How to check your Wi-Fi's GHz: 2.4 or 5 — all the methods

Have you ever noticed that your Wi-Fi is blazing fast, then suddenly starts to slow down for no apparent reason? Most often, the problem lies in broadcast frequency — 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. These two bands differ dramatically in speed, range, and resistance to interference. But how do you know which one you're connected to right now? And most importantly, how do you check? What frequency does your router support??

In this article we will look at all current methods Checking the Wi-Fi frequency on any device: from smartphones to Android And iOS to laptops with Windows or macOSYou will also learn how to make the router show 2.4 and 5 GHz networks separately (this solves 90% of problems with automatic switching) and why sometimes Even modern gadgets stubbornly cling to the outdated 2.4 GHz range, although there is a free 5 GHz band nearby.

Spoiler: in 80% of cases, users don't even suspect that their device switches between frequencies on its own — and this is the main reason for unstable internet. Let's fix it!

1. What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – which is better to choose?

Before checking the frequency, let's figure it out, Why is this necessary?The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are like two different roads: one wide but clogged with cars, the other narrow but almost empty.

• 📶 2.4 GHz: range up to 50-70 meters indoors, but highly susceptible to interference (microwaves, neighboring networks, Bluetooth devices). Maximum speed - up to 150-300 Mbps (in theory).
• 🚀 5 GHz: range 20-30 meters, but less interference and speed up to 1 Gbps (on modern routers). Ideal for online gaming and 4K streaming.

It would seem that 5 GHz is the clear winner. But there are some nuances:

When to choose 2.4 GHz:

• 🏠 Large apartment/house where space is important stability at a distance.
• 📱 Old smartphones (iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy S3 and others).
• 🔌 Smart devices (lamps, sockets, cameras) - many work only on 2.4 GHz.

When to choose 5 GHz:

• 🎮 Online gaming, video calls, 4K/8K streaming.
• 💻 Modern laptops and smartphones (released after 2016).
• 🏢 Office or apartment with a large number of neighbors (less interference).

⚠️ Note: Some routers (especially budget ones) automatically combine 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under one name (SSID). This results in devices choosing their own band, which is often suboptimal. More details on this in the router settings section.

2. How to check Wi-Fi frequency on Windows 10/11

On computers with Windows There are several ways to find out your current connection frequency. The easiest one is through task manager:

1. Click Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager.
2. Go to the tab Performance → Wi-Fi.
3. In the upper right corner you will see a line Connection indicating the standard (for example, 802.11ac - this is 5 GHz, 802.11n — can be both 2.4 and 5 GHz).

If this method doesn't work (for example, you have an older version of Windows), use command line:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Find the line in the results Radio type (Radio Type):

• 802.11n — it can be both 2.4 and 5 GHz (additional verification is needed).
• 802.11ac or 802.11ax - exactly 5 GHz.
• 802.11g or 802.11b - only 2.4 GHz.

For 802.11n specify the frequency like this:

netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid

There will be a column in the output Channel (channel). If the channel number from 1 to 13 - it's 2.4 GHz if from 36 to 165 — 5 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 The Task Manager interface has changed - frequency data can be displayed in the section Wi-Fi → IntelligenceIf there is no information, use PowerShell with the team Get-NetAdapter | Where-Object {$_.MediaType -eq "Native 802.11"} | Select-Object Name, MediaSubType.

Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)|Check the "Performance" tab → "Wi-Fi"|Use the command netsh wlan show interfaces|For 802.11n, specify the channel (1-13 = 2.4 GHz, 36-165 = 5 GHz)-->

3. Checking the frequency on MacOS (MacBook, iMac)

On MacOS The easiest way to find out your Wi-Fi frequency is through Wireless Diagnostics utility:

1. Hold Option (Alt) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the top bar.
2. Select Open Wi-Fi diagnostics (Open Wireless Diagnostics).
3. In the window that opens, go to the menu Window → Scanner (Window → Scan).
4. Find your network in the list and look at the column Channel (channel).

