What Wi-Fi Standard Does Your Smartphone Support? A Complete Guide with Testing

Have you ever wondered why your phone connects to Wi-Fi slower than when it was new? iPhone 15 friend, or why a router with support Wi-Fi 6E Is your device not delivering the promised speeds? The problem often lies in the wireless standard your device supports. Modern smartphones can work with Wi-Fi 4 (outdated, but still relevant), Wi-Fi 5 (the most common), Wi-Fi 6/6E (for high speeds) or even Wi-Fi 7 (latest standard 2026).

But how do you know which standard exactly it supports? your phone? This article will help you figure it out: we'll tell you where to look for technical specifications, how to check the Wi-Fi standard through the settings Android or iOS, and what to do if your device doesn't support modern protocols. You'll also find a compatibility chart of popular models and tips for optimizing the network for your smartphone.

Why is it important to know your phone's Wi-Fi standard?

The Wi-Fi standard affects not only the speed of the Internet, but also the stability of the connection and the response time (ping) and even battery drain. Here are a few reasons why this is critical:

• 🚀 Download speed: Wi-Fi 6 can give up to 9.6 Gbps (theoretically), whereas Wi-Fi 5 limited 3.5 GbpsThe difference is noticeable when downloading files or streaming in 4K.
• 📶 Range and stability: New standards perform better in interference-ridden environments (such as apartment buildings) thanks to technology MU-MIMO And OFDMA.
• 🔋 Power consumption: Wi-Fi 6 and newer ones are optimized to save battery life thanks to the function Target Wake Time (TWT).
• 🎮 Games and video calls: Low ping is important for online gaming or conferences. Zoom. Wi-Fi 6E operates in a pure range 6 GHz, where there is less interference.

If your phone only supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), and the router is configured to Wi-Fi 6, you won't get the benefits of the new standard. Moreover, the device may automatically connect to the legacy 2.4 GHz band, even if there's a faster 5 GHz network nearby. This is one of the main reasons why internet performance slows down on older smartphones.

⚠️ Attention: Some budget models (for example, Redmi 9A or Samsung Galaxy A03) are still released with support only Wi-Fi 4, there are already some on the market Wi-Fi 7Before purchasing, check the specifications on the manufacturer's official website.

How to find out the Wi-Fi standard on Android: 3 ways

On Android There's no universal way to find out your Wi-Fi standard, but there are several reliable methods. Choose the one that works for your model.

Method 1: Via phone settings (for most models)

Some manufacturers (eg Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel) display the Wi-Fi standard in the "About phone" menu. Here's how:

1. Open Settings → About phone → General information (or Software Information).
2. Find the section Network information, Wi-Fi status or Specifications.
3. Look for lines like Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi protocol or 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax.

Explanation of symbols:

* Wi-Fi 6E supports the 6 GHz range, and the usual Wi-Fi 6 - No.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) Wi-Fi standard information may be missing from the settings. In this case, use method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Via the app AIDA64 (for technical data)

AIDA64 - one of the most reliable diagnostic applications AndroidIt displays detailed hardware information, including the Wi-Fi module. Instructions:

Download AIDA64 from Google Play|Open the app and grant all permissions|Go to "Network" → "Wi-Fi"|Find the line "Wi-Fi Standards" or "Supported Protocols"|Compare the data with the table above-->

Display example for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:

Wi-Fi standards: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Frequencies: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Max. speed: 3.6 Gbps (2x2 MIMO)

If there is one on the list ax, does your phone support Wi-Fi 6/6EIf only ac - This Wi-Fi 5.

Method 3: By phone model (the most reliable)

If the first two methods don't work, find the specifications for your model on the manufacturer's official website or on resources like GSMArenaEnter into the search engine:

[phone model] +"Wi-Fi standard" site:gsmarena.com

Examples for popular models:

• 📱 iPhone 14 Pro: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), without 6 GHz support (Wi-Fi 6E).
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) + Wi-Fi 7 (in some regions).
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Wi-Fi 6 (without 6 GHz).
• 📱 Google Pixel 7 Pro: Wi-Fi 6E (full 6 GHz support).

Android (before 2020)|Android (2021-2023)|Android (2026 and later)|iPhone (before iPhone 11)|iPhone 12/13/14/15|Other-->

How to check the Wi-Fi standard on iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone Apple doesn't provide direct information about the Wi-Fi standard in Settings, but there are workarounds. The key is to know your device's model and version. iOS.

Method 1: By iPhone model

Apple started supporting Wi-Fi 6 With iPhone 11 (2019), and Wi-Fi 6E appeared only in iPhone 15 Pro (2023). Full table:

Please note: Even if your iPhone supports Wi-Fi 6, he won't be able to connect to the network 6 GHz, if the router does not support Wi-Fi 6E.

Method 2: Via the app Network Analyzer

Application Network Analyzer (available in App Store) displays detailed connection information, including the Wi-Fi standard. After installation:

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the app and go to the tab Wi-Fi.
3. Find the line PHY Mode - the protocol will be indicated there (for example, 802.11ax For Wi-Fi 6).

If in PHY Mode is displayed 802.11ac, yours iPhone works on Wi-Fi 5, even if the hardware supports it Wi-Fi 6This may mean that the router is not configured for maximum compatibility.

