How to check if your phone supports 5GHz Wi-Fi in 2 minutes

Range 5 GHz 5 GHz has become the standard for modern Wi-Fi networks: it provides high data transfer rates, reduced interference from neighboring routers, and a stable connection in apartment buildings. However, not all phones support this frequency—especially budget models or devices older than 5-7 years. If your smartphone stubbornly refuses to detect the 5 GHz network or only connects to 2.4 GHz, the problem may lie in hardware limitations.

In this article we will analyze all working verification methods — from analyzing technical specifications to hidden engineering settings menus. You'll learn how to distinguish real 5 GHz support from software limitations, why some phones don't recognize this band even though it's available, and what to do if your device turns out to be incompatible. These instructions are relevant for Android (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme) And iPhone all generations.

Let us warn you right away: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi in budget lines) artificially block 5 GHz in the firmware for certain regionsThis isn't a hardware issue, but a marketing ploy—and it can be circumvented. How? Read the section on hidden settings.

1. Checking via Wi-Fi settings (the fastest way)

Let's start with the most obvious: analyzing available networks. This method isn't 100% guaranteed, but it allows you to quickly assess the situation without installing any additional apps.

Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings and pay attention to two things:

• 🔍 Network name: if the list contains networks with suffixes 5G, 5GHz or _5 (For example, MyWiFi_5GHz), your phone “sees” them, which means it supports 5 GHz.
• ⚙️ Additional options: on Android Tap on the network name → “Manage Network” → “Band”. If there is an option to choose between 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, support confirmed.
• 📶 Lack of 5 GHz networks: If there is no network within range on this frequency, this method will not work - proceed to the next methods.

On iPhone This method is less informative: iOS does not show the network range in the interface. However, if your iPhone released after 2016 (starting from iPhone 6s), 5 GHz support is guaranteed at the hardware level. For older models (iPhone 5/5s/6) further verification is required.

⚠️ Note: Some routers hide the 5 GHz SSID by default or disable this band in the settings. Before checking, make sure your router is broadcasting a 5 GHz network (go to the router's web interface, section Wireless → 5GHz Settings).

2. Analysis of the technical characteristics of the model

If your phone isn't showing 5 GHz networks, but you suspect a problem with the settings, check the device's official specifications. This is a reliable method that doesn't require access to the phone itself (useful when buying a used device).

Where to look:

• 🌍 Official website of the manufacturer: enter your phone model + "specifications" (eg. «Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro specs»). Search section Wireless LAN or Wi-Fi - it should be indicated there 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (support 802.11ac guarantees 5 GHz).
• 🛒 Marketplaces: on Amazon, AliExpress or Wildberries Product descriptions often duplicate key specifications. Pay attention to the "Wi-Fi frequencies" line.
• 📱 Scanner apps: CPU-Z or AIDA64 Show supported Wi-Fi standards in the Network section.

Please note regional restrictions: Some manufacturers (especially Chinese brands) produce the same models with different Wi-Fi modules for different markets. For example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro The version for China supports 5 GHz, but the version for Russia does not. This is stated in the fine print of the specifications ("Wi-Fi 2.4G only for RU region»).

3. Using the engineering menu (for Android)

Hidden engineering settings allow you to obtain detailed information about the Wi-Fi module, including supported frequencies. This method works on most phones. Android, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the app Telephone and enter the combination: ##4636## (or ##INFO## on some devices).
2. In the menu that appears, select Wi-Fi Information (or Wi-Fi information).
3. Scroll down to the block Frequency Band or Supported frequenciesIf there are values ​​in the range 5180–5825 MHz, your phone supports 5 GHz.

Alternative method (for phones on Qualcomm Snapdragon):

1. Enter into the phone dialer: ##2263##.
2. Select RF Band Selection → Wi-Fi.
3. View available ranges: Band 1 (2.4 GHz), Band 2 (5 GHz).

⚠️ Note: Not all manufacturers leave the engineering menu open. On phones Huawei, Honor and some models Samsung These combinations may be blocked. Also, do not change the settings in the engineering menu—this may result in network loss!

What should I do if the engineering menu doesn't open?

On some firmware versions (for example, Xiaomi's MIUI), access to the engineering menu is blocked. In this case, use apps like MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon).

4. Wi-Fi diagnostic apps

If the previous methods don't provide a definitive answer, install specialized software. These apps scan available networks and display their frequency characteristics, as well as analyze the phone's hardware capabilities.

Top 3 apps for checking:

• 📊 WiFi Analyzer (for free, Android): shows all networks within range, indicating their frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz). If 5 GHz networks are listed, your phone supports them.
• 🔧 AIDA64 (paid version, Android/iOS): in the "Network" → "Wi-Fi" section displays the supported standards (802.11a = 5 GHz).
• 📡 Network Signal Info (for free, Android): Details information about the current connection, including the frequency range.

Sample report from AIDA64 For a phone with 5 GHz support:

Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
Supported Frequencies: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz

If the report only indicates 802.11b/g/n without 802.11a/ac, your phone operates exclusively on 2.4 GHz. For iPhone the app will do Network Analyzer - it shows the current network range (but not the hardware capabilities of the device).

Install the app from Google Play | Open the "Channel Rating" tab | Look at the "Frequency" column - networks with 5000+ MHz operate at 5 GHz | If there are no such networks, check your router settings

-->

5. Connection issues: why your phone can't see 5 GHz

Even if your phone supports 5 GHz, you may encounter a situation where networks in this range are not displayed. The causes can be both software and hardware related.