An alternative way is through Terminal:

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.Framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I

Find the line in the output channelThe rules are the same: 1-13 — 2.4 GHz, 36+ — 5 GHz.

If you have MacBook Pro/Air with a chip M1/M2, you can use and System Information application:

1. Open About this Mac → System Report.
2. Go to the section Net → Wi-Fi.
3. Find the field PHY Mode - if there 802.11ac or 802.11ax, this is 5 GHz.

4. How to find out the Wi-Fi frequency on an Android smartphone

On Android There is no universal method - it all depends on the OS version and manufacturer. But there is 3 reliable methods:

Method 1: Via Settings (for stock Android and some brands)

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your network name (do not reconnect!).
3. Look at the line Frequency, Speed or Standard.

On Samsung, Xiaomi And OnePlus the path may differ. For example, on Samsung Galaxy:

Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → ⚙️ (network settings) → Advanced

Method 2: Wi-Fi Analysis Apps

If there is no data in the settings, install one of these apps (free versions are sufficient):

• 📊 WiFi Analyzer (from farproc) - shows channels and frequencies.
• 🔍 Network Analyzer — detailed information about the network, including the range.
• 📶 WiFi Scanner (requires root on some devices).

IN WiFi Analyzer:

1. Open the tab List of access points (AP List).
2. Find your network in the column Freq there will be a frequency (for example, 2412 = 2.4 GHz, 5180 = 5 GHz).

Method 3: Through the engineering menu (for advanced users)

On some smartphones (eg. Xiaomi, Realme) you can go to engineering menu:

##4636##

Next, select Wi-Fi Information (Wi-Fi Information) - there will be a line Frequency.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ Access to the engineering menu may be blocked. Do not change settings in this menu unless you are sure of their purpose!

Why doesn't Android show the frequency in the settings?

Many manufacturers (for example, Huawei, Oppo) deliberately hide technical details to "simplify" the interface. This is a marketing ploy so that users aren't "scared" by terms like "5 GHz" or "802.11ac." However, this creates problems when troubleshooting a network.

5. Checking Wi-Fi frequency on iPhone and iPad

Apple traditionally limits access to technical information, so iPhone or iPad find out the Wi-Fi frequency It is impossible without additional devicesBut there are workarounds:

Method 1: Via a router (recommended)

The most reliable method is to go to your router settings and see what frequency your device is connected to. This is covered in more detail in the next section.

Method 2: Airport Utility app (only for some router models)

If you have a router Apple AirPort, install the official app Airport Utility and check the frequency there. This method won't work for other routers.

Method 3: Speed ​​analysis (indirect method)

Run a speed test (for example, via Speedtest) and compare the results:

• 🐢 Up to 100 Mbps - most likely 2.4 GHz.
• 🚀 Over 200 Mbps - almost exactly 5 GHz.

This is not a 100% method, but it gives an approximate understanding.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ Even apps from the App Store can't access Wi-Fi frequency information—this is a limitation of the operating system itself. If knowing the range is critical to you, use Android-device or laptop.

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

If the device fails to determine the range, it remains log into the router's web interfaceThis is a universal method that works for any model - from TP-Link to ASUS.

Step 1: Login to the control panel

1. Find out the IP address of your router. This is usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1 (look at the sticker on the body).
2. Enter the address in your browser (for example, http://192.168.0.1).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password).

Step 2: Finding Frequency Information

The interface varies by manufacturer. Examples for popular brands:

Step 3: Checking connected devices

Most routers have a section DHCP or Connected Devices (Connected devices). There you can see what frequency each device is connected to. For example, in TP-Link:

Advanced → Status → Wireless

⚠️ Attention: If your router settings are set to 2.4 and 5 GHz networks united under one name (SSID), the devices will automatically switch between them. To avoid this, divide the networks - give them different names (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

Go to your router's control panel | Find the "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Network" section | Disable "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" | Create different names for 2.4 and 5 GHz | Save the settings and reconnect the devices -->

7. Why does the device lock onto 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz?

Even if your router supports 5GHz and your device does too, you may find that it stubbornly connects to 2.4 GHzCauses and solutions:

