The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →There usually isn’t a universal 2.4 GHz switch on a Samsung phone. The router or access point controls which Wi‑Fi bands are available. The most reliable way to connect a Samsung phone or smart device to 2.4 GHz is to give that band its own network name (SSID), then select that name during setup.
Why a Samsung device may need 2.4 GHz
Some smart-home products support only 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. Samsung says that robot vacuums and some TVs cannot connect to 5 GHz networks, while other models may support both bands; compatibility depends on the device. Samsung’s SmartThings troubleshooting guidance describes this limitation.
Samsung’s guidance for Galaxy mobile hotspots notes that 2.4 GHz is compatible with more devices, while 5 GHz can provide better performance. Those are different trade-offs: band choice affects compatibility and performance, but actual results also depend on the router, device and signal conditions.
Connect through a separate 2.4 GHz network name
If your router already has separate names
- On the Samsung phone, open Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi. Menu wording may vary by One UI version.
- Choose the network name that identifies the 2.4 GHz band, such as “Home-2G,” and connect.
- Retry adding the appliance in SmartThings. Keep the phone and device on the same local network while setup is in progress.
If you see only one network name
- Open your router’s or mesh system’s app or web console. Look in Wi‑Fi, Radio, Band, Smart Connect, band steering or SSID settings; names and options vary by router and internet provider.
- If supported, create distinct names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Label them clearly so you can choose the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
- If the router does not offer separate names, temporarily disable its 5 GHz radio while pairing, if that setting is available. Re-enable it after setup, then check that the smart device remains connected.
- Connect the Samsung phone to the 2.4 GHz network and retry device setup.
Samsung Korea advises changing a 5 GHz-only access point so it also supports 2.4 GHz. Router settings differ, so consult the router maker or ISP if you cannot find a band or SSID control. If the equipment cannot expose a 2.4 GHz network, ask the provider or manufacturer about configuration options; replacing the router is only one possible remedy.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Change the band of a Galaxy mobile hotspot
This setting applies to the Wi‑Fi hotspot broadcast by the phone, not to the band it uses to connect to a home router.
- Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot. Exact labels can vary by phone and software version.
- Open the hotspot’s configuration or advanced settings and find Band.
- Select 2.4 GHz, then connect the other device to the phone’s hotspot name.
Samsung documents 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz hotspot choices and notes that 2.4 GHz works with more devices. If the Band option is missing, it may not be available on that phone, carrier configuration or software version.
Rank #2
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Fix a “Network not compatible” pairing message
SmartThings says to check both the network’s frequency and its security type when a device reports an incompatible network. A 2.4 GHz band alone does not guarantee compatibility.
- Confirm that the selected network is 2.4 GHz and that the device model supports that band.
- Check the router’s security mode against the device’s requirements. If compatibility is unclear, consult the router and device support documentation before changing security settings.
- Keep the phone and appliance on the same local network during onboarding.
- If signal strength is weak, move the router or controller closer to the device.
- Restart the device and router or controller, then retry pairing.
Samsung’s TV connectivity guidance also covers wired connections. If your Samsung TV has a LAN port and Wi‑Fi band changes are impractical, connect it to the router by Ethernet instead.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- WHOLE-HOME WI-FI 6 COVERAGE - eero covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. with wifi (a 22 foot radius) and supports wifi speeds up to 900 Mbps.
- SAY GOODBYE TO DEAD SPOTS AND BUFFERING - Our TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs so you can confidently stream 4K video, game, and video conference.
- MORE WIFI FOR MORE DEVICES - Wi-Fi 6 supports faster wifi than prior standards and permits 75+ connected devices.
- SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app walks you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere. Plus, free customer support is available 7 days a week in the US at [email protected] or +1-877-659-2347.
- BUILT-IN ZIGBEE SMART HOME HUB - eero 6 connects compatible devices on your network with Alexa—so there’s no need to buy separate smart home hubs for each device.
When router settings are the obstacle
Some ISP gateways and mesh systems hide band controls, combine both bands under one name, or restrict which settings the customer can change. If you cannot create a 2.4 GHz SSID or temporarily disable 5 GHz, contact your ISP or router manufacturer for the supported method for that model. A configurable dual-band router is relevant only if the current equipment cannot provide the network your device requires.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟖𝐊 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, & obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V 2.5 A
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router
Rank #4
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
- Ultrafast AX3000 speeds up to 3Gbps with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- This router does not include a built-in cable modem. A separate cable modem (with coax inputs) is required for internet service.
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
