Home > Guides and How To's > How to Connect 2.4GHz Devices to 5GHz Network [Explained]

How to Connect 2.4GHz Devices to 5GHz Network [Explained]

| Updated:

When receiving a new WiFi router, it is essential to understand the specs and features of your router to fit the needs of your home and devices. Unfortunately, many users have been experiencing issues regarding how to connect 2.4GHz devices to a 5GHz network. The connection issue is why we will cover all of the information you need to know when attempting a connection, including:

  • If you can connect a device to a 5GHz network
  • What devices should be on 2.4GHz or 5GHz
  • How to connect devices to a 5GHz network
  • How to upgrade WiFi Adapter Hardware to 5GHz


We have taken all the information from real users and their given solutions into one place so you can fix your 2.4GHz device with ease.


Can I Connect a 2.4GHz Device to a 5GHz Network?

No, you cannot connect a strict 2.4GHz device to a 5GHz network. The reason is that the device was not produced to recognize 5GHz networks. However, if the router is a dual-band (as most 5GHz wireless devices are) and has both bands enabled, you can connect to it with a 2.4GHz device.

Although your 2.4GHz device is connecting to the device that produces the 5GHz network, this only means it is related to the 2.4GHz network option. The trick to this issue is to ensure your router supports both network types, which we will uncover throughout this article in depth.


What Devices Should Be on 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

Typically, security cameras, house lights, speakers, etc., are all associated with a 2.4GHz network connection. However, devices such as your computer, TV, or other large electronics with a network connection are typically better to be connected with the 5GHz network for faster connection speeds.

Depending on your preferences, some routers that only provide 2.4GHz produces a problem with possible merging connecting issues with neighbouring WiFi connections. This is why most users choose 5GHz to limit the bandwidth but provide a more robust link overall.

5GHz always gives you substantial bandwidth. Although connected to this, your distance away from the wireless router will be limited. For longer distances, 2.4 GHz is better- connecting your Smartphone to 2.4 GHz because phones have smaller antennae.. while connecting your laptops to the 5 GHz (you usually demand more considerable bandwidth on your laptop computer.


How to Connect 2.4GHz Devices to 5GHz Network

Laptops and mobile phones are a few devices compatible with 2.4 GHz and 5GHz networks. These devices can exchange between different network types if you change settings within the bios.

Although, many users still face the issue, claiming that it is on the router, not the device itself. This is why many users purchase a “WiFi Extender”, which can produce both frequencies (if you have a 5GHz Network).

With this extender, all devices connected to it will only work with 2.4ghz and use the WiFI extender’s 2.4GHz, and all the other devices use the router’s 5GHz connection. So TP-Link repeaters, for example,  will let you take a 5GHz signal in and send out a 2.4 GHz.


How to Connect 2.4GHz Devices to 5ghz Network Xfinity

Typically you should be able to connect to 5GHz network through Xfinity by going to the settings and following the instructions. Depending on the device you are using, though, will determine if this is possible through admin controls. First, to determine how your advanced WiFi settings are managed, take a look at the following information.


Xfi Pods

Advanced WiFi settings are invisible and cannot be managed from the Admin Tool or Xfinity xFi. With Pods, this device requires you only have one WiFi network name and password. One network allows all your devices to seamlessly connect to the given network, giving the best WiFi signal at any given time.


Xfi Advanced Gateways (XB6 or newer)

Most advanced gateways have upgraded software that automatically manages advanced WiFi settings. This helps optimize the home network and provide the best performance possible.

Advanced WiFi settings for gateways with this software are not visible and cannot be managed from the Admin Tool.


1st Generation xFi Gateways (XB3)

If you have a 1st Generation xFi Gateway and no xFi Pods on your network, you can manage your advanced WiFi settings using Xfinity xFi.

Note: Advanced WiFi settings can also be managed using the Admin Tool, but the Xfinity xFi instructions are easier and accessible without connecting to the home network.


Xfinity Gateways (XB2)

You can access the Xfinity app if you have an XB2 Xfinity Gateway. However, the features available to them do not include advanced WiFi settings. You can manage your advanced WiFi settings using the Admin tool.

If you don’t see the 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi channel settings, these settings are being managed automatically to help optimize your home network and provide the best performance possible.


