Connecting your mobile to the correct Wi-Fi band is important for the connection to work properly. We are going to explain the reasons why and also talk about how you can know if you are connected to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The process can be quite simple, although sometimes it can get a bit complicated depending on the model you have. You will see that it is going to be essential to have a good network speed and stability.
Generally, 2.4 GHz is the best option for connecting devices further away from the router, although speed will be reduced. On the other hand, 5 GHz offers higher speeds, but it is a frequency that is more sensitive to distance and possible obstacles. Current mobile phones usually allow the use of both bands.
How to see if your phone is using 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
The easiest way to find out if your phone is connected to 2.4 or 5 GHz is to use the phone’s settings. However, this is not available on all versions, so it will depend on your device. You can do this in a similar way on both iOS and Android. You simply need to look at the data for the frequency used.
To do this, if your phone is connected to the Internet, you have to go to Settings, go to Connections, go to Wi-Fi and click on Configuration, within the corresponding network, which would be the one that is connected. You will see data such as the IP, MAC address, etc. You could also see if it is connected to 2.4 or 5 GHz. If nothing appears, it means that you cannot check it on your phone in this way.
Don’t worry if you don’t see it, as you’ll be able to use an app on any device. We used WiFi Analyzer, although you can use many other similar ones, with the option of also seeing which band the device is connected to. Simply launch the app and you’ll see different options related to Wi-Fi. Click on Network Details and everything will appear there.
Why is it important?
But is it really that important to connect to one band or another? The truth is that it is, as this will help you have a stable connection, with good speed and make the most of your devices. You should not always connect to the same band, as we will explain, but rather choose which one you need at any given time.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is the most suitable when you connect further away from the router. It is less sensitive to distance and obstacles, although the speed is lower. This band is usually used by home automation devices, as they do not require a high speed. One problem is that it is sensitive to possible interference, such as Bluetooth devices, cordless phones or even microwaves.
Regarding the 5 GHz frequency, it is ideal when you are going to connect close to the access point and want maximum speed. To take advantage of all the resources of your mobile, it is the one you should use if the situation allows it. Keep in mind that it is more sensitive to distance and obstacles, so it will be difficult to connect from further away.
In short, checking whether you are connecting to 2.4 or 5 GHz with your mobile is simple. It is important, as it will help you make the most of the connection and avoid problems that may limit the speed or stability of the wireless network.
