How to change the Wi-Fi frequency on a router: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz?

Have you noticed that your Wi-Fi is slow, drops out frequently, or doesn't cover your entire apartment? One of the reasons is that you've chosen the wrong Wi-Fi network. broadcast frequencyModern routers support several ranges: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz And 6 GHz (in new models), but do not always use the optimal default. For example, 2.4 GHz It passes through walls better, but suffers from interference, and 5 GHz faster, but has a shorter range.

In this article we will look at how change Wi-Fi frequency on routers from different manufacturers, when it's really necessary, and what settings can improve the signal. We'll also find out why sometimes Automatic frequency selection (Smart Connect) works worse than manual mode — especially in apartment buildings with dozens of neighboring networks.

Why Change Your Wi-Fi Bandwidth: 3 Key Reasons

Not all internet problems can be solved by changing your frequency, but in some cases it is the only effective solution. Let's look at the main scenarios when it's worth considering switching from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa):

• 📶 Weak signal in distant rooms: If the router is in one part of the house, and in another the speed drops to zero, it is possible that 5 GHz It just doesn't reach remote devices. Switching to 2.4 GHz or setting Roaming Assist (at ASUS) may help.
• 🐢 Low speed with good signal: if there are many neighbors with networks nearby 2.4 GHz, the channel is overloaded. In this case 5 GHz or 6 GHz (if supported) will give a speed boost.
• 🎮 Lag in online games or streams: for ping-sensitive applications (eg. CS2 or Zoom) it is better to use 5 GHz — there is less interference and a more stable connection.

Before changing the frequency, check if your device supports it. For example, older smartphones (before iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S5) don't work with 5 GHz, A 6 GHz only available in flagships after 2021 (eg. iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S22).

How to find out the current Wi-Fi frequency on a router

Before changing settings, check which frequency is currently being used. There are several ways to do this:

1. Via the router's web interface: go to the control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section Wireless network (Wi-Fi) or Wireless. The range will be indicated there (Band): 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
2. On your device (Windows/macOS/Android/iOS):
   • 🪟 Windows: open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi, click on your network and view the properties. In the column Protocol will be indicated 802.11n (2.4 GHz) or 802.11ac/ax (5/6 GHz).
   • 🍎 macOS: hold down Option and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar - information about the frequency will appear.
   • 🤖 Android: use apps like WiFi Analyzer (shows frequency and channel load).

If you have dual-band router (with support for both frequencies), networks can have different names (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G) or be combined into one with technology Smart Connect (automatic frequency selection).

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the Wi-Fi frequency on a router

The process varies depending on the router model, but the general logic is the same. Below is a general algorithm with nuances for popular brands.

1. Login to the web interface

Connect to your router via cable or Wi-Fi, then:

1. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1).
2. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

2. Go to Wi-Fi settings

Find the wireless network section. Different manufacturers have different names for it:

• 🔧 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Settings or Basic Settings → Wireless Mode.
• 🔧 ASUS: Wireless Network → General.
• 🔧 Keenetic: Wi-Fi network → Access point.
• 🔧 MikroTik: Wireless → Security Profiles (frequency setting in Frequency).

3. Selecting a frequency (Band)

In your wireless network settings, find the option Band, Wireless Mode or FrequencyOptions:

• 2.4 GHz - for maximum coverage.
• 5 GHz - for speed and less interference.
• 6 GHz — only for Wi-Fi 6E (if supported).
• Auto or Smart Connect — automatic selection (not always optimal).

If you want to separate networks, turn it off Smart Connect and set up separate SSIDs for 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz.

4. Save and Reload

After changing the frequency:

1. Click Save/Apply.
2. Reboot your router (button Reboot or physical reboot).
3. Reconnect your devices to the updated network.

Check frequency support by your devices|

Remember your current settings (take a picture of the screen)|

Disable important tasks (downloads, streams)|

Please reconnect your devices after changing-->

Features for popular models

What should I do if there is no option to change the frequency in the settings?

If there is no choice in the web interface Band, this could mean:

1. Your router is single-band (for example, TP-Link TL-WR740N works only on 2.4 GHz).

2. You have old firmware - update it through the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.

3. The manufacturer has hidden the setting (rare, but it happens with operator routers, for example, from Rostelecom).

In the latter case, try resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

How to choose the optimal frequency: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz

There's no one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on your goals and circumstances. Below is a comparison of key parameters:

Recommendations for selection:

• 🏠 For a large apartment/house: use 2.4 GHz for covering + 5 GHz For high-speed devices (laptops, TVs). Set up the same SSID and a password for automatic switching.
• 🎮 For gamers/streamers: priority on 5 GHz with channel width 80 MHz or 160 MHz (if supported). Disable Smart Connectto avoid automatic switching to the loaded one 2.4 GHz.
• 📱 For older devices: leave 2.4 GHz, but choose the least loaded channel (for example, 1, 6 or 11).
• 🚀 For maximum speed: if the router and devices support Wi-Fi 6E, try it 6 GHz - there is almost no interference there.

