Modern smartphones of the brand Honor They have powerful radio modules capable of operating in high-speed frequency bands. However, many users encounter a situation where the device defaults to a slow 2.4 GHz network, ignoring the faster 5 GHz channel. This can occur for several reasons, ranging from router settings to operating system software limitations. MagicOS or Android.
Enabling the 5 GHz band significantly increases data transfer speeds and reduces latency, which is critical for online gaming and 4K video viewing. In this article, we'll detail the steps you can take to force a switch to high-speed mode or configure automatic network selection. Correct setting will ensure a stable connection even in densely populated areas.
Before changing system parameters, you need to make sure that your hardware physically supports this standard. Not all budget models have the appropriate module, although some models in the product lines Honor This feature is almost always present in mid-range and flagship models. We'll explore both software methods and hidden engineering menus.
Checking the technical support of the device range
The first step is to verify your gadget's capabilities. The model's technical specifications determine whether it can even "see" a high-speed network. If your smartphone's Wi-Fi module is single-channel (2.4 GHz only), no settings will enable 5 GHz. You can find the specifications in the official documentation or through the system menu.
There's an easy way to check for standards support through Android settings. Go to Settings → About phone → Specifications and look for information about wireless connections. It should indicate the presence of the standard. 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), which operate in the 5 GHz band. If only 802.11n is specified, high-speed mode is unavailable.
Regional restrictions are also worth considering. In some countries, the use of certain 5 GHz channels is regulated by law, and firmware for specific markets may block these frequencies at the driver level. If you purchased a phone intended for a different region, the list of available networks may differ from what you expect.
⚠️ Attention: Using modified firmware or changing regional codes (CSC) to unlock frequencies may result in unstable operation of the communication module and loss of warranty.
Router Setup: Network Name Separation (SSID)
A common reason why Honor does not switch to 5 GHz, the router has the same name (SSID) for both bands. Modern routers often use this technology Smart Connect or Band Steering, which combines 2.4 and 5 GHz under one name, attempting to automatically assign devices. The selection algorithm isn't always perfect and can "hold" a phone on a low frequency.
To force a connection, it's recommended to separate the networks. You need to log into the router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set unique names for each band in the Wireless section. For example, Home_WiFi_24 And Home_WiFi_5G.
After saving the settings, the router will restart broadcasting. On the phone Honor You need to forget the old network and search again. You'll see two separate signals. Connect to the one with 5G or 5GHz in its name. This will ensure your phone uses the high-speed channel if it's in a strong reception area.
- 📡 Access your router settings via your browser.
- 🔑 Find the Wireless or WLAN section.
- ✂️ Separate the SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz by giving them different names.
- 📱 Connect your Honor phone to a network with a 5G set-top box.
Network separation is the most reliable method, eliminating router algorithm errors. However, it has a downside: you'll have to manually switch between networks if you move to a distant room, where the 5 GHz signal becomes weak and the 2.4 GHz signal is stronger.
Using Android's Hidden Menu to Select a Range
In the Android operating system, on which the shell is based Magic UIThere's a hidden engineering testing menu. It allows you to force the preferred frequency range for the Wi-Fi module. This method is effective if the router broadcasts networks with the same name, but the phone stubbornly ignores 5 GHz.
To access the menu, open the Phone app (dialer) and enter the universal code ##2846579##On some models Honor the code may differ, for example ##4636##If the code is entered correctly, the ProjectMenu or Testing menu will open.
##2846579##In the menu that opens, navigate along the path: ProjectMenu → Network Settings → WiFi Frequency Band (The path may vary depending on the software version). Here you will see options: Auto, 2.4G only, 5G only. Select 5G only for forced mode or AutoIf you simply want to update your priorities, you may experience a brief network outage and then recover.
⚠️ Attention: Selecting "5G only" mode in the engineering menu will prevent your phone from detecting any 2.4 GHz networks. Be sure to reset the setting to "Auto" at home, otherwise you won't be able to connect to public hotspots or your neighbors' routers that operate at a lower frequency.
