5GHz supports blazing speeds over 1Gbps, thanks to more channels and minimal interference. Changing your Wi-Fi from 2.4GHz to 5GHz is quite straightforward; simply broadcast 5GHz from your Router Configuration page.

Before getting into the details, you should first check if your router is single-band (supports only 2.4GHz) or dual-band (supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz). A quick Google search of the router’s model number should do the trick. You can also refer to the router’s manual if you prefer.

Before anything else, you should turn on 5GHz transmission through your router configuration page. You’ll need your router’s IP Address and login credentials to access the router settings. These can be found at the back of your router. Unless you’ve changed it before, the default values for most routers will be: 

Alternatively, use ipconfig and note the IP Address. If you don’t remember the login credentials, press and hold the reset button on your router for 10 seconds. This resets them to the default values.  

Now we can switch the Wi-Fi to 5GHz via router settings. The exact steps may differ, but they will be similar for most routers. Here are detailed steps to access router settings on Windows, Mac, and Phones for various popular router models if necessary.

You’ll need to alter the adapter settings to enable operation on 5GHZ (reception).

To set the 5GHz network as the preferred option, you’ll need to make it the first network your device tries to connect to. To do so,

First: We already mentioned this at the start, but to reiterate, check if your router supports 5GHz or not. Google your router’s model number and check the specs online, or check the router’s manual.

If your device only detects 2.4GHz and the 5GHz Wi-Fi network doesn’t show up, you should first check if your laptop supports 5GHz. To do so, 

Check the Radio types supported.

802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b mean your device only supports 2.4 GHz.

But if it also shows 802.11a or ac or ax, your device supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

If your laptop supports 5GHz, you should update your Network driver. To do so,

To check if your Mac supports 5GHz,

You can force-change your Wi-Fi to 5GHz only by accessing router settings > advanced wireless settings and disabling 2.4GHz. Keep in mind that devices incompatible with 5GHz will be unable to connect to the Wi-Fi after this.

If that’s an issue, you can force-connect to 5GHz on only a specific laptop by disabling VHT 2.4G. Read the Switch to 5GHz in Windows Section above for steps regarding that.

You’ll need a dual-band router that can simultaneously broadcast 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for this. Dual-band routers use a protocol called band steering to switch seamlessly between the 2.4GHz (good for long-range) and 5GHz (good at close proximity) bands.

Your device will automatically connect to the ideal network depending on the situation.

The best router for you will depend on your own needs and requirements. Check the 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz pros and cons section above. That should give you a better idea of whether a dual-band router is right for you or not.

There is no hard-and-fast rule for this as it simply depends on compatibility and personal preference. But the general recommendation is to connect minor devices (Bluetooth and IoT devices, security cameras, phones, etc.) to 2.4GHz. 5GHz is better suited for streaming high-quality video, downloading, and other situations that require high-speed internet.

If your laptop won’t connect to the Wi-Fi or router isn’t connecting to the internet, try the following solutions to troubleshoot it.

Anup has been tinkering with PCs for over 15 years. At Tech News Today, he mainly covers Windows systems, Linux, networking, and hardware-related topics.

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