What frequency does PS4 Wi-Fi operate on: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz? A complete setup guide.

If you play on PlayStation 4 If you're using a wireless connection, sooner or later you'll encounter lag, high ping, or sudden connection drops. One of the key reasons is choosing the wrong Wi-Fi frequency. But how do you know what frequency your Wi-Fi is running on? PS4, and can it be changed?

In this article, we will figure out whether the console supports ranges 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, how to check the current settings, and what to do if the router doesn't see the network on the required frequency. We'll also find out why, even on PS4 Pro Sometimes it's better to stay on 2.4 GHz, despite the slower speed.

Spoiler: All PS4 models (including the Slim and Pro) technically support both bands, but they default to 2.4 GHz—and that's not always a bug.We will explain why below.

What Wi-Fi frequencies does the PS4 support? Specifications

Official specifications Sony PlayStation 4 (including revisions CUH-1000, CUH-1100, CUH-1200, PS4 Slim And PS4 Pro) indicate support for the standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n. It means:

• 📶 2.4 GHz - a range with a greater range, but subject to interference from other devices (microwaves, Bluetooth, neighboring networks).
• 🚀 5 GHz - a range with a shorter range, but more stable and faster (up to 867 Mbps on PS4 Pro under ideal conditions).

However, there is a nuance: hardware support ≠ automatic connectionThe console selects a network based on:

1. Signal strength (the stronger the better).
2. Router settings (if the SSID is the same for both ranges).
3. PS4 firmware (older versions may have had bugs with 5 GHz).

For example, if your router broadcasts one network MyWiFi simultaneously on 2.4 and 5 GHz, PS4 It's more likely to "stick" to 2.4 GHz, simply because the signal there is usually stronger at a distance.

How to check the Wi-Fi frequency of your PS4

Unfortunately, it's not on the menu. PS4 There's no direct indication of the current range. But there are two reliable methods:

Method 1: Through the router settings

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to the section Wireless Network → Client List (the name may differ).
3. Find the device with the name in the list WIRELESS CLIENT or the MAC address specified in Settings → Network → View connection status on PS4.
4. Look at the column Range or Band — there will be 2.4G or 5G.

Method 2: Via a mobile app

If your router has a proprietary app (for example, TP-Link Tether or ASUS Router), open the "Connected devices" section. Click on PS4 — the frequency is usually displayed there.

Why does PS4 automatically select 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz?

This is a common complaint from gamers, especially after purchase. PS4 ProReasons for this behavior:

• 📡 Signal strength: 2.4 GHz passes through walls better, so the console “clings” to a more stable (in its opinion) channel.
• 🔄 Same SSID: If the router broadcasts one network on both ranges, PS4 doesn't know how to choose "smartly" - takes the first one that comes along.
• 🐌 Router firmware: Some models (especially budget ones) do not handle well roaming between ranges.
• 🎮 Energy saving settings: In rest mode PS4 can be forced to switch to 2.4 GHz to save power.

Moreover, in some cases 2.4 GHz is more stable for online gaming., despite the lower speed. For example:

• If you play Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite With servers abroad, the high speed of 5 GHz does not compensate for ping.
• In multi-family buildings, 5 GHz may suffer from channel congestion (the neighbors are also on 5 GHz).

The "5 GHz Priority" Myth

Many people think that PS4 Pro It should always connect to 5 GHz, but it doesn't. The console selects a network based on an algorithm where signal strength is more important than range. Even if you manually select 5 GHz, if the signal is weak PS4 may "fly" back to 2.4 GHz.

How to Force PS4 to 5GHz

If you're confident that 5GHz will work better (for example, if your router is located near your console), follow these steps:

Separate networks on the router (create separate SSIDs for 2.4 and 5 GHz)|

Turn off 2.4 GHz while connected|

Update router and PS4 firmware|

Change the 5 GHz channel to a less crowded one (36, 40, 44, 48)-->

Step 1: Separate networks on the router

The most reliable way is to create different names (SSID) for each range. For example:

• MyWiFi_2G — for 2.4 GHz
• MyWiFi_5G — for 5 GHz

After that, in the settings PS4 select a network MyWiFi_5G.