☑️ Check before changing settings
Reset network settings on an Honor smartphone
Sometimes the problem isn't hardware-related, but a software glitch or a conflict with saved connection profiles. The operating system may have stored incorrect settings for your access point. In this case, a full network settings reset can help. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings, and mobile network settings.
You can perform a reset through the settings menu. Go to Settings → System & updates → Reset → Reset network settingsThe system will warn you of the consequences. Confirm the action. After rebooting, your phone will be as good as new in terms of connections. Try connecting to your 5 GHz network again, entering the password.
This method often resolves issues where the phone "sees" the 5 GHz network but is unable to connect, displaying an "Obtaining IP Address" error or an infinite connection. Resetting clears the DHCP and DNS caches, eliminating addressing conflicts.
- 🔄 Open your phone's settings.
- 🗑️ Find the "Reset network settings" option.
- ✅ Confirm the operation and wait for the reboot.
- 🔌 Enter your Wi-Fi password again.
This is a small price to pay for the stable operation of the communication module.
Comparison of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band characteristics
Understanding the physical differences between frequencies helps configure equipment correctly. The 2.4 GHz band has high penetration, but low speed and high noise levels. The 5 GHz band offers high speed but is less able to penetrate walls.
The table below provides a detailed comparison to help you decide which mode to use in different situations.
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 1300+ Mbps |
| Range of action | High | Medium/Low |
| Penetration through walls | Good | Bad |
| Noisiness | High (microwaves, Bluetooth) | Low |
| Number of channels | 3 non-intersecting | 19+ non-intersecting |
If your Honor If the router is in the same room, 5 GHz is the obvious choice. However, if you're 15-20 meters away through two solid walls, the phone may automatically switch to 2.4 GHz to maintain the connection, and this is normal behavior.
Why might the speed drop at 5 GHz?
Speed may drop if the channel is overloaded by neighboring routers. Unlike 2.4 GHz, which has only three channels, the 5 GHz band has many, but if all your neighbors have powerful routers, interference is still possible. The solution is to change the channel in your router settings to a less congested one.
Impact of drivers and firmware version
Correct operation of the Wi-Fi module directly depends on the version of the operating system and drivers. Honor periodically releases security updates and patches that improve wireless connection stability. If you have an older version Magic UI, errors may be observed when working with modern encryption standards or channel width.
Check for updates in the section Settings → System and updates → Software updateInstall available updates. You can often find "Optimization of Wi-Fi connection stability" or similar items in the update release notes. Ignoring updates may prevent your phone from properly negotiating connection parameters with the new router.
It's also worth paying attention to the power saving mode. Aggressive battery saving settings can limit the Wi-Fi module's performance, preventing it from switching to the high-power mode required for a stable 5 GHz connection. Try disabling the "Ultra Power Saving" mode or adding the app you use to test your speed to the exceptions list.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the MagicOS version (8, 9, 10, etc.) and regional firmware. If you can't find the item you're looking for, use the settings search.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my Honor see the 5 GHz network but not connect?
Most often, the problem is incompatible security standards. Make sure the encryption type is set correctly on your router. WPA2-PSK (AES)Old protocols (TKIP) or mixed modes may block high-speed connectivity.
Does the case affect 5GHz signal reception?
Yes, metal cases or cases with magnetic closures can block the signal. Since the 5 GHz wavelength is shorter, it's more sensitive to obstacles. Remove the case to check the reception quality.
Is it possible to increase Wi-Fi strength on Honor?
There's no such option in the default Android settings. Transmitter power is automatically adjusted by the system to comply with radiation exposure (SAR) standards. Engineering codes for changing the power level may be blocked by the manufacturer.
Why does the speed drop in the evening?
In the evening, the load on your provider's channels increases, and the number of neighboring routers increases. The 5 GHz band has less interference, but if the channel is busy, your speed will drop. Manually selecting a free channel on your router can help.