How to find out if your phone supports 5G Wi-Fi (5 GHz): checking and setting up

You've bought a new smartphone and want to make the most of your Wi-Fi network, but you're not sure if it supports the latest standard. 5G Wi-Fi (not to be confused with mobile 5G)? Or maybe your phone has suddenly become slower connecting to your router, and you suspect a frequency incompatibility issue? In this article, we'll explain how to accurately determine whether your device has a module that supports this frequency. 5 GHz - This is the same "5G Wi-Fi" that provides higher speed and less interference compared to traditional 2.4 GHz.

It is important to understand that 5G Wi-Fi And mobile 5G — these are completely different technologies. The first one refers to wireless networks of the standard 802.11ac/n (and the newest 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6), which operates at a 5 GHz frequency, and the second refers to fifth-generation cellular networks. Many users confuse these terms, leading to incorrect conclusions about their phone's capabilities. We'll help you avoid this mistake and provide clear instructions for testing.

The article will be useful for both owners Android-devices (from budget Xiaomi Redmi to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S23), and to users iPhone (from iPhone 6s to iPhone 15 ProWe'll also explore the nuances of dual-band routers and explain why, even with 5G Wi-Fi, your phone may automatically connect to the 2.4 GHz network.

What is 5G Wi-Fi and why is it needed?

Term 5G Wi-Fi (or Wi-Fi 5 GHz) denotes a wireless network operating at a frequency 5 GHz. Unlike the traditional range 2.4 GHz, which is congested with a large number of devices (from microwaves to Bluetooth headsets), 5 GHz offers:

• ⚡ Higher data transfer speed — up to 1 Gbit/s and higher (depending on the Wi-Fi standard).
• 📶 Less interference — fewer devices operate on this frequency, so the connection is more stable.
• 🔄 More channels — in the 5 GHz range, up to 23 non-overlapping channels are available (compared to 3 in 2.4 GHz).

However, 5G Wi-Fi also has its disadvantages:

• 📉 Shorter range — the 5 GHz signal penetrates walls and ceilings worse.
• 🔋 Higher power consumption - may drain the battery faster.

Modern routers usually support dual band (dual-band mode), broadcasting simultaneously on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. But if your phone doesn't support 5 GHz, it simply won't see this network—even if your router broadcasts it. Therefore, the first step is to check your smartphone's compatibility.

How to check 5G Wi-Fi support on Android

On Android There are several ways to find out if your phone supports 5 GHz networks. Let's start with the simplest: through Wi-Fi settings.

Method 1: View available networks

If your router broadcasts two networks (for example, MyWiFi_2.4G And MyWiFi_5G), follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
3. Look at the list of available networks. If you see a name marked 5G, 5GHz or just a second network with the same name - your phone supports this range.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers hide suffixes by default. _2.4G/_5G in the network name. In this case, go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check your wireless network settings.

Method 2: View phone specifications

If you don't have a dual-band router nearby, you can find out the supported frequencies using the technical specifications:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Model and write down the exact model name (eg. Samsung SM-G991B or Xiaomi 2201116PG).
2. Enter the model name into the search engine and add a query Wi-Fi specifications.
3. On sites like GSMArena, 4PDA or on the manufacturer's official website, find the section Wireless networks (Wireless or Connectivity).
4. Look for mentions 5 GHz, dual-band, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

Sample specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S22

According to official information, the Samsung Galaxy S22 supports:

- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

- Dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)

- MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM

This means full compatibility with 5GHz networks.

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

If you're not afraid to delve into hidden settings, you can use the engineering menu. This method doesn't work on all phones, but it often provides accurate information:

1. Open the app Telephone and enter the combination:

   ##4636##

2. In the menu that opens, select Wi-Fi Information (Wi-Fi information).
3. Look at the line Frequency band or Supported bands. If it is indicated there 5 GHz - your phone supports this range.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Xiaomi or Huawei) The engineering menu may be locked. Do not attempt to unlock it using third-party apps, as this may impair the device's functionality.