What to do if your phone doesn't support modern Wi-Fi standards

If your smartphone is limited Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5, this doesn't mean you need to rush out and buy a new one. Here are some ways to optimize speed and stability:

• 🔄 Update your router firmware: Manufacturers often add support for new standards through updates. For example, some routers ASUS or TP-Link received Wi-Fi 6 after the update.
• 📡 Use the 5 GHz band: Even on Wi-Fi 5 net 5 GHz will be faster and more stable than 2.4 GHzEnable SSID separation for ranges in your router settings.
• 🔌 Connect via cable (if possible): For stationary devices (eg Android TV) use Ethernet adapter through USB-C.
• 🛠️ Configure QoS on your router: Prioritize your phone's traffic to reduce lag in games or video chats.

If you are still planning to upgrade your phone, pay attention to models with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7Not only are they faster, but they also perform better in noisy environments (such as offices or apartment buildings).

⚠️ Please note: Some Chinese smartphones (e.g. models for the domestic market) may have limited band support. For example, Wi-Fi 6E This feature may only work in China and will be disabled in global versions. Please check this information before purchasing!

Why is Wi-Fi 6E better for multi-family homes?

The Wi-Fi 6E standard uses the 6 GHz band, which is virtually interference-free (unlike the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands). This means less lag when connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Furthermore, 6 GHz channels are wider (up to 160 MHz), allowing for higher speeds over shorter distances.

How does your router affect your phone's Wi-Fi speed?

Even if your phone supports Wi-Fi 6EYou won't get the maximum speed if your router is outdated. Here are the key points:

• 🔗 Compatibility of standards: The router and phone must support the same standard. For example, if the router only Wi-Fi 5, and the phone is Wi-Fi 6, the connection will be Wi-Fi 5.
• 📶 Ranges: For Wi-Fi 6E I need a router with support 6 GHzMost budget models only work on 2,4 And 5 GHz.
• 🔄 Firmware: Outdated router firmware may be limiting your speed. Update it through the web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Compatibility examples:

*Actual speed depends on conditions and supported channels.

If your router is older than 3-4 years, it most likely does not support Wi-Fi 6/6EIn this case, it makes sense to consider an upgrade. Modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-BE96U or TP-Link Archer BE900) are not only faster, but also better at handling a large number of connected devices.

The Future: Wi-Fi 7 and What It Will Bring to Smartphones

Standard Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) began appearing in flagship smartphones in 2026. It promises:

• 🚀 Speed ​​up to 46 Gbps (theoretically) thanks to technology 320 MHz channels And 4K-QAM.
• 🎯 Ultra-low latency (less than 5 ms), which is critical for cloud gaming and VR.
• 🔗 Multilink operation (MLO): Using multiple ranges simultaneously (2,4, 5 And 6 GHz) to improve stability.
• 🏠 Better performance in congested networks (for example, in offices or stadiums).

The first smartphones with Wi-Fi 7:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (in some regions).
• 📱 OnePlus 12.
• 📱 Xiaomi 14 Pro.

However, there are some nuances:

• ⚠️ There are no routers yet that fully realize the potential Wi-Fi 7 (maximum speeds are achieved only in laboratory conditions).
• ⚠️ Range 6 GHz It is still poorly regulated in some countries (for example, in Russia it is partly occupied by military systems).
• ⚠️ For a real speed increase, you need an Internet plan from 1 Gbps and above.

If you are not a gamer and do not work with large files, Wi-Fi 6E will be more than enough for a few more years. Wi-Fi 7 Suitable for enthusiasts and professionals who require maximum performance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi standards in smartphones

My phone supports Wi-Fi 6, but the speed is slow. What's the problem?

There may be several reasons:

• The router does not support Wi-Fi 6 or its firmware is outdated.
• You are connected to the range 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz.
• Compatibility mode is enabled in the router settings (for example, 802.11n-only).
• The Wi-Fi channel is overloaded (use applications like Wi-Fi Analyzer, to find a free channel).

Try selecting the range manually 5 GHz in the phone or router settings.

What Wi-Fi standard does the iPhone 13 Pro have?

iPhone 13 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but does not support range 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E). Maximum speed - up to 1.2 Gbps (actually about 700-900 Mbps under ideal conditions).

Is it possible to update the Wi-Fi standard on a phone via firmware?

No, the Wi-Fi standard is determined hardware — a wireless chip. Firmware can add support for new features (such as improved channel management), but it won't change the underlying protocol. If your phone has a chip Wi-Fi 5, no updates will be added Wi-Fi 6.

What Wi-Fi standard is needed for online gaming?

For a comfortable game, two parameters are important: ping (delay) and connection stabilityOptimal standards:

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is the minimum acceptable option for most games.
• Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax) is the best choice thanks to OFDMA And MU-MIMO, which reduce delays.

For professional eSports tournaments, a cable connection is recommended (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi 6E in the range 6 GHz.

Why is my new Wi-Fi 6E phone connecting to the network slower than my old one?

Possible reasons:

• The router does not support Wi-Fi 6E, and the phone is forced to use outdated protocols.
• Compatibility mode is enabled in the router settings (for example, Legacy Mode), which limits the speed.
• Range 6 GHz disabled in your router settings or blocked in your country.
• The Wi-Fi drivers on your phone are not working correctly (try updating the firmware).

Check your router settings and try manually selecting the range. 5 GHz instead of automatic connection.