When you need to check if a device is compatible with your Wi-Fi network, then it’s time to ask how many GHz your Wi-Fi network is operating on. If you've ever wondered why your wireless internet feels off in one room but fine in another, the answer might be right in your settings.

We’ll take a look at:

• Quick ways to find your Wi-Fi frequency
• Key differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• How to check your Wi-Fi GHz on different devices
• Changing between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz manually
• Testing signal strength on each Wi-Fi band
• What the 6 GHz band adds to Wi-Fi
• Get better Wi-Fi performance with Meter

What GHz is my Wi-Fi? (Quick answer)

Most networks use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies. Many modern routers are dual-band, meaning they can broadcast both at the same time. Some high-end routers even offer a tri-band setup to handle more devices.

To quickly find out which GHz you're using:

• Open Settings on your iPhone, check router info, or use a Wi-Fi analyzer app.
• Look in Wi-Fi settings on your Android or use NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer.
• Use Command Prompt or check Wi-Fi properties in settings on Windows.
• Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon on your Mac.
• Log in to your router’s admin panel using a web browser.

Each method gives you the current frequency your device is connected to. More on that below.

2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz Wi-Fi: Key differences

Comparing 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz shows a clear tradeoff between speed and range depending on where and how you're connected. A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band travels farther but moves data more slowly. 5 GHz Wi-Fi is faster but works best nearby.

Speed

The 2.4 GHz frequency supports lower max speeds—often capped around 100–150 Mbps, depending on interference. However, 5 GHz supports faster throughput, often exceeding 500 Mbps under Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6.

Range

The signals of 2.4 GHz can travel through walls and floors better than 5 GHz, making them more reliable at a distance. Comparatively, 5 GHz has less range and weakens faster through obstacles, but stays cleaner in crowded environments.

Best for

The 2.4 GHz signal works better for smart home gear, IoT devices, or anything far from the router. For high-bandwidth devices, 5 GHz is better to support laptops, game consoles, or streaming in the same room.

Dual-and tri-band

Most routers today are dual-band, meaning they broadcast both 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. Devices typically connect to whichever band offers the strongest signal at the time. Some routers are tri-band, offering a second 5 GHz lane to balance traffic better.

Meter always recommends giving your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks separate SSIDs. That makes it easier to manually assign devices and avoid accidental band switching.

It also helps when you're troubleshooting lag, coverage gaps, or compatibility issues—or figuring out which devices should stay on Wi-Fi versus switching to a wired ethernet setup. Here’s how ethernet vs. internet compares.

To help you choose which Wi-Fi band suits you, use this comparison chart:

Wi-Fi band comparison table

This table gives a technical snapshot to complement the real-world guidance above. It’s especially helpful when planning access point placement or deciding which band to prioritize.

How many GHz is my Wi-Fi? How to check on any device

It only takes a few taps to check your Wi-Fi GHz, but the steps depend on the device.

How to check Wi-Fi GHz on iPhone

You can’t view Wi-Fi frequency directly in iOS settings, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Look at your network name

If your router splits the bands into separate SSIDs—like “HomeWiFi_2.4G” and “HomeWiFi_5G”—you’ll know which band you're on based on the name you’re connected to. This only works if the names are customized.

Method 2: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app

Apple’s AirPort Utility can scan nearby Wi-Fi networks, including frequency and channel, once Wi-Fi scanning is enabled in iPhone settings. Apps like Wi-Fi SweetSpots can also identify which band you’re on, though with less detail than desktop versions.

Method 3: Log in to your router through Safari

Enter your router’s IP address in the Safari address bar, log in, and navigate to the connected devices list. Most routers show the band each device is using.

How to check Wi-Fi GHz on Android

Most Android phones show Wi-Fi band details directly in the system settings.

Method 1: Check your connection in settings

Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, then tap your connected network. Look for “Frequency,” “Channel,” or “Network details.” Some Android versions display the band clearly as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

Method 2: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app

Apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot show your current GHz band along with nearby networks, signal strength, and interference. These are useful if your device’s UI doesn’t label the band directly.

How to check Wi-Fi GHz on Windows and Mac

You can check your connected Wi-Fi band using built-in tools on both platforms.

Windows

Open Command Prompt, then type: netsh wlan show interfaces

Look for the "Channel" line:

• Channels 1 to 13 typically mean 2.4 GHz.
• Channels 36 and above usually mean 5 GHz.

The “Radio type” line shows the Wi-Fi standard (like 802.11ac or ax), which indirectly suggests the band but isn’t definitive.

You can also check band info in Settings: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware Properties, then scroll to see the network band or channel.

