How do I force Google WiFi to 5GHz?

Answered by James Kissner

To force Google WiFi to use the 5GHz band, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Google WiFi app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap on the tab with the settings gear icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. From the list of options, select “Network & general.”
4. Under the “Network” section, tap on the name of the WiFi network you want to configure.
5. Scroll down and tap on “Advanced networking.”
6. Look for the “Band steering” option and toggle it on.
7. Band steering is a feature that automatically moves your devices to the best available band, but it may take some time for all devices to switch over to the 5GHz band. You can speed up the process by rebooting your devices or disconnecting and reconnecting to the WiFi network.

If you still encounter issues with devices not connecting to the 5GHz band, you can try the following additional steps:

1. Disconnect all devices from the WiFi network.
2. Restart your Google WiFi router by unplugging it from the power source for about 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
3. After the router has fully restarted, reconnect your devices to the WiFi network.
4. If your device still connects to the 2.4GHz band, try moving closer to the Google WiFi router. The 5GHz band has a shorter range than the 2.4GHz band, so being closer to the router can help ensure a stronger connection to the 5GHz band.
5. Additionally, check if there are any physical obstructions or interference sources (such as other electronic devices or walls) that may be causing signal degradation. Adjusting the positioning of your Google WiFi router or moving it to a more centralized location within your home can help improve the signal strength.

By following these steps, you should be able to force Google WiFi to use the 5GHz band and enjoy faster WiFi speeds. However, it’s worth noting that not all devices support the 5GHz band. Older devices or devices with lower-end WiFi capabilities may only be compatible with the 2.4GHz band.