How to check 5G Wi-Fi support on iPhone

On iPhone The verification process is easier because Apple clearly standardizes the hardware capabilities of its devices. All models, starting with iPhone 5 (2012), support 5 GHz networks, but there are nuances with some regional versions.

Method 1: Checking the iPhone model

Find out the exact model of your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → General → About.
2. Find the line Model (not to be confused with Model number!). For example, A2487.
3. Check the model against the official support table on the website Apple or in the database EveryMac.

For your convenience, we have collected data on popular models:

Method 2: Checking via Wi-Fi settings

If your router broadcasts two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), iPhone will automatically select the optimal one. To see which network you're connected to:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the icon i next to the name of your network.
3. In the line Router (Router) a range can be specified (for example, 5GHz). However Apple does not always display this information clearly.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from iOS 14, Apple actively uses the function Wi-Fi Assist, which automatically switches between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz depending on signal quality. If your speed suddenly drops, it doesn't mean your 5G Wi-Fi has been disconnected—it's possible your phone has switched to a more stable, but slower, channel.

Why can't my phone see the 5 GHz network? (Possible issues)

Have you verified that your phone supports 5G Wi-Fi, but the network still isn't showing up? Here are the most common causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The router is not broadcasting 5 GHz. — check your router settings (the range may be disabled in the web interface).
• 🔒 Hidden network name (SSID) - If the 5 GHz network is hidden, enter its name and password manually.
• 📡 Incompatible channel - some phones (especially older or regional models) do not support 5 GHz channels above 149 (For example, 165). Try changing the channel in your router settings to 36, 40, 44 or 48.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware — update your phone and router software to the latest version.
• 🛡️ Regional restrictions — Some countries (for example, Russia until 2026) had restrictions on the use of certain 5 GHz channels. Check the current regulations in your region.

If the problem persists, try the following:

Make sure your router supports 5 GHz|Check if 5 GHz mode is enabled in your router settings|Try connecting to another 5 GHz network (for example, at a cafe or at a friend's)|Update your router and phone firmware|Reset your phone's network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Xiaomi with MIUI) there is a function Smart Wi-Fi Switching, which can force the device to connect to the 2.4 GHz network if the 5 GHz signal is weak. Disable it in the Wi-Fi settings if you want to always use 5 GHz.

How to Force a 5G Wi-Fi Connection

If your phone supports 5 GHz but stubbornly clings to 2.4 GHz, you can try forcing a connection. Here's how to do it. Android And iOS:

On Android

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network name and select Delete (or Forget the network).
3. Reconnect by manually selecting the network marked 5G or 5GHz (if the router broadcasts both networks with different names).
4. If the network names are the same, try disabling automatic connection in the Wi-Fi settings (the option may be called Auto-connection or Smart Network Switch).

On iPhone

On iPhone There is no direct option to select the range, but you can try the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the icon i next to your network and select Forget this network.
3. Reboot iPhone.
4. Please reconnect. iOS Usually selects the optimal range automatically, but after a reset it may prefer 5 GHz.

If the router broadcasts both networks with the same name, the only reliable way is divide the networks in the router settings, assigning them different names (for example, MyWiFi_24 And MyWiFi_5). After this, you will be able to select the desired network manually.

Compatibility chart of popular smartphones with 5G Wi-Fi

To save you the trouble of searching for specifications manually, we've compiled data for popular smartphone models. Please note: 5 GHz support may vary depending on the device's regional version (for example, models for the US and Europe may differ).

⚠️ Attention: The data in the table is valid for global smartphone versions. Regional versions (for example, for China or India) may have different specifications. For precise information, check the specifications of a specific model on the manufacturer's official website.