• 🔄 Automatic switching: Many routers (for example, ASUS with function Smart Connect) choose the range themselves. Solution: Disable this feature in settings.
• 📶 Weak 5 GHz signal: The 5 GHz band does not penetrate walls as well. Solution: Move the router closer or use Mesh system.
• 🔋 Energy saving: On smartphones (especially iPhone) a power saving mode may be enabled that prefers 2.4 GHz. Solution: Turn off low power mode.
• 🔄 Outdated Wi-Fi driver: On PC with Windows Old drivers may not support 5 GHz. Solution: Update driver via device Manager.
• 🚫 Router limitations: Some budget models (for example, TP-Link TL-WR840N) work only at 2.4 GHz. Solution: Check the router specifications on the manufacturer's website.

If you divided the networks (as described in the previous section), but the device still selects 2.4 GHz, try:

1. "Forget" the 2.4 GHz network in the device settings.
2. Connect manually to the 5 GHz network.
3. In the Wi-Fi settings on your device, disable the option Auto-connection.

How to force Windows to use 5 GHz?

IN Device Manager Find your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → AdditionallyThere may be an option there. Preferred Band or Wireless Mode. Select 5GHz only or 802.11a.

8. Additional tips for optimizing Wi-Fi

Knowing the frequency is only half the battle. For your Wi-Fi to work as efficiently as possible, use these tips:

🔹 Channel optimization

If you have 2.4 GHz, select the least loaded channel (use WiFi Analyzer for analysis). The best channels are 1, 6, 11 (they do not intersect). For 5 GHz choose channels 36-48 or 149-165 (they are less used by routers by default).

🔹 Updating your router's firmware

Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve stability and speed. Check the latest version in the section System Tools or Administration.

🔹 Configuring QoS (Quality of Service)

If you have many devices, turn on QoS in the router settings. This will allow you to prioritize traffic (for example, to give maximum speed) Zoom-call, not downloading torrents).

🔹 Using Mesh systems

If you have a large house, consider Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest WiFi). It automatically switches devices between nodes, selecting the optimal frequency.

🔹 Disabling outdated standards

Disable support in your router settings. 802.11b And 802.11g — they slow down the entire network. Leave only 802.11n (for 2.4 GHz) and 802.11ac/ax (for 5 GHz).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Bandwidth

🔍 Is it possible to use 2.4 and 5 GHz at the same time?

Yes, most modern routers support it. simultaneous work on both frequencies. You can connect some devices to 2.4 GHz (for example, smart lamps), and others to 5 GHz (a gaming laptop). The main thing is to give the networks different namesto manage the connection manually.

📱 Why can't my new smartphone detect the 5 GHz network?

There are several reasons:

1. The router is not broadcasting 5 GHz (check the settings).
2. The 5 GHz band is disabled on the smartphone (there may be an option in the Wi-Fi settings) Advanced → Wi-Fi Range).
3. Regional restrictions (in some countries, some 5 GHz channels are blocked).

Try manually specifying the 5 GHz channel in your router settings (for example, 36 or 40).

💻 How to force Windows to always use 5 GHz?

Open device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, go to Properties → AdvancedLook for parameters like:

• Preferred Band — choose 5GHz only.
• Wireless Mode — choose 802.11a (5 GHz only).
• Roaming Aggressiveness — put it Lowestto reduce automatic switching.

If there are no such options, update the adapter driver.

🌐 Does Wi-Fi frequency affect ping in games?

Yes, and very much so! 5 GHz ping usually 10-30 ms lower, because:

• Less interference from other devices.
• Higher throughput (data packets are transferred faster).
• Fewer collisions (simultaneous data transmissions).

For online games (eg. CS2, Valorant, Fortnite) always select 5 GHz if your device supports it.

🔄 Is it possible to switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz without disconnecting?

No, switching always requires reconnectionWhen you change the frequency, the device loses connection to the current network and reconnects. However, some routers (for example, ASUS With Smart Connect) do this automatically, but with a short break in connection (1-2 seconds).