Common problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Regional firmware restrictions: As mentioned earlier, some brands (eg. Xiaomi) block 5 GHz for certain countries. The solution is to change the region in your phone's settings (Settings → Advanced → Region) or installing custom firmware.
• 📵 Disabled 5 GHz on the router: Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1) and check if the 5 GHz band is enabled in your wireless network settings.
• 🔋 Battery saving: on some phones (eg. Samsung) In power saving mode, scanning for 5 GHz networks is disabled. Disable this mode in the battery settings.
• 🛠️ Damage to the Wi-Fi moduleIf your phone previously detected 5 GHz but now no longer does, there may be a hardware issue. Have the module checked at a service center.

A special case - phones with MediaTek processors (For example, Redmi 9, Realme C-series). They often have problems connecting to 5 GHz due to drivers. Solution:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version.
2. In the engineering menu (##36446337##) turn on the option Wi-Fi 5GHz Prefer (if available).
3. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 10+ And iOS 14+ Smart band switching may be triggered. If the 5 GHz signal is weak, the system automatically switches to 2.4 GHz for stability. To avoid this, set different SSIDs for 2.4 and 5 GHz in your router settings.

6. How to enable 5 GHz if support is available but the network is not visible

If all tests confirm 5 GHz support, but your phone stubbornly refuses to connect, try these steps:

For Android:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner → “More” (or “Advanced settings”).
3. Find the option Wi-Fi range (or Wi-Fi frequency band) and select 5 GHz (or Auto).
4. Restart your phone.

For iPhone:

• iOS doesn't allow you to manually select a range, but you can nudge the system:
• Forget the current network (Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → “Forget this network”).
• Reboot your router.
• Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off and try connecting again.

If nothing helps, check your settings 5 GHz channel on the routerSome phones do not support higher channels. 149 (For example, 165). In the router's web interface (192.168.1.1) change the channel to 36, 40 or 48 (they are compatible with most devices).

7. Alternatives if 5 GHz is not supported

If your phone is incompatible with the 5 GHz band, don't despair—there are ways to improve connection speed and stability even on 2.4 GHz:

• 📶 Use less crowded channels: in the appendix WiFi Analyzer Find the freest channel on 2.4 GHz (usually 1, 6 or 11) and set it in the router settings.
• 🔗 Enable MU-MIMO: If your router supports this technology, it will help evenly distribute the load between devices on 2.4 GHz.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware: New software versions often optimize performance at 2.4 GHz, reducing latency.
• 📡 Use Mesh systems: devices like TP-Link Deco or Google Nest WiFi automatically switch devices between bands, masking the limitations of 2.4 GHz.

For owners Xiaomi, Redmi or other phones with software-disabled 5 GHz, there is a radical way - installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). This unlocks hidden features, but requires unlocking the bootloader and may void your warranty. For detailed instructions, check the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

If 5 GHz speed is critical for you, consider purchasing an external one. USB Wi-Fi adapter with 5 GHz support (eg TP-Link TL-WN823N). Connects via OTG cable and works on most Android phones (requires root or special software like USB OTG Checker).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 5 GHz on phones

My phone sees 5 GHz networks, but won't connect. What's wrong?

The reasons may be different:

• Incompatible security type (for example, a router uses WPA3, and the phone only supports WPA2). Change the encryption type in the router settings.
• Too much wide channel on the router (for example, 80 MHz). Try installing 20 MHz or 40 MHz.
• MAC filtering The router is blocking your phone. Add the device's MAC address to the whitelist.

Also check if power saving mode is enabled on your phone, as it may limit the Wi-Fi module's performance.

How do I know what frequency my iPhone is connected to?

iOS doesn't show the range directly, but there is a workaround:

1. Install the application AirPort Utility (free in the App Store).
2. Open it, tap on the icon Wi-Fi Scan in the upper right corner.
3. Run the scan. The results will include a column Channel - channels above 14 refer to 5 GHz.

If your iPhone is connected to a network with a channel 1–14 — this is 2.4 GHz, if higher — 5 GHz.

Is it possible to "unlock" 5 GHz on a phone where it is disabled by software?

Yes, but the methods depend on the model:

• Xiaomi/Redmi: change the region in the settings to India or Global (sometimes this unlocks 5GHz).
• Samsung: update firmware via Smart Switch — support may appear in new versions.
• Any Android: install custom recovery (TWRP) and firmware (LineageOS), where restrictions have been lifted.

⚠️ Risks: Unofficial firmware may void your warranty or cause your phone to operate unstable.

Why is 5GHz slower than 2.4GHz on my phone?

It's paradoxical, but there are several reasons:

• Weak signal5 GHz has poorer penetration through walls. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength in your settings. If it's weak, move closer to the router.
• Congested channel: use WiFi Analyzerto find a free channel on 5 GHz.
• Router limitations: If you have a budget router, it may throttle your 5 GHz speed due to a weak processor.

Also on some phones (eg. Samsung Galaxy A-series) the speed at 5 GHz is artificially limited to save energy.

Which phones definitely support 5GHz?

Here is a short list of popular models with confirmed support:

• Apple: all models starting from iPhone 5 (But iPhone 5/5s support only 802.11n at 5 GHz, without 802.11ac).
• Samsung: all flagships (Galaxy S/Note series) and the middle segment (Galaxy A50 and newer).
• Xiaomi: Redmi Note 8 Pro (global version), POCO X3, Mi 9 and newer.
• Google: All Pixel starting from the first model.
• OnePlus: all models without exception.

To accurately test a specific model, use the methods in this article.