The flexibility of modern Wi-Fi connections can be a huge benefit, but it can also lead to confusion, especially when you're trying to switch between different Wi-Fi bands, such as 5GHz and 2.4GHz. If you have an Android device and want to fine-tune your connection, this article will walk you through the entire process, explaining the steps you need to take to change your Wi-Fi band, as well as highlighting some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Whether you use your WiFi to play online, connect your home automation devices or simply browse the internet, knowing how to switch between these bands will allow you to optimize your connection experience. That's why today we're going to explain how to make this change on Android devices and what you should keep in mind when doing so.
Why are there two WiFi bands?
Before we get into the details of how to switch between networks, it's important to understand the differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. These bands are different modes through which your router transmits the internet to your devices, and both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The 2.4 GHz band This is the most common option, as it has been available for much longer. Its main advantage is that it offers much more range than the 5 GHz band, meaning you can connect to the network from a greater distance. However, this band is more prone to interference, as many other devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, also typically operate on the same frequency.
Furthermore, the 5 GHz Band provides a faster and more stable connection, ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities such as online gaming or streaming high-resolution videos. However, its range is more limited and may not reach all areas of your home, especially if there are many obstacles such as walls or furniture between your device and the router.
Advantages and disadvantages of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both bands so that you can choose the best WiFi band for your home and your needs.
- Advantages of 2.4 GHz: Greater range and compatibility with more devices. Ideal for areas far from the router.
- Disadvantages of 2.4 GHz: You may experience interference from other devices and slower connections.
- Advantages of 5 GHz: Faster connection and less interference. Ideal for activities that require high speed.
- Disadvantages of 5 GHz: Shorter range and may have issues if there are many obstacles between the router and the device.
Common problems when changing WiFi bands
While changing the Wi-Fi band on Android may seem like a relatively simple task, there are certain issues that can arise in the process. Below are some of the most common problems you may encounter when trying to change the connection band on your phone.
Error changing bands
When you switch from one WiFi band to another, It may happen that the system crashes or the phone does not apply the changes correctly.This mostly happens on older Android versions or on devices that haven't received certain updates. To avoid this problem, make sure your phone is running the latest version of its operating system.
Low speed
One of the most common problems when connecting to a network is get a lower speed than expected, even when you connect to the 5 GHz band. This can be due to interference from nearby devices or multiple devices being connected to the network at the same time. Switching between bands and adjusting your router settings can help mitigate these issues.
Poor signal
If you are trying to connect to a WiFi network and experience a weak signal, this may be due to the placement of the router or problems with obstacles that the signals encounter between the router and the device. Moving closer to the router or using WiFi repeaters can improve signal quality. You can make this easier with the help of the Wifi AR app.
How to change WiFi band on Android
If you have an Android device and want to change your WiFi band, You can easily do this from your device or router settings.Here we explain several ways.
Change WiFi band on Android
If you want to change your WiFi band directly from your Android phone, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the adjustments from your Android device.
- Choose Wi-Fi.
- Tap the three dots at the top right to access Advanced Options.
- Choose Wi-Fi frequency band and choose between 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
Configuration from the router
Another option to change the WiFi band on Android is to do it from your router's settings. This method may vary depending on your router model, but generally, the steps are as follows:
- Access your router's configuration portal. To do this, you will normally have to enter 192.168.1.1 in your browser.
- Log in with your credentials (router username and password).
- Look for the section WiFi configuration o wireless.
- From there, choose your preferred WiFi band and save your changes.
It is important to remember that, If you change the band of your router, all devices connected to the WiFi will also be affected and will change bands.. Be sure to test the new settings to see if your network speed and quality improves.
Devices compatible with 5 GHz networks
Not all Android devices support the 5GHz band. Before you try to change the WiFi network, Make sure your device can support this band. One way to know if your mobile phone can connect to the 5 GHz network is to check if it is compatible with WiFi 7. However, the best way to know this compatibility is the following, follow these steps.
- Open the app adjustments on your phone.
- Go to the options of connectivity and select WiFi.
- Look for the name of the available networks. If you see a network with the suffix 5G, your device supports the 5 GHz band.
Interferences and how to avoid them
As we mentioned earlier, the 2.4 GHz band may be more susceptible to interference due to the number of devices using it. This includes cordless phones, microwaves, and even some household appliances. To reduce the possibility of interference, Make sure you don't have these objects near your router and, if possible, use the 5 GHz band for activities that require higher speed.
Disabling band steering
Some routers have an option enabled known as band steering, which automatically assigns devices to the frequency that the router considers most suitable, depending on the quality of the signal available at that time. Although this option can be useful in some cases, in others it may be better Disable it to have more control over which devices connect to each band.
The importance of the 2.4 GHz band for IoT devices
If you use connected devices in your home, such as surveillance cameras or smart light bulbs, they may only be able to connect to the 2.4 GHz network. Many devices IoT (Internet of Things) They are not compatible with the 5 GHz band, since this band has less range, which is not ideal for devices that need to be constantly connected and over longer distances.
If you are having trouble connecting your IoT devices, Consider switching your phone to the 2.4 GHz network to configure it properly..
As you can see, switching between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can be a simple solution to improve the speed or stability of your WiFi network, depending on your situation. If you have range issues or need to connect older or home automation devices, it is best to use the 2.4 GHz band.. On the other hand, If you're looking for faster speeds for gaming or streaming videos, 5GHz is the ideal choice.With this information, you can now choose the Wi-Fi band that best suits your needs and enjoy a better connection on your Android device.
