Today's internet demands high speed, and the good old Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard can no longer always handle 4K video streaming or heavy gaming. That's why gadget manufacturers are rapidly implementing the new 802.11ax protocol, better known as Wi-Fi 6However, simply buying a powerful router isn't enough—your mobile device needs to be able to work with it. Many users wonder if their smartphone has the necessary module, especially if the model is a couple of years old.
Checking compatibility isn't just a matter of curiosity; it's a way to understand why you're not getting the speed your provider claims. If your router delivers gigabit speeds, but your phone is stuck on older frequencies, you're wasting money and time. In this article, we'll explore how to accurately determine support for a new communication standard, what technical specifications influence this, and whether upgrading to the new technology is even worth it right now.
There are several ways to check: from analyzing specifications on the manufacturer's website to using specialized diagnostic apps. We'll cover each method in detail to rule out errors. It's also important to understand that even with support Wi-Fi 6, the actual speed may be limited by the provider's tariff or interference in the air.
⚠️ Attention: The "5G" icon in the status bar indicates support for fifth-generation mobile networks, not the Wi-Fi standard. Don't confuse these technologies, as they operate on different frequencies and equipment.
Technical features of the 802.11ax standard
Before we rush off to check the settings, it's worth understanding what exactly we're looking for. Wi-Fi 6 — is the sixth generation of wireless networks, replacing 802.11ac. The main difference lies not so much in the maximum theoretical speed (although it has increased to 9.6 Gbps), but in the efficiency of operation under congestion. The technology OFDMA allows data to be transmitted to multiple devices simultaneously within a single channel, which is critical for smart homes.
For this standard to work, a smartphone must have a corresponding network adapter installed. These are typically chips from Qualcomm, Broadcom, or MediaTek, released no earlier than 2019-2020. For example, flagship processors Snapdragon 865 and higher already have built-in support for the current protocol. Older models, even top-end ones, may be limited to the previous generation.
Another important feature is operation in the 6 GHz band, which was introduced in the Wi-Fi 6E standard. This expanded spectrum helps avoid interference from microwave ovens and neighboring routers. However, to operate in this band, a phone must not only support Wi-Fi 6, but also the version 6ERegular Wi-Fi 6 only works in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6 operates in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E adds a third 6 GHz band, providing more available channels and lower latency, but requires a dedicated router and a smartphone that supports 6E.
Checking through Android and iOS settings
The fastest way to find out your device's capabilities is to look in the system settings. While there may not be a direct line that says "Supports Wi-Fi 6," indirect indicators can help you draw conclusions. In modern Android skins, such as One UI from Samsung or MIUI From Xiaomi, connection information is often hidden in the network details.
You need to go to the menu Settings → Connections → Wi-FiClick the gear next to your network name or the network name to view details. If you see the symbol 802.11ax If the "Security Protocol" or "Standard" line shows 802.11ac or 802.11n, then either the router isn't broadcasting the new signal, or the phone isn't detecting it.
The situation is similar on Apple devices. iOS doesn't provide direct information about the standard in the user's Wi-Fi settings, but a hidden menu is available. Go to Settings → General → About and find the line "Wi-Fi Firmware." However, this method is not always accurate. A more reliable method for iPhone owners is to look at the processor model. All smartphones starting with iPhone 11 support Wi-Fi 6.
It's worth remembering that settings may reflect the current connection status, not the device's potential. If your router is older, your phone may display 802.11ac even if it's capable of faster operation. Therefore, checking your phone's settings without taking your router's capabilities into account isn't a 100% guarantee.
Using diagnostic applications
The most accurate and professional way to check your phone's hardware is to use specialized utilities. System settings often hide technical details, while network diagnostic apps can read information directly from the network adapter. This is especially true for Android, where access to the network API is more open.
One of the best tools is the app Wi-Fi Man from Ubiquiti or WiFi AnalyzerAfter installation, run a network scan. Find your router in the list of available access points. The details section often indicates the standard the network is currently using. If the app shows AX or 802.11ax, and you're connected - congratulations, you have support.
Another powerful tool is CPU-Z or AIDA64 For mobile devices. These programs display complete hardware information. Go to the "Network" or "Wi-Fi" tab. The chipset and its capabilities will be listed there. Look for the "Protocol" or "Standard" line. If ax is listed as a supported protocol, the phone's module meets the requirements.
⚠️ Attention: Some apps may display the standard your router is using, not your phone's. Make sure you're looking at your device's capabilities (Local Device), not the access point information (Access Point).
For iOS, the choice of applications is limited by Apple policy, but utilities like Network Analyzer or Fing can show connection details. If the "PHY Mode" column indicates VHT (Very High Throughput) is Wi-Fi 5, and if HE (High Efficiency) is the Wi-Fi 6 we are looking for.
Analysis of processor and modem characteristics
Support for wireless standards directly depends on the processor (SoC) installed in your smartphone. Chip manufacturers clearly define the technologies included in their chips. Knowing your processor model allows you to determine with 100% certainty whether it's worth looking for support for a new Wi-Fi feature.
