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

Have you noticed that Wi-Fi is slowing down every now and then? Video on YouTube Is your computer loading in bursts and online games lagging, even with a high-speed plan? The problem could be your incorrectly chosen internet connection. Wi-Fi hertz (broadcast frequency). Routers of modern standards (Wi-Fi 5/6/6E) support two main frequencies: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, each with its pros and cons. The former provides wide coverage but suffers from interference, while the latter offers high speeds but is less effective at penetrating walls.

In this article we will look at how switch Wi-Fi frequency on routers of popular brands (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), when it's really necessary, and what settings will help optimize the network. We'll also find out why sometimes Automatic switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz (Smart Connect function) works worse than manual configuration — and how to fix it.

What is Wi-Fi frequency response and why should it be changed?

The term "Hz" in the context of Wi-Fi is a simplified name frequency range, which runs a wireless network. Modern routers support:

• 📡 2.4 GHz — a "long-lasting" Wi-Fi band. It bypasses obstacles well, but is overloaded (especially in apartment buildings) and limited to speeds of up to 150–300 Mbps in real conditions.
• ⚡ 5 GHz - less loaded, supports speeds up to 1 Gbps and higher (depending on the standard Wi-Fi 5/6). However, the signal passes weaker through walls and ceilings.
• 🆕 6 GHz (V Wi-Fi 6E) is a new range with minimal interference, but is currently supported by few devices.

When is it time to change the frequency converter:

• 🐢 The Internet is slow 2.4 GHz, although the speed via cable is high - switch to 5 GHz for priority devices (PCs, smart TVs, game consoles).
• 📵 Signal 5 GHz doesn't work in distant rooms - go back to 2.4 GHz or customize Mesh network.
• 🔄 Devices keep disconnecting - the router may be automatically switching bands (Smart Connect), but does so suboptimally.

It is important to understand that Not all devices support 5 GHzFor example, old smartphones (iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy S3) or "smart" gadgets (Xiaomi Mi Home, some IP cameras) only work on 2.4 GHzBefore changing the frequency, check the specifications of your devices.

How to check your current Wi-Fi frequency

Before changing the settings, make sure the issue is truly frequency-related. You can check your current hertz in several ways:

Method 1: On Windows

1. Click Win + X → select device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
3. Right click → Properties → tab Additionally.
4. Look for the parameter Preferred Band or Wireless Mode — the current range will be indicated there.

Method 2: On Android/iOS

Use Wi-Fi analyzer apps:

• 📱 WiFi Analyzer (Android) - shows the range, channel and network load.
• 🍎 AirPort Utility (iOS) - in the section Wi-Fi Scanner displays the connection frequency.

Method 3: Via the router's web interface

Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check:

• 🔧 Tab Wireless network (Wireless) → parameter Band or Frequency.
• 📊 Section Clients (Connected Devices) - there you can specify the range for each connected device.

⚠️ Attention: If in the client list some devices are connected to 2.4 GHz, and others - to 5 GHz, then the router is using Smart Connect (integrated network). In this case, changing the hertz will require disabling this function.

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

The process varies depending on the router model, but the general logic is the same: go to the wireless network settings and manually select the band. Below are instructions for popular brands.

TP-Link (Archer, Deco, TL-WR)

1. Open the web interface at tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1 (login and password are usually admin).
2. Go to Basic → Wireless.
3. If you have one network (With Smart Connect), first disable it:

   Advanced → Wireless → Disable Smart Connect

4. Now you will be able to customize 2.4GHz And 5GHz separately. Select the desired range and:
   • Please specify network name (SSID).
   • Select channel (For 5 GHz preferred 36–48 or 149–165).
   • Save settings (Save).

ASUS (RT-AX, RT-AC, ZenWiFi)

1. Go to the panel at the address router.asus.com.
2. Go to Wireless Network → General.
3. If enabled Smart Connect, disable it:

   Wireless Network → Smart Connect → Turn Off

4. Set up 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz separately:
   • For 5 GHz select mode (a/n/ac/ax for maximum compatibility).
   • Install channel width (80 MHz for speed or 40 MHz for stability).

Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Extra)

1. Login to the interface at my.keenetic.net.
2. Go to Wi-Fi network → Access point.
3. Click Add a network and select the range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
4. Set a unique network name (For example, MyWiFi_5G) and save.

MikroTik (hAP, RB)

The setup here is more complex, but more flexible:

1. Connect via WinBox or 192.168.88.1.
2. Go to Wireless → Security Profiles and create a new profile.
3. IN Wireless → Interfaces select wlan1 (usually 2.4 GHz) or wlan2 (5 GHz).
4. On the tab General please specify:

   Band: 5GHz-A/N/AC
   Mode: ap bridge
   SSID: MyWiFi_5G

⚠️ Attention: On MikroTik after changing the frequency it may be necessary reset Wi-Fi settings on client devices (forget the network and connect again).

Table: Comparison of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Parameter	2.4 GHz	5 GHz
Max. speed	To 150–300 Mbps (really)	To 866–2400 Mbps (depending on the standard)
Range	Better penetration through walls (up to 50–70 m)	Weaker penetration through obstacles (up to 20–30 m)
Interference	High (microwaves, nearby networks, Bluetooth)	Minimal (less busy)
Channels	1–13 (in Russia), overlap	36–165, do not overlap (with a width of 20/40/80 MHz)
Device support	All devices (including old ones)	Only modern (after 2012–2015)

From the table it is clear that 5 GHz wins in speed, but loses in coverage. The optimal option is use both ranges in parallel, connecting to each device depending on their capabilities and location.

Common mistakes when changing the frequency

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to drop in speed or loss of connectionLet's look at some typical mistakes:

• 🔄 Smart Connect was not disabled — the router continues to automatically switch ranges, ignoring manual settings.
• 📶 Selected a congested channel - on 2.4 GHz channels 1, 6, 11 do not overlap, but if they are occupied by neighbors, the speed drops. Use WiFi Analyzerto find a free channel.
• 🔒 Forgot to change your password? - when creating a new network (5 GHz) sometimes a default password is set (empty or 12345678).
• 📡 Incorrect channel width - on 5 GHz width 80 MHz provides maximum speed, but can cause interference. In densely populated areas, it is better to choose 40 MHz.
What should I do if the internet connection disappears after changing the hertz?

1. Reboot your router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).

2. Check that the device supports the new range (for example, older laptops may not see 5 GHz).

3. Make sure that the network name (SSID) and password are entered correctly - sometimes routers reset them when the frequency changes.

4. If used Smart Connect, try to return it and adjust the range priorities manually.

Another common problem is devices do not connect to 5 GHz, although the router is broadcasting it. Reasons:

• 📵 The range is disabled in the Wi-Fi adapter drivers 5 GHz (check in Device Manager).
• 🔧 The router uses DFC channels (50–144), which are prohibited in some countries (enable them manually if allowed).
• 🛠️ Your router firmware is outdated - update it in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.

How to optimize Wi-Fi performance after changing the hertz

Simply changing the band isn't enough—to ensure the network works reliably, you'll need to make additional adjustments:

1. Separating devices by ranges

Not all devices require 5 GHz. Optimal strategy:

• 🖥️ PCs, game consoles, smart TVs — connect to 5 GHz for maximum speed.
• 📱 Smartphones, tablets - use 5 GHz next to the router, 2.4 GHz - in the back rooms.
• 💡 Smart bulbs, sensors, IP cameras - only 2.4 GHz (most IoT devices do not support 5 GHz).

2. Setting up channels and widths

On 2.4 GHz:

• Select a channel 1, 6 or 11 (they do not overlap).
• Use channel width 20 MHz - this will reduce interference.

