Switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi on a Samsung Phone (Router Guide)

To switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Samsung, you need to connect your phone to a Wi‑Fi network that is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band. Samsung phones do not have a menu setting to force the phone onto 2.4 GHz; instead, the phone automatically connects to whatever band the chosen network uses.

Why you need to switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi on a Samsung phone

Many smart home devices, such as security cameras, smart plugs, and thermostats, only work on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi during setup or permanently. The 2.4 GHz band also travels farther through walls and solid objects than the 5 GHz band, making it a better choice if your router is in another room or on a different floor. Older routers that do not support 5 GHz require a 2.4 GHz connection, and some users find that 2.4 GHz provides a more stable signal at a distance, even if its top speed is lower than 5 GHz.

Samsung phones do not have a 2.4 GHz band setting

There is no option in the Wi‑Fi settings of a Galaxy or any other Samsung phone to manually select the 2.4 GHz band. The phone does not let you “switch” bands in a menu. Instead, it connects to whichever frequency the router broadcasts for the network name you select. If your router uses the same network name (SSID) for both bands, the phone chooses the band automatically based on signal strength and network conditions. To reliably use 2.4 GHz, you must connect to a network that is only broadcasting on that band.

How to connect your Samsung phone to a 2.4 GHz network

Follow these steps to get your Samsung phone onto a 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi network.

Check if your router already has a separate 2.4 GHz network name. Open the Wi‑Fi settings on your phone and look at the list of available networks. Many dual‑band routers broadcast two separate names by default, for example “MyWiFi” and “MyWiFi_5G” or “MyWiFi_2.4”. If you see a network name that does not include “5G” or “5”, it is likely the 2.4 GHz network. Connect to that name.
If your router uses one name for both bands, log into the router admin panel. Open a web browser on a device connected to the router, type the router’s IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and enter the admin username and password. Look for Wi‑Fi or wireless settings.
Split the bands or temporarily disable 5 GHz. Find the option to give each band its own network name. This is sometimes called “band steering” or “SSID broadcast.” Change the 2.4 GHz network to a unique name and the 5 GHz network to a different name. Alternatively, you can temporarily turn off the 5 GHz radio so that only the 2.4 GHz band is active. Save the settings and let the router reboot if needed.
Disable "Smart Network Switch". Go to your phone's Wi‑Fi settings, tap "Advanced", and turn off "Smart Network Switch" to prevent the phone from automatically switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, which could interfere with connecting to the desired band.
Connect your Samsung phone to the 2.4 GHz network. On your phone, go to Wi‑Fi settings, find the new 2.4 GHz network name, tap it, and enter the password. Your phone will now be connected to 2.4 GHz.

After you finish setting up your smart home device or troubleshooting your connection, you can log back into the router and re‑enable 5 GHz or restore the combined network name if you prefer.

Troubleshooting when your Samsung phone won't connect to 2.4 GHz

If your phone still will not connect to the 2.4 GHz network, try these steps:

Forget the network and reconnect. In Wi‑Fi settings, tap the network name and select “Forget.” Then tap the network again and enter the password.
Restart both devices. Turn your Samsung phone off and on again.
Move closer to the router. A weak signal can prevent the phone from connecting. Stand within a few feet of the router while you attempt to connect.
Check for router firmware updates. Log into the router admin panel and look for a firmware update option. Updating the router can fix compatibility issues with 2.4 GHz connections.
Reset network settings on the Samsung phone. Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings. This will erase saved Wi‑Fi networks and Bluetooth connections.
Disable Power Saving Mode. Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery and turn off Power saving, as it can limit Wi‑Fi capabilities.
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check for network interference. Install a Wi‑Fi analyzer app to see channel congestion and, if needed, change the router channel in the admin panel to a less crowded one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch back to 5 GHz?

Yes. Simply connect your Samsung phone to the 5 GHz network name if your router uses separate names, or re‑enable the 5 GHz radio in the router settings. Your phone will then use 5 GHz when connected to that network.

Will 2.4 GHz slow my internet?

2.4 GHz typically offers lower maximum speeds than 5 GHz, but the difference is often unnoticeable for browsing, email, and streaming video. If you need very fast speeds for gaming or large file downloads, 5 GHz is better when you are close to the router.

How do I know which band I'm on?

Some Samsung phones show the frequency in the Wi‑Fi settings under the network name. You can also check the network details in the router admin panel or use a Wi‑Fi analyzer app to see the band your phone is connected to.

Why does my smart device need 2.4 GHz?

Many smart home devices use older or simpler Wi‑Fi chips that only support 2.4 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band also provides better range and wall penetration, which is important for devices placed far from the router.