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Many iPhone users would like to know whether their iPhone is connected to the routerโs 5GHZ or 2.4GHZ. If you are one of them and you want to know for sure, then we are here with a detailed guide to help you along the way.
Though, itโs important to note that iPhone offers no inbuilt feature to help you but you can always have a way around it.
Table of Contents
What is WiFi GHz?
2.4GHz and 5GHz are two different frequency bands that are used for wireless communication, specifically for Wi-Fi. The main difference between the two is the frequency at which they operate. 2.4GHz is a lower frequency band, while 5GHz is a higher frequency band.
The main differences between 5GHz and 2.4GHz connections are the frequency band and the number of channels. 5GHz has more channels and less interference from other devices, making it faster and more reliable for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video and gaming. However, 2.4GHz has a longer range and can penetrate walls and other obstacles better, making it more suitable for larger homes or buildings. Additionally, 2.4GHz is more widely supported by older devices, while 5GHz is more commonly found in newer devices.
But which is better to use?ย
Features of 2.4GHz
2.4GHz is important because it is the most widely used frequency band for wireless communication. It has a longer range and can penetrate walls better than 5GHz. This makes it a good choice for large homes or buildings, as well as for outdoor environments.
However, because it is a lower frequency band, it is more prone to interference from other devices such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones.
Pros of 2.4GHz:
- Longer range: 2.4GHz has a longer range than 5GHz, which makes it better suited for larger homes or buildings where the signal needs to travel farther.
- More compatible: 2.4GHz is more widely supported by older devices, so it is more likely to be compatible with your devices.
Cons of 2.4GHz:
- Interference: 2.4GHz is more prone to interference from other devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones.
- Slower speeds: 2.4GHz is not as fast as 5GHz, so it may not be suitable for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video and gaming.
- Crowded Spectrum: There are many devices that work on 2.4GHz (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc) which can lead to overcrowding and poor performance.
Itโs worth noting that 2.4GHz and 5GHz can be used together with Dual-band router, which allows you to use both frequencies to get the best of both worlds.
Feature of 5GHz
5GHz, on the other hand, is a newer frequency band that is less crowded and less prone to interference. It has a shorter range than 2.4GHz, but it can support faster data rates and more simultaneous connections. This makes it a better choice for places where there are a lot of devices connected to the network, such as in offices or apartments.
- Faster speeds: 5GHz is faster than 2.4GHz, which makes it better suited for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video and gaming.
- Less interference: 5GHz has more channels and less interference from other devices, making it more reliable for wireless connections.
- More Channels: 5GHz has more channels to choose from, which can help to reduce interference.
Cons of 5GHz:
- Shorter range: 5GHz has a shorter range than 2.4GHz, which makes it less suitable for larger homes or buildings where the signal needs to travel farther.
- Less compatible: 5GHz is not as widely supported by older devices, so it may not be compatible with all of your devices.
- Higher Attenuation: 5GHz signals are more easily absorbed by walls and other obstacles, which can make it less effective in environments with many barriers.
- As with 2.4GHz, dual-band routers can allow you to use both frequencies to get the best of both worlds.
How to check your wifi GHz on your iPhone?
1. Check the network Band Name
This is one of the easiest ways of knowing whether your iPhone is connected to one band or dual-band router. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to the โSettingsโ app on your iPhone.
- Tap on โWi-Fiโ.
- Tap and hold the Wi-Fi network that youโre connected to.
- The access point will not appear under the Wi-Fi on the left side.
- You will notice that the available frequency and bands are listed down.
2. Check the band names
Now that you have realized whether you are connected to a dual-band Wi-Fi router, you will see which band you are connected to using this method. Follow the steps below:
- Swipe down from the right corner of your iPhone screen and open the Control Center.
- Tap and Hold the WQi-Fi name that you are connected to.
- You will notice that the name of the Wi-Fi access point will appear.
- If you see either of the two bands (2.4GHZ-5GHZ) you will know that you are connected to that band.
FAQs
Can I switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz on my iPhone?
Yes, you can switch between the two frequency bands by disconnecting from the current network and connecting to the desired network.
Is 5GHz faster than 2.4GHz?
Yes, 5GHz generally supports faster data rates and more simultaneous connections than 2.4GHz. However, the actual speed will depend on the specific devices and network conditions.
Is 2.4GHz or 5GHz better for gaming?
It depends on your network conditions and the location of your gaming devices. Generally, 5GHz is less prone to interference and supports faster data rates, but it has a shorter range. If you are close to your router and there are not many devices connected to the network, then 5GHz may be a better choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2.4GHz and 5GHz are two different frequency bands that are used for wireless communication. 2.4GHz is a lower frequency band that has a longer range and can penetrate walls better, but it is more prone to interference.
5GHz is a higher frequency band that is less crowded and less prone to interference, but it has a shorter range. To check the frequency band of your Wi-Fi on an iPhone, you can follow the steps that we have explained above.