On 5 GHz:

• Select channels 36–48 or 149–165 (allowed in Russia).
• Channel width:
  • 80 MHz — for maximum speed (if there are few networks nearby).
  • 40 MHz — for stability in apartment buildings.

3. Updating firmware and drivers

Outdated router or Wi-Fi adapter software can limit speed or cause connection drops. Update:

• 🔄 Router firmware — download the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
• 🖥️ Wi-Fi adapter driver — for Windows, download from the website Intel, Qualcomm or Broadcom (depending on the model).

4. Checking compatibility

Some devices (especially IoT) don't work on 5 GHzIf you stop connecting after switching:

• 🔍 Check the device specifications on the manufacturer's website.
• 🔄 Return 2.4 GHz for problematic devices or configure guest network on this range.

Which is better: Smart Connect or manual setup?

Many modern routers (ASUS AiMesh, TP-Link OneMesh, Keenetic) offer a function Smart Connect - automatic switching between devices 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz Depending on the signal. It sounds convenient, but in practice it often doesn't work perfectly.

Smart Connect advantages:

• ✅ One network name (SSID) - no need to manually select a range.
• ✅ Automatic switching when the signal deteriorates.

Cons of Smart Connect:

• ❌ Sometimes it gets stuck on 2.4 GHz, even if 5 GHz available.
• ❌ Not all devices switch correctly (especially Apple And Samsung).
• ❌ There is no control over which device is connected to which band.

When to disable Smart Connect:

• 🎮 For gamers and streamers - manual connection to 5 GHz guarantees minimal delays.
• 📺 For 4K streaming — 5 GHz will ensure a stable bitrate.
• 🏠 In large homes, separate networks allow for more precise coverage adjustments.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use both ranges at the same time?

Yes, most routers support it. parallel work 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzTo do this you need:

1. Disable Smart Connect (if enabled).
2. Create two separate networks with different names (eg. MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5G).
3. Connect devices to the desired network manually.

This will allow the load to be distributed optimally.

Why didn't the speed increase after switching to 5 GHz?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📶 An overloaded channel has been selected - check the load via WiFi Analyzer.
• 🖥️ The device does not support high speeds (for example, an old laptop with Wi-Fi 4).
• 🔌 ISP limitation - check your cable speed.
• 🔧 Channel width 20 MHz instead of 40/80 MHz.

How do I know if my device supports 5GHz?

Verification methods:

• 📄 Check the specifications on the manufacturer's website (look for support 802.11a/n/ac/ax).
• 🖥️ On Windows: Device Manager → Network Adapters → Properties → Advanced → parameter Wireless Mode.
• 📱 On Android: In Wi-Fi settings, check if networks are displayed 5 GHz (usually marked 5G).

Older devices 2012–2015 years most often only support 2.4 GHz.

Is it possible to increase the range of 5GHz?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 📡 Use repeater or Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco, ASUS ZenWiFi).
• 🔄 Install the router in the center of the apartment - 5 GHz weakens more with distance.
• 🛠️ Replace the antennas with more powerful ones (if the router supports removable antennas).

However, it is impossible to completely level the coating 5 GHz With 2.4 GHz It won't work - this is a limitation of the physics of radio waves.

What is Wi-Fi 6E and is it worth upgrading?

Wi-Fi 6E — extension of the standard 802.11ax, which adds range 6 GHz (channels 1–233). Its advantages:

• ⚡ Even higher speed (up to 2–3 Gbps).
• 🚫 Virtually no interference (the range is almost clear).
• 🔒 The best protection against hacking (thanks to WPA3).

Cons:

• 💰 Expensive routers and devices (few supported devices yet).
• 📵 Limited coverage (even worse than 5 GHz).

Is it worth switching? Only if you:

• 🖥️ Lots of devices with Wi-Fi 6E (For example, Samsung Galaxy S21+, iPhone 15 Pro).
• 🎮 Need maximum speed for VR, 8K streaming, or cloud gaming.
• 🏢 Few neighbors have Wi-Fi (in apartment buildings the effect will be less).