Mac

Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar. Look for the “Channel” field in the dropdown:

• Channels 1–13 indicate a 2.4 GHz connection.
• Channels 36 and above indicate 5 GHz.

The macOS doesn’t display the frequency directly, but the channel number reveals the band you're using.

How to check Wi-Fi GHz on your router

Router settings give you the clearest view of which Wi-Fi GHz bands are active and in use.

Step 1: Log in to the admin panel

Open a browser and type your router’s IP address—often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Sign in with your admin username and password.

Step 2: Check wireless settings

Look for a tab labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. You’ll see the broadcast settings for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both if the router is dual-band. Many routers allow enabling/disabling each band and naming them separately.

Step 3: Review connected devices (if supported)

Some routers list all connected devices along with their connection band. This section may be under Device List, Clients, or Network Map depending on the interface.

Most new routers are dual-band, offering 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz as separate or unified SSIDs. A typical 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router now includes 5 GHz support too, so both bands are usually active out of the box. Some models automatically steer devices between bands based on signal strength or speed.

If you want more control, assign distinct SSIDs—like “Network_2.4G” and “Network_5G”—and pair that with secure network design to keep everything consistent.

How to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi

Switching bands can improve speed, signal strength, or device compatibility—especially with smart home gear.

Step 1: Split your SSIDs

Log in to your router and go to the Wi-Fi or Wireless settings. If your router supports it, assign separate names to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. For example: “HomeNet_2.4G” and “HomeNet_5G.”

Step 2: Manually connect to the desired band

Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device and choose the network name that matches the band you want. Devices usually reconnect to the same band automatically unless the network is forgotten.

Step 3: Prevent unwanted switching

If your device keeps switching bands, you can delete the network profile for the band you don’t want. Some routers let you assign a specific band to a device using MAC address filtering, AP isolation, or band lock—though these features vary by brand.

Mesh systems and some all-in-one routers may group both bands under a single SSID using band steering. These systems prioritize simplicity but reduce manual control.

How to test your Wi-Fi GHz signal strength

A quick Wi-Fi GHz test can show which band you're on and how strong your signal is. Checking signal strength helps diagnose coverage gaps, interference, and poor performance on either band.

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app

Apps like NetSpot, Wi-Fi Analyzer, or Fing show what GHz you’re on, your current signal strength, and channel usage. These tools help identify interference from nearby networks or devices.

If you're using Meter, you don’t need a separate app. The Meter dashboard shows signal strength, band usage, and which devices are on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. You can also build custom views using Meter Command to track device behavior and connection quality over time.

Understand dBm readings

Signal strength is measured in decibels milliwatts (dBm). Values closer to 0 mean stronger signals:

• –30 dBm = Excellent (near the access point)
• –67 dBm = Good (strong enough for video or calls)
• –80 dBm = Weak (may cause buffering or dropouts)
• –90 dBm = Unusable

Testing signal strength while switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz shows which band works best in each spot. If the signal looks fine but performance is still lagging, it might be an upload speed issue instead.

Some apps also warn you about overlapping channels, which can slow things down—especially on 2.4 GHz, where there are fewer clear channels to use.

What is the 6 GHz band?

The 6 GHz band is a newer Wi-Fi frequency used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. It adds a third band on top of the usual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Old tri-band routers usually include:

• One 2.4 GHz band
• Two 5 GHz bands

Routers with 6 GHz support are often called Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 routers. They usually include:

• One 2.4 GHz
• One or two 5 GHz
• One 6 GHz

So, in most cases, you’re looking at a quad-band router when 6 GHz is involved.

What does 6 GHz do?

The 6 GHz band offers faster speeds and more room for data. It supports wider channels, has less interference, and includes more spectrum than 2.4 or 5 GHz.

But it comes with tradeoffs:

• The range is short.
• It can’t pass through walls well.
• Only Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices can connect to it.
• You need to be close to the access point for it to work well.

At Meter, we currently deploy Wi-Fi 6 access points, which offer fast speeds and strong coverage on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi 7 access points with 6 GHz support are planned for release in spring 2025. We're actively testing them, but most real-world environments still benefit more from solid coverage and smart switching between the existing bands.

While 6 GHz has promise, in most offices today, strong dual-band coverage and smart network design still matter more.

Get the best Wi-Fi performance with Meter

Figuring out the answer to the question, “How many GHz is my Wi-Fi?” is a good starting point, but it’s not the whole fix. If you're still dealing with signal drops, dead zones, or constant band switching, you’re doing more than you should.

Meter’s fully managed, vertically integrated network covers the full stack—from hardware and installation to monitoring and user support. You don’t need to worry about which band your device is on. We’ve already built the system to keep your network reliable and easy to scale.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, and security appliances work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed Experience: Meter provides user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide a floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.