5GHz Wi-Fi Not Showing Up [Suggested Fixes]

Having access to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network provides super-fast internet connection for your devices. But what's the point of having it if it doesn't appear on your device's list of available networks? It can be even more frustrating if you can't find the option in your router settings either.

If you are struggling with this problem, you are not alone. This is a relatively common problem, and most people don't know how to fix it.

In this tutorial, we'll provide tips and tricks to help you fix the problem so you can get back to work or watch your favorite TV show or movie without interruption.

Some Reasons Why 5GHZ Wi-Fi Might Not Appear

There are several reasons why 5 GHz Wi-Fi may not appear in your list of available networks:

• Your computer or smartphone may not be compatible with 5 GHz networks.
• Your hardware, including your router, may not be compatible with 5 GHz networks.
• Access to 5 GHz networks may not be properly configured on your device or router.
• Your drivers may be outdated or corrupted.

How To Fix 5GHz Wi-Fi Not Showing Up In Windows 10

It's not always easy to find 5 GHz Wi-Fi on your computer. Let's look at several troubleshooting methods that are worth trying:

Method 1: Check if your computer supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi

Before trying anything complex, you must first determine if your computer is compatible with 5 GHz networks. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Open the Run control box by pressing the Windows key + R key simultaneously. You can also do this by typing "Run" in the Windows search box located in the lower left corner of your screen.
   
2. Type "cmd" in the run box, this should launch the Windows 10 command prompt.
   
3. Enter the following in the command prompt: netsh wlan show drivers
   After that press Enter. if you have the correct access levels, you should see your computer's Wi-Fi Lan driver properties.
   
4. Check the Supported radio types section.
   
5. You will likely see one of three possible network modes as follows:
   
   1. 11g 802.11n: This shows that your computer is compatible only with 2,4 GHz networks.
   2. 11n 802.11g 802.11b: This shows that your computer is compatible only with 2,4 GHz networks.
   3. 11a 802.11g 802.11n: This indicates that your computer supports both 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

If the third network mode above is present, your computer is 5G compatible. This shows that the connection problem is not in your device's network card. It's something to do with your settings, and you should be good to go as soon as you fix that. However, if you see one of the first two network modes, you will need to get an updated network card that supports 5 GHz bandwidth.

Method 2: Check if your Wi-Fi router supports 5 GHz bandwidth

To find out if your router supports 5G bandwidth, you'll need to do some research.

First, check your router's instruction manual. Most manufacturers will include this information somewhere in this document. Alternatively, you can check to see if the compatibility information is printed on the box the router came in.

If your search is unsuccessful, the manufacturer's official website can help you. You will be looking for a product with the same model name as your router. Once you find it, check if it supports 5 GHz networks. If not, you will need to purchase a new 5G-enabled router.

Method 3: Enable 802.11n mode on your computer's Wi-Fi adapter

The other possibility is that your computer's network card settings are not configured correctly. For example, 5 GHz wireless adapter mode may not be enabled. Luckily, you can fix this problem quickly. Here's how:

1. press the Windows key + X key at the same time to launch Windows Device Manager.
   
2. Now click on Network adapters.
   
3. In the drop-down list, right click on your wireless adapter then click on Properties.
   
4. Select 802.11n mode.
   
5. Within the Value drop-down menu on the right, select Enabled.
   
6. Click on Okay to save your new settings.
   

To find out if the problem is solved, restart your computer and then check if 5G is in the list of available Wi-Fi connections.

Method 4: Set Bandwidth to 5GHz via Device Manager

If the problem persists, it may be time to adjust the bandwidth to 5GHz Wi-Fi using Device Manager. Here are the steps:

1. press the Windows key + X key at the same time to launch Windows Device Manager.
   
2. Click on Network adapters.
   
3. Again, right-click on your wireless adapter, then click Properties.
   
4. Click on Advanced then select Favorite band.
   
5. Now, within the Value drop-down menu on the right, select 5G first.
   
6. Click on Okay to save your new settings.
   

If this method still does not work, you will need to update your Wi-Fi drivers.

Method 5: Update your Wi-Fi driver

Connecting to the 5 GHz bandwidth is next to impossible if your drivers aren't up to date. Luckily, you can update them in just a few steps:

1. press the Windows key + X key at the same time to launch Windows Device Manager.
   