Common Mistakes When Changing Wi-Fi Frequency

Even experienced users sometimes miss important details. Here's what can go wrong:

⚠️ Attention: If some devices stop connecting after changing the frequency, check if they support the new range. For example, Xiaomi smart light bulbs or HP printers often work only on 2.4 GHz.

• 🔌 Device incompatibility: not all gadgets support 5 GHz or 6 GHz. Please check the specifications (eg. iPhone 5S does not work with 5 GHz).
• 📡 Wrong channel: even in the range 5 GHz channels may overlap. Use 36, 40, 44, 48 (DFS) or 149–165 (less busy).
• 🔒 Different passwords for networks: if you split 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, but set different passwords, the devices will not switch automatically.
• 🔄 Ignoring Smart Connect: If you leave this feature enabled, the router may choose a non-optimal frequency. For example, ASUS RT-AX88U sometimes "sticks" devices to 2.4 GHz, even if 5 GHz free.

Another typical problem is channel widthOn . 2.4 GHz better to use 20 MHz (less interference), and on 5 GHz — 40 MHz or 80 MHz (higher speed). This is a setting in the router settings. Channel Width or Channel width.

Additional settings to improve Wi-Fi

Changing the frequency is only part of the optimization process. To maximize signal performance, pay attention to these parameters:

• 📌 Channel selection: Manually set the least loaded channel (use WiFi Analyzer for analysis). On 2.4 GHz avoid channels 5–10 - they overlap with the neighboring ones.
• 🔗 MoCA or PowerlineIf your Wi-Fi isn't reaching far rooms, consider adapters. Powerline (Internet transmission via electrical wiring) or MoCA (via coaxial cable).
• 📡 Mesh systems: for a large house it is better to use mesh routers (for example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest WiFi), than trying to "stretch" 2.4 GHz.
• 🛡️ Security: turn on WPA3 (if supported) and disable legacy protocols (WEP, WPA). This does not affect the frequency, but improves protection.

If you have dual-band router, but the devices do not switch between frequencies, check the settings Band Steering (at TP-Link) or Smart Connect (at ASUS). Sometimes it helps to disable this feature and set separate names for networks (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

How to enable 160 MHz on 5 GHz for maximum speed?

To activate channel width 160 MHz on 5 GHz (available in Wi-Fi 5/6):

1. Go to your Wi-Fi router settings.

2. Find the parameter Channel Width or Channel width.

3. Select 160 MHz (may be called 80+80 MHz or Auto 20/40/80/160 MHz).

4. Save and reboot the router.

⚠️ Please note that not all devices support 160 MHz, and in densely populated areas such a wide channel can create interference for neighbors.

What to do if Wi-Fi performance worsens after changing the frequency

Sometimes changing settings can backfire: speed drops, connections drop, or devices fail to connect. Let's look at common issues and solutions.

⚠️ Attention: If after switching to 5 GHz If the internet connection has disappeared on some devices, check if they are using a fixed IP or MAC address from the old network. Reset the network settings on the device or reassign a static IP.

If problems persist, try:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10–15 seconds).
2. Update the router firmware via the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
3. Reduce transmit power (Transmit Power) to 75% - This can reduce interference.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi frequencies

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

Yes, if your router is dual-band. You can:

• Combine networks under one name (Smart Connect).
• Separate them (eg. MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

The second option gives more control, but requires manual connection to the desired network.

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

This is possible in three cases:

1. Weak signal 5 GHz (the device is far from the router).
2. Channel 5 GHz overloaded (try changing it to 149–165).
3. The device does not support MIMO or 802.11ac/ax (check specifications).

How to enable 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) on a router?

To activate 6 GHz need to:

1. Make sure your router supports it Wi-Fi 6E (For example, ASUS RT-AX89X, TP-Link Archer AXE75).
2. Update the firmware to the latest version.
3. In the Wi-Fi settings, select the range 6 GHz (may be called Wi-Fi 6E or AX 6GHz).
4. Set channel width 160 MHz for maximum speed.

Please note that 6 GHz has an even smaller range than 5 GHz, and is only supported by new devices (eg. iPhone 13+, Samsung Galaxy S21+).

Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi frequency on a phone or laptop?

No, The Wi-Fi frequency is determined by the router., not the client device. However, you can:

• Select a network manually 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, if they are separated.
• Disable Smart Connect on the router so that the device does not switch automatically.

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

Most smart home devices (Xiaomi, Tuya, Philips Hue) are working only on 2.4 GHzIf you use 5 GHz or 6 GHz, they won't connect. Solutions:

• Divide the nets and leave 2.4 GHz included.
• Use a separate router or guest network for smart devices.