.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Frequencies

My router supports 5 GHz, but my devices only connect to 2.4 GHz. Why?

Possible reasons:

1. It's enabled in the router settings. Smart Connect, which automatically switches devices to 2.4 GHz (for example, to save energy).
2. Your device does not support 5GHz (check specifications).
3. The 5 GHz network is disabled in the router (go to settings and enable it).
4. The 5GHz channel is congested or blocked (try changing the channel manually).

How to force a device to connect specifically to 5 GHz?

If the router distributes both networks under one name:

1. Turn it off Smart Connect in the router settings.
2. Separate networks by giving them different names (eg. MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).
3. On your device, manually select the network marked 5G.

If there is only one network, but the device is stubborn, try:

• Forget the network and reconnect.
• Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver (on PC).
• Change the 5 GHz channel in the router (for example, from 36 to 48).

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi frequency on MacOS?

Yes. Hold down the key. Option (⌥) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. The frequency information will appear in the drop-down list (PHY Mode):

• 802.11n (2.4 GHz) or 802.11g — 2.4 GHz.
• 802.11ac or 802.11a — 5 GHz.

You can also use Wireless Diagnostics (built-in utility). Run it through Spotlight (Cmd + Space), enter Wireless Diagnostics, select Scan and find your network in the report.

What is Wi-Fi 6E and 6 GHz? How do I check for it?

Wi-Fi 6E — extension of the standard 802.11ax, which adds frequency support 6 GHzThis is a new, less congested lane that promises even greater speed and stability.

You can check for 6 GHz:

1. In the router settings (if it supports Wi-Fi 6E, there will be a section 6 GHz).
2. Through inSSIDer or NetSpot (in the column "Band" will appear 6 GHz).
3. On the device: if it supports Wi-Fi 6E, a third network will appear in the list of networks with the mark 6G.

For 2026 Wi-Fi 6E It is not yet widely available, but it is supported by flagship routers (ASUS RT-AX89X, TP-Link Archer AXE300) and new smartphones (iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S23).

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

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

• 📶 Weak signal: 5 GHz is worse at passing through walls. Check the signal strength in WiFi Analyzer (should be higher -60 dBm).
• 🔄 Congested channel: Your neighbors may be using the same channel. Change it in your router settings.
• 🖧 Narrow channel: The channel width can be set in the router. 20 MHz instead of 40/80/160 MHz. Enlarge it.
• 🔌 Adapter problems: On your PC, check your Wi-Fi driver (update it through Device Manager).

If the problem persists, try manually setting a 5GHz channel with minimal interference (such as 149 or 161).