Auto switch from 5GHz to 2.4GHz wifi not working

[ROBESPIERRE61]

My Galaxy S8 is stuck on 5GHz for Wifi. Even if there are lots of 2.4GHz connections available, it does not connect to them, and it also does not show their availability. If the 5GHz connection is marginal, I lose my internet. Anyone who has a solution?

 

[methodman89]

The first thing I would do is unplug the wifi router, forget all the networks from your phone, turn off auto connect, plug the router back in and let it fully boot, then turn on the phones wifi and scan for your network. Reestablish what is hopefully your 5g. Good luck

 

[ROBESPIERRE61]

Thanks for your answer. If I go anywhere in the country where there are both public 5GHz and 2.4GHz connections available, the phone will only connect to 5GHz. Even if they are lousy signal strength. I cannot go into those routers and reset them.

If I reset the home router as you describe, the phone will connect to the 5GHz and not the 2.4GHz. But I want it to connect to 2.4GHz if that has a better signal.

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

Try and reset network settins in your phone and see if that improves things.

 

[joeldf]

I would also suggest, for your own router, give each band it's own SSID, so you can set which specific band you want your phone to connect to.

That's what I did for mine. Added a "-5" to the 5GHz SSID. That way, I see each one, and can pick the one to connect to for my devices in my house. The Fire TV Sticks all connect to the 5GHz band, while everything else connects to the 2.4.

This won't help while out and about, but I don't have my phone automatically connect to other Wi-Fi devices, unless I specifically look for it and connect.

 

[ROBESPIERRE61]

The wifi router already had different SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz. The phone does not even list the 2.4 GHz access point, like it does not receive it

 

[joeldf]

The wifi router already had different SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz. The phone does not even list the 2.4 GHz access point, like it does not receive it

Is the 2.4 band SSID broadcasting?

You can still manually add a Wi-Fi network, even if the SSID isn't broadcasting, by typing in the SSID name, and password. As long as it's saved, and not the other one, then it will connect to the saved network first.