2. Click on Network adapters.
   
3. In the drop-down list, right click on your wireless adapter then click on Update the driver. This should launch a new window where you will be prompted to choose whether to automatically search for driver software or browse your computer.
   
4. From there select Automatically search for drivers.
   

After the driver is successfully updated, you should restart your computer and then try to connect to the Internet again using the 5 GHz bandwidth.

Method 6: Update Wi-Fi Drivers Manually

If the automatic driver update does not work, you can choose to do it manually, here is how:

1. Download Wi-Fi drivers from a reliable source, such as Windowsdrivers.org.
   
2. press the Windows key + X at the same time to launch Windows Device Manager.
   
3. Now click on Network adapters.
   
4. In the drop-down list, select right click on the wireless adapter then click on Update the driver.
   
5. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   
6. Navigate to Downloaded Drivers then click Installer.

How To Fix 5GHz Wi-Fi Not Showing On Android

Sometimes 5GHz connection issues are also present on Android devices. You might find yourself stuck browsing at a snail's speed or you can lock in 5GHz and browse at super-fast speeds. If your browsing is slow, the culprit could be incorrect settings, cache buildup, or even a router that doesn't support 5GHz bandwidth. If you have encountered this problem, you can try the following troubleshooting methods:

Method 1: Restart your device

Sometimes all the pre-installed programs on your phone do not animate when you start your device. For this reason, you should always consider rebooting as a way to fix internet configuration issues. Restarting is as simple as pressing the power button to turn off your device, then turning it back on after a minute or two.

Method 2: Adjust your phone settings

Here's how to set 5 GHz as the preferred bandwidth on your phone:

1. Press Parameters.
   
2. Then press Connexions > Wi-Fi. It may differ on your device.
   
3. Press the ellipsis (three small dots at the top right).
   
4. Press Advanced.
   
5. Select Wi-Fi frequency band.
6. Select 5 GHz and save your new settings.

It is important to note that the specific steps you need to set 5 GHz as your preferred bandwidth in your smartphone will differ slightly depending on the type of device you are using.

Method 3: Check if your Wi-Fi router supports 5 GHz bandwidth

When your phone cannot find the 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection in your home, it is possible that your router does not support this frequency. But there's only one way to find out: you need to check your router's user manual for compatibility information. As with a PC, you can also check if the router supports 5 GHz networks by checking the manufacturer's website.

Method 4: Adjust your adapter settings

The Wi-Fi adapter is the heart of your wireless device. If the correct network mode has not been set, you will have trouble finding a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Using a Windows PC, you can adjust the settings and lock the correct network mode.

Follow the instructions given above in the Windows section to do so.

Method 5: Factory Reset

If none of the troubleshooting options we have described work for you, the last resort is to factory reset your phone. It will erase all your data from the phone, including any incorrect wireless configuration or any other system settings that may be hampering your 5GHz Wi-Fi connection, and restore the original factory settings. However, you should back up your data before initiating the reset.

There is a small chance that 5 GHz will not show up even after all these settings. If this happens, you will need to contact your device manufacturer for assistance.

Eturn on 5 GHz Wi-Fi on an iPhone

1. Press Parameters.

2. Press Wi-Fi.

3. Tap the name of the 5G network you want to join. You may be prompted to enter the network password.

FAQ

How do I adjust my router settings?

1. Connect your computer to your Wi-Fi network.

2. Copy the router's IP address and paste it into your browser.

3. Enter the default login credentials to log in.

4. Access the configuration page and select your preferred network.

What is the range of 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi routers that operate on the 5 GHz band can only cover a third of the distance covered by traditional 2,4 GHz bands. Routers with 2,4 GHz output are known to reach up to 300 feet (92 meters) indoors and 150 feet (46 m) outdoors, while 5 GHz routers can only reach 100 feet (30 meters) indoors and 50 feet (15 meters) outdoors.

Transform your browsing experience

The 5 GHz Wi-Fi network presents a great way to reduce congestion on your 2,4 GHz band and lock in faster browsing speeds to your device. But it doesn't always automatically appear in the list of available networks, a situation that can be quite frustrating. Thanks to this article, you now have several troubleshooting methods that will most likely fix the problem.

Did you have any problems connecting your device to the 5 GHz frequency? Let us know in the comments below.