2.4 GHz generally reaches farther and is widely supported by smart devices; 5 GHz generally offers more capacity/speed at shorter range.
Step by Step
- Open your router or mesh-system Wi-Fi settings.
- Look for bands or networks labeled 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
- If the bands share one network name, the router may automatically steer devices between them.
- Check a device's Wi-Fi/network details if it reports the current band or channel.
- For a device that requires 2.4 GHz, follow the router/device manufacturer's setup instructions.
If That Doesn't Work
- A network name alone does not reliably prove which band a device is using.
- Modern routers may combine both bands under one SSID.
- Do not permanently disable a band merely to troubleshoot a setup unless you understand the effect.