Let's look at the main platforms. If you have a device based on Qualcomm Snapdragon, then support for 802.11ax appeared in the 700 series (starting with the 765G) and in all flagships of the 800 series, starting with the 865. Budget chips of the 400 series and the old 600 series are usually limited to Wi-Fi 5. In the world MediaTek Support started with the Dimensity 1000 and Helio G90T chips (in some modifications), as well as in all new Dimensity series.
Apple has it simpler: a chip Wi-Fi 6 Built into all iPhones since the 11th model and all iPad Pros released since 2020, the support is also available for Samsung devices with its own Exynos processors, starting with the 2020 flagships (S20 series). However, in some regions, these same models may have been equipped with Snapdragon chips, which doesn't change Wi-Fi functionality but is important for general diagnostics.
Speed Comparison: Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6
Why do you even need to know about support for this standard? The answer lies in real-world performance. Let's compare the metrics to understand the differences. Wi-Fi 5 (AC) provides excellent speeds for most tasks, but Wi-Fi 6 (AX) takes the experience to the next level, especially in multi-family homes.
Below is a table showing the key differences in features:
| Characteristic | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | up to 3.5 Gbps | up to 9.6 Gbps |
| Frequency ranges | 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (and 6 GHz in 6E) |
| Transmission technology | MU-MIMO (only) | MU-MIMO (uplink and downlink) |
| Efficiency in a busy network | Average | High (OFDMA) |
| Energy consumption (TWT) | Standard | Reduced (Target Wake Time) |
As you can see from the table, the increase is not only in speed figures. Technology TWT (Target Wake Time) allows the phone to negotiate sleep times with the router, significantly saving battery life. This is especially noticeable on smartphones with large screens and powerful processors.
However, if you have a 100 Mbps internet plan, you won't notice any difference in file download speed. The benefits will only become noticeable when transferring large amounts of data within a local network (for example, streaming video from a NAS to a phone) or when using a dozen devices simultaneously.
List of popular models with support
To save you the guesswork, we've compiled a list of popular smartphone lines guaranteed to support the 802.11ax standard. If your model is on this list but you're still experiencing slow speeds, the problem is definitely not with your phone.
- 📱 Apple: iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series (all models), SE (2nd generation and newer).
- 📱 Samsung: Galaxy S10 (Snapdragon versions only in some regions), S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, as well as the Note 20 series and Z Fold/Flip (all generations).
- 📱 Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO: Mi 10, Mi 11, Mi 12, Mi 13, Xiaomi 14, POCO F3, F4, F5, F6 and flagship Pro/Ultra series.
- 📱 OnePlus: OnePlus 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and Nord series (starting from Nord 2 and newer, except for the most budget ones).
Be careful with budget models. Even if a phone was released in 2023-2026 but is priced in the "economy" segment, the manufacturer may have skimped on the network module, leaving the old Wi-Fi 5. Always check the full specifications on the official website before purchasing if Wi-Fi speed is critical to you.
☑️ Checklist before buying a new router
Common problems and their solutions
Even if a phone supports the new standard, users often encounter speed indicators that don't increase, or the connection constantly drops. One common cause is incompatible encryption settings. Wi-Fi 6 requires the use of a security protocol. WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode for full functionality.
If your router is set to WPA3 only and your phone is old (or vice versa, your router is old), you may not be able to connect at all. Channel bandwidth can also be an issue. Wi-Fi 6 requires a 160 MHz channel for maximum speed. Many phones default to 80 MHz to save power. You can check and change this in the advanced Wi-Fi settings or through the engineering menu (for Android).
⚠️ Attention: Router and phone settings interfaces are constantly being updated. The layout of menu items may differ from those described. Always consult the official documentation for your specific router model.
Sometimes, simply resetting the phone's network settings helps. This will clear the connection cache and force the module to renegotiate with the router for a better connection standard. Remember that the phone's hardware doesn't change, but software glitches can block access to its full capabilities.
What if my router supports AX but my phone doesn't?
You won't be able to get Wi-Fi 6 speeds on your old phone with any settings. The only solution is to replace the phone. However, the router will still work; it will simply switch to backward compatibility mode (Wi-Fi 5).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the lack of Wi-Fi 6 affect operation in 4G/5G networks?
No, these are completely independent modules. The lack of Wi-Fi 6 support does not affect mobile connection quality, GPS, or Bluetooth performance. Mobile internet speed depends solely on the SIM card, plan, and carrier coverage.
Is it possible to update the phone to Wi-Fi 6 via software?
No. Support for this standard depends on the physical network chip soldered onto the board. No Android or iOS update will add this feature unless it was built in by the hardware manufacturer.
Will a Wi-Fi 6 phone work with a regular router?
Yes, the standard is fully backwards compatible. Your new phone will work perfectly with your old router; the connection will simply be established using the Wi-Fi 5 (or 4) standard supported by the router.
Is there a noticeable difference in battery life when using Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, thanks to TWT (Target Wake Time) technology, the smartphone can keep the radio module active in standby mode less often, which theoretically extends battery life, especially in networks with a large number of devices.