Step 2: Set the 5GHz channel

In the router, go to Wireless Network → 5 GHz → Channel and select one of:

• 36, 40, 44, 48 — the least congested in Russia.
• Avoid DF (dynamic frequency) - it can automatically switch to busy channels.

Step 3: Update the firmware

On PS4 Check the software's relevance in Settings → System Software → UpdateUpdate the router firmware via the web interface.

Table: Comparison of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for PS4

Please note: real speed depends not only on the frequency, but also on:

• 📦 Tariff plan your provider (if you have 100 Mbps, then 5 GHz will not provide any increase).
• 🔌 Router connections (if it is connected to the internet via cable 100 Mbps, then 5 GHz will not reveal its potential).
• 🎯 Game servers (if the server is overloaded, even 5 GHz won't save you from lags).

Common problems and solutions

If after switching to 5 GHz PS4 does not connect or works worse, check:

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (especially from providers like Rostelecom or Beeline) 5 GHz is disabled by default to "save resources." Go to your router settings and enable this band manually.

Problem 1: PS4 doesn't see the 5 GHz network

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔍 Hidden SSID: If the 5GHz network is hidden, PS4 It won't find it. Enable visibility in your router settings.
• 🔒 Security type: PS4 does not support WPA3 - use WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 📵 Regional restrictions: In some countries, 5 GHz channels are higher 48 prohibited. Check your router settings.

Problem 2: Frequent connection drops on 5 GHz

This is typical for PS4 Slim with a weak Wi-Fi module. Solutions:

• 📶 Reduce the channel width With 80 MHz to 40 MHz or 20 MHz in the router settings.
• 🔌 Use a cable: For PS4 Pro It's best to connect via LAN - this will eliminate problems with Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Turn off energy saving V Settings → Power saving → Set features available in rest mode.

Problem 3: 5GHz speed is slower than 2.4GHz

It's a paradox, but it happens. Reasons:

• 📡 Weak signal: 5 GHz requires the router to be located closer.
• 🔧 Incorrect QoS settings: The router may give priority to other devices.
• 📉 Channel congestion: Check the channel load in the application Wi-Fi Analyzer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on PS4

Is it possible to use 5 GHz on PS4 Fat (first version)?

Yes, all models PS4, including the very first one (CUH-1000), support 5 GHz. However, due to a weak Wi-Fi module, the connection may be unstable. For older consoles, it's better to use a cable or place the router as close as possible.

How do I find out what Wi-Fi module my PS4 has?

IN PS4 There's no direct way to determine the Wi-Fi chip model. However, you can use the console revision as a guide:

• CUH-1000/CUH-1100: Broadcom BCM4354 (supports 802.11ac, but weak signal).
• CUH-1200 (Slim): Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 (works better with 5 GHz).
• CUH-7000 (Pro): Intel 7265NGW (the most stable module).

The revision can be found on the sticker on the back of the console.

Does Wi-Fi frequency affect latency (ping) in games?

Yes, but not always as it seems:

• 🟢 2.4 GHz: Ping may be more stable over distance, but higher due to interference.
• 🔴 5 GHz: Ping is usually lower, but if the signal is weak, packets are lost and lag increases.

For competitive games (CS:GO, Valorant, FIFA) it is better to test both ranges in real matches.

Can you use 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time on PS4?

No, PS4 connects to only one network at a time. However, some routers support Band Steering - automatic switching between ranges. But for PS4 This feature often works poorly (the console may become stuck on 2.4 GHz). It's best to disable it and use separate SSIDs.

Which 5 GHz channel is best for PS4 in Russia?

Channels are allowed in Russia 36–48 (power up to 200 MW) and 149–165 (Indoor use only, power up to 100 mW). For gaming, we recommend:

• 36, 40, 44 — the least congested in cities.
• Avoid DF (automatic selection) - it can select a busy channel.

Before setting up, check the channel load in the application Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (iOS/macOS).