What to do if your phone doesn't support 5G Wi-Fi

If your smartphone is not compatible with 5 GHz networks, you have several options:

• 🔄 Optimize the 2.4 GHz network:
  • Change the channel to a less busy one (for example, 1, 6 or 11).
  • Set the channel width 20 MHz (instead of 40 MHz) for greater stability.
  • Turn on the mode 802.11n only in the router settings (if there is such an option).
• 📶 Use a 5 GHz repeater — Some repeaters can create a separate 5 GHz network to which compatible devices connect, while the repeater itself communicates with the router via 2.4 GHz.
• 🆙 Update your phone — If your device is older than 2015, it's probably time to think about replacing it. Modern budget smartphones (for example, Redmi 12 or Samsung Galaxy A14) support 5G Wi-Fi.
• 🔌 Connect via cable - if we are talking about stationary use (for example, a smartphone as a media player for TV), you can use USB-C/HDMI adapter or Ethernet adapter for wired connection.

Important: If your router supports MU-MIMO or Beamforming technology, but your phone does not, you won't be able to take advantage of these features even on a 2.4 GHz network. These features only work in the 5 GHz band and require support from the client device.

If you frequently experience connection issues, consider purchasing Mesh systems (For example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest Wi-Fi). Such systems automatically switch devices between ranges and access points, ensuring maximum speed and coverage.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about 5G Wi-Fi

My phone supports 5G Wi-Fi, but the speed is slower than on 2.4 GHz. What's wrong?

This can happen for several reasons:

• Weak 5 GHz signal—this band has a harder time penetrating obstacles. Try moving closer to the router.
• Congested channel - In apartment buildings, 5 GHz channels can overlap. Change the channel in your router settings (for example, to 149 or 161).
• Router limitations: Some budget models experience reduced speeds when a large number of devices are connected.
• Outdated firmware - update the router and phone software.

Also check if your phone has a data or battery saving feature enabled, as this may limit your Wi-Fi speed.

How do I know which frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz) my phone is connected to?

On Android:

• Install the application Wi-Fi Analyzer (or similar) - it will show the current frequency.
• In the engineering menu (##4636##) select Wi-Fi Information and look at the line Frequency.

On iPhone:

• Apple does not provide direct frequency information, but you can use apps like Network Analyzer.
• Indirect sign: if the speed is above 150 Mbps, you are most likely connected to 5 GHz.

My router supports Wi-Fi 6, but my phone only supports Wi-Fi 5. Will it make a difference?

Yes, but not critical. Here's what awaits you:

• ✅ Speed will be limited by the capabilities of the phone (maximum ~866 Mbps for Wi-Fi 5 versus ~1200 Mbps for Wi-Fi 6).
• ✅ Delays (ping) may be slightly higher, as Wi-Fi 6 is better optimized for simultaneous operation of many devices.
• ✅ Energy efficiency — Wi-Fi 6 uses less power, but your phone won't be able to take advantage of it.
• ❌ MU-MIMO and OFDMA - These Wi-Fi 6 technologies will not work with your phone.

However, even with Wi-Fi 5, you'll still get the benefits of 5GHz over 2.4GHz.

Is there any way to enable 5G Wi-Fi on a phone if it's not listed in the specifications?

No, this is not possible. 5 GHz support is being determined. hardware — the phone's antenna and Wi-Fi module. If the manufacturer doesn't list 5 GHz support in the specifications, it doesn't physically support this frequency range.

Any promises to "enable 5G Wi-Fi via firmware" are a scam. The most you can do is optimize the 2.4 GHz band (see the tips above).

Is it true that 5G Wi-Fi is harmful to health?

No, that's a myth. The 5 GHz band has been used in Wi-Fi for over 10 years, and during that time, there has been no confirmed scientific evidence of its harm to health. The radiation power of a Wi-Fi router is thousands of times lower than that of a mobile phone and is strictly regulated by international standards (for example, FCC or European Union).

For comparison, a microwave oven emits at a frequency of ~2.45 GHz (very close to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi), but its power is millions of times higher, and its housing is reliably shielded. A Wi-Fi router emits a signal of only ~100 mW (0.1 W), which is comparable to a Bluetooth headset.