If you are using Xfinity xFi, follow the instructions below to manage the connection between 2.4GHz and 5GHz:

  1. Open the Xfinity app and sign in with your Xfinity ID.
  2. Go to the Connect tab.
  3. Tap View WiFi equipment.
  4. Under details, select View and edit your WiFi settings.
  5. Select 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi.
  6. Select Edit next to the WiFi band you want to update.
  7. Select the new WiFi Mode and/or Channel setting.
  8. Select Apply Changes to save your new settings.


If you are using the Admin Tool, follow the instructions below to change your GHz settings properly:

  1. Connect to your WiFi network.
  2. Open a web browser, go to 10.0.0.1, and sign in.
  3. Go to Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi.
  4. Select Edit next to the WiFi channel (2.4 or 5 GHz) to change your Channel Selection.
  5. To change your WiFi Mode, select Edit next to WiFi Mode and select your desired mode.
  6. Select Save Settings.


How to Connect 2.4GHz Devices to 5GHz Network on iPhone

How to Connect 2.4GHz Devices to 5GHz Network on iPhone
Connecting your iPhone to a 5GHz network / Image: Pigtou.com


Your Wi-Fi router might be able to assign separate names to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Many users have different WiFi connections. If your router has this capability, you can connect your iPhone to either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz signals by selecting the network name you prefer.

Please check what your router supports, as you should know going forward that Wi‑Fi 6 replaces Wi-Fi 5, which replaces Wi-Fi 4 as the standard for Wi-Fi speed. So depending on the iPhone depends on which you will automatically connect to the following:

  • iPhone 11 and later can connect to Wi‑Fi 6, both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
  • iPhone XS has Wi-Fi 5, which only supports 5 GHz.


Wi‑Fi 6 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. But WiFi 5 only supports 5 GHz.


How Do I Upgrade My WiFi Adapter Hardware to 5GHz?

Unless you have ensured to purchase a router that supports 5GHz, you can only upgrade the hardware if you get it replaced by your local internet provider. You can also search for new routers on Amazon, depending on the company you are using to provide internet.

Many users face the “smart WiFI” issue, which automatically picks the GHz network for you based on location and device usage. SO ensure that you have this feature disabled before you receive the router. If you have the router and you still have “smart WiFi”, contact your provider to help assist with removing this feature. This will allow you to make changes to what GHz network your device is using.

If you have not attempted it, connect your router to your desktop/mobile device to adjust your preferred GHz settings. Then, follow the instructions below to complete this correctly:

How Do I Upgrade My WiFi Adapter Hardware to 5GHz?
Connect your router to your desktop within your configuration page under “Wireless” / Image: Pigtou.com


Connect your router to your desktop within your configuration page under “Wireless”

  1. Connect your router to your Desktop or Mobile Device (WiFi or Ethernet).
  2. Login to your router’s configuration page by either
    • Opening your browser and enter “192.168.1.1” into the address bar
    • Visit http://router.asus.com (it will have the same effect)
  1. On the router’s configuration page, click Wireless.
  2. Click Professional.
  3. In the Frequency field, Select “2.4GHz”.
  4. In the Enable Radio field, Select “No”.
  5. Click Apply to save.


FAQs

Can 2.4 GHz devices connect to the dual-band?

Dual-band routers support the 2.4 GHz frequencies, along with also supporting the 5 GHz frequencies. In most cases, the device you are using to connect to Wi-Fi, such as your laptop or smartphone, chooses the band that fits your device’s optimization.

Can 2.4 GHz devices communicate with 5 GHz?

No, 2.4 GHz devices do not communicate with a 5 GHz network. If you have a wireless router or access point that is 5GHz only, no 2.4GHz device will be able to connect or detect the device.

Why is my 2.4GHz not showing up?

If your 2.4GHz is not showing up or is showing an error, restart your router. Restarting the router device can fix many network-related problems that are happening to your device.

Pigtou.com is supported by its audience. When you buy through the links on our website, we may earn a small commission.
Photo of author

Pigtou Editorial Team

A group of tech enthusiasts who find pleasure in troubleshooting and resolving various issues. When we're not engaged in writing, we typically enjoy playing table football or spending time with our office dog.
NEED HELP? Drop a comment below!

You can also post your problem to the PIGTOU FORUM.

Leave a Comment