How to Force Smart Devices onto a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Network

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Access your router administrative panel

   Launch a web browser on a device connected to your local network. Enter your router’s IP address, typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, into the address bar and log in with your administrative credentials.

   Note: Check the sticker on your router chassis if you do not know the default IP address.
2. 1 min

   Locate wireless frequency settings

   Navigate to the Wireless or WLAN settings tab. Look for an option labeled Band Steering, Smart Connect, or SSID aggregation. Disable this feature to stop the router from forcing devices onto the 5 GHz band.

   Note: Disabling Smart Connect allows you to assign unique SSIDs to each frequency band.
3. 1 min

   Rename the 2.4 GHz SSID

   Change the name of the 2.4 GHz network to include a suffix, such as 'NetworkName_2.4'. Save these changes and apply the settings to your router.

   Note: Keep the 5 GHz network name identical to your original name to avoid reconnecting other devices.
4. 1 min

   Join the 2.4 GHz network on your phone

   Open the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone. Locate the new 'NetworkName_2.4' SSID and connect to it, ensuring your phone is physically close to the smart device being set up.

   Note: Turn off your cellular data temporarily to force the phone to communicate via the Wi-Fi bridge.
5. 2 min

   Initialize the smart device setup

   Launch the manufacturer's smart home application and initiate the discovery process. Since your phone is now forced onto the 2.4 GHz frequency, the pairing handshake will succeed without band interference.

   Note: Follow the specific factory reset instructions for your device if it fails to enter pairing mode initially.