How to Change Hotspot from 5Ghz to 2.4Ghz Android

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In today’s digital age, staying connected to the internet is crucial for both work and leisure. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming your favorite TV shows, or simply browsing the web, a stable internet connection is a necessity. One way to ensure this connectivity is by using a mobile hotspot. Mobile hotspots allow you to connect your devices to the internet using your smartphone’s data, creating a portable Wi-Fi network. However, there may be times when you need to change the frequency of your hotspot from 5GHz to 2.4GHz for compatibility or performance reasons. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of changing the hotspot frequency and provide step-by-step methods to accomplish it on an Android device.

The Challenge of Changing Hotspot Frequency

  • Compatibility: Some older devices or internet-of-things (IoT) devices may only support the 2.4GHz frequency, making it necessary to switch from 5GHz to 2.4GHz to connect those devices.
  • Range: The 2.4GHz frequency has a longer range compared to 5GHz, making it a better choice if you need to provide Wi-Fi coverage to a larger area.
  • Interference: The 2.4GHz frequency is more susceptible to interference from other devices, such as cordless phones and microwaves. Switching to 5GHz can help avoid such interference and provide a more stable connection.

Video Tutorial:

Method 1: How to Change Hotspot Frequency using Android Settings

Changing the hotspot frequency on an Android device can be done through the device settings. Follow these steps to change the hotspot frequency from 5GHz to 2.4GHz:

Method:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on "Network & internet".
  3. Tap on "Hotspot & tethering" or a similar option.
  4. Tap on "Wi-Fi hotspot".
  5. Look for an option to change the frequency band or channel selection. It may be labeled as "Band" or "Frequency band".
  6. Select the 2.4GHz frequency or channel from the available options.
  7. Save the changes and toggle the hotspot on.

Pros:

  1. Easy to access and change hotspot settings.
  2. No need for third-party apps or additional configurations.
  3. Allows for compatibility with devices that only support the 2.4GHz frequency.

Cons:

  1. May not be available on all Android devices, as some manufacturers may not include the option to change the frequency band in their device settings.
  2. Limited customization and advanced settings compared to other methods.
  3. May require a device restart for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: How to Change Hotspot Frequency using Third-Party Apps

If your Android device does not have the option to change the frequency band in the settings, you can use third-party apps to modify the hotspot frequency. Here’s how:

Method:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for and install a hotspot management app that supports frequency band selection.
  3. Open the hotspot management app.
  4. Look for an option to change the frequency band or channel selection.
  5. Select the 2.4GHz frequency or channel from the available options.
  6. Save the changes and toggle the hotspot on.

Pros:

  1. Provides flexibility for devices without built-in frequency band selection.
  2. More advanced settings and customization options compared to device settings.
  3. Allows for compatibility with devices that only support the 2.4GHz frequency.

Cons:

  1. Requires downloading and installing additional apps.
  2. Some apps may have ads or require in-app purchases for full functionality.
  3. Potential compatibility issues with certain device models or Android versions.

Method 3: How to Change Hotspot Frequency using Root Access

For more advanced users who have rooted their Android devices, it is possible to change the hotspot frequency by modifying system files. Please note that this method requires technical knowledge and may void your device warranty. Proceed with caution.

Method:

  1. Ensure your Android device is rooted.
  2. Install a root file explorer app from the Google Play Store.
  3. Open the root file explorer app.
  4. Navigate to the system directory.
  5. Locate the "wpa_supplicant.conf" file.
  6. Edit the file using a text editor.
  7. Look for the line that starts with "hw_mode" or "frequency_band".
  8. Change the value to "g" for 2.4GHz or "a" for 5GHz.
  9. Save the changes and reboot your device.

Pros:

  1. Provides full control and customization over the hotspot frequency.
  2. Can be used on devices that do not have the option to change the frequency band through settings or third-party apps.
  3. Allows for advanced tweaking and optimization for specific use cases.

Cons:

  1. Requires technical knowledge and understanding of rooting and system files.
  2. Potential risks of bricking your device or voiding the warranty.
  3. Not recommended for novice users or those unfamiliar with Android rooting.

Method 4: How to Change Hotspot Frequency using Custom ROMs

For users who are comfortable with flashing custom ROMs on their Android devices, it is possible to change the hotspot frequency by using a custom ROM that supports frequency band selection. This method is more complex and requires careful research and understanding of custom ROMs.

Method:

  1. Research and find a custom ROM for your Android device that supports frequency band selection.
  2. Follow the instructions provided by the custom ROM developer to flash the ROM onto your device.
  3. Once the custom ROM is installed, navigate to the ROM settings.
  4. Look for an option to change the frequency band or channel selection.
  5. Select the 2.4GHz frequency or channel from the available options.
  6. Save the changes and reboot your device.

Pros:

  1. Provides more extensive customization options and features compared to stock Android.
  2. Allows for fine-tuning and optimization of hotspot frequency and other settings.
  3. May include additional improvements and enhancements not found in stock Android.

Cons:

  1. Requires technical knowledge and understanding of custom ROM flashing.
  2. May void device warranty and potentially brick your device if not done correctly.
  3. Custom ROM availability may vary depending on your device model.

Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Change Hotspot Frequency

If you are unable to change the hotspot frequency on your Android device or the methods mentioned earlier do not work for you, there are alternative solutions you can try:

  1. Use a different device: If you have access to another device that supports the desired frequency, you can use that device as the hotspot instead.
  2. Use a portable Wi-Fi router: Invest in a portable Wi-Fi router that allows you to set the desired frequency and connect your Android device to it.
  3. Upgrade your device: Consider upgrading your Android device to a newer model that offers more flexibility and control over the hotspot frequency.

Bonus Tips

Here are some bonus tips to enhance your hotspot experience on Android:

  1. Secure your hotspot: Set a password for your hotspot to prevent unauthorized access and protect your data.
  2. Monitor your data usage: Keep track of your hotspot data usage to avoid exceeding your mobile data limit or incurring additional charges.
  3. Optimize hotspot placement: Position your Android device in a central location and avoid physical obstructions to maximize Wi-Fi coverage.

5 FAQs about Changing Hotspot Frequency

Q1: Can I change the hotspot frequency on all Android devices?

A: Not all Android devices have the option to change the hotspot frequency in their settings. The availability of this feature may depend on the device manufacturer and model.

Q2: Why would I want to change the hotspot frequency?

A: Changing the hotspot frequency may be necessary to ensure compatibility with older devices or to optimize the Wi-Fi coverage and stability.

Q3: Does changing the hotspot frequency affect the internet speed?

A: The choice of hotspot frequency may impact the internet speed and performance. In general, the 5GHz frequency offers faster speeds but shorter range, while the 2.4GHz frequency provides slower speeds but longer range.

Q4: Will changing the hotspot frequency affect other Wi-Fi devices connected to the same network?

A: No, changing the hotspot frequency only affects the Wi-Fi network created by your Android device. Other Wi-Fi devices connected to the same network will not be affected.

Q5: Is it safe to root my Android device to change the hotspot frequency?

A: Rooting your Android device has potential risks and may void the warranty. It is recommended to thoroughly research and understand the process before attempting to root your device.

In Conclusion

Changing the hotspot frequency from 5GHz to 2.4GHz on an Android device can be beneficial for compatibility, range, and interference optimization. Depending on your device and technical capabilities, you can use the device settings, third-party apps, root access, or custom ROMs to achieve this change. If these methods are not feasible, there are alternative solutions and bonus tips that can help in creating a stable and reliable mobile hotspot experience. Remember to prioritize your specific requirements and proceed with caution when modifying system files or flashing custom ROMs to avoid any potential risks.