Sometimes, smart plugs and other smart home devices can only use 2.4 GHz internet connections to work.
Yet, most wireless routers use a higher GHz connection.
So, what can you do to connect your smart plug to the internet?
You can connect your smart plug to 2.4 GHz by manually changing your router’s band settings, disabling your 5 GHz band, using 2G phone data to pair your device, or setting your plug up at the edge of your router’s range.
In this article, we will teach you how to connect your smart plug, even if you don’t have a 2.4 GHz internet connection.
We will walk you through some of the best ways to troubleshoot and work around 5 GHz internet connections so you can pair your smart devices no matter what.
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz Connection
GHz stands for gigahertz. This is the frequency that routers use to broadcast the internet to all of your devices.
Most internet routers use a 5 GHz connection to connect your devices to the internet.
5GHz has more bandwidth than 2.4 GHz.
That means that 5 GHz connections have a faster processing time, making it easy to download data and browse the web.
Even though they have lower bandwidth, 2.4 GHz frequencies have a more comprehensive range.
That means, with 2.4 GHz, you can connect to the internet farther away from the router than with a 5 GHz connection.
Most newer routers use both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands to deliver fast internet to all areas of your home.
When you get farther away from your router, it uses the 2.4 GHz band to give you internet.
Still, all smart plugs and smart home devices need the internet to work.
Some newer smart plugs can use a 5 GHz connection, but many require a 2.4 GHz connection.
If you try to use a smart home device that requires a 2.4 GHz connection with 5 GHz, it will not connect to the internet or just won’t work.
Reading tip: Can You Use 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the Same Time? 5 Facts
How To Manually Switch Your Router to 2.4 GHz
Some routers have a switch on them that can change the wireless frequency to 2.4 GHz. Most older routers have this switch, and many more expensive, top-of-the-line routers have it as well.
To determine if your router has this switch, look at your router and search for a small button that says 2.4 GHz or 5GHz. If it does have one, switch it off. Once you switch it off, you can connect your device.
Once you have set up your device, you can turn your 5 GHz internet band back on.
Still, some newer routers do not allow you to switch back and forth between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
These routers are designed to be more user-friendly, so they switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz independently.
Still, that means that you will not be able to change the band frequency manually.
How To Use Your Internet Provider To Switch to 2.4 GHz
Sometimes, even if you cannot switch your router to 2.4 GHz, you can access your wifi settings on a computer and disable your 5 GHz band.
You can only do this with some internet providers, such as AT&T and Xfinity, so this method may not work for you.
To disable your 5 GHz band:
- Go to your internet service provider app or your account on a web browser.
- Access your network settings.
- Select “Advanced Settings.”
- Deselect your 5 GHz band.
- Save changes.
Now, you should be able to connect your smart plug.
After you have set up and paired your device, you can turn your 5 GHz band back on.
Even after you disable 2.4 GHz, your smart plug should still work.
How To Connect to Your 2.4 GHz Band
Sometimes, routers with both a 5 GHz band and a 2.4 GHz band will show up as two separate networks in your wifi.
To determine if your router will allow you to connect to the 2.4 GHz band alone, open your wifi settings on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Look for two networks with the same name but with either a 2, 2.4, or 5 at the end of the name. If you see these two networks, you can connect to the separate bands.
To pair your smart plug:
- Connect to your wifi. Turn off your wifi and reconnect it to the network name with a “2” or a “2.4” at the end.
- Set up your smart plug. Now, go through all of your plug’s pairing and set up steps while your phone or computer is connected to the 2.4 GHz network.
- Reconnect to your internet. Now that your smart plug is set up, you can switch back to your 5 GHz network band.
Use 2G Phone Data To Set Up Your Smart Plug
Another way to connect your smart plug to the internet is forcing your phone to connect to 2G data and using that internet connection when pairing your device.
You can use a hotspot or a phone that only has 2G data connectivity to pair your smart plug and then turn off the data after you are done.
Using phone data is a quick fix, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. So, if all else fails, try using your phone’s data.
Easy Hack To Set Up Smart Plugs on 5 GHz Internet Connections
So, if your router cannot switch to 2.4 GHz, what can you do?
Well, you don’t have to go out and buy a new router.
When you are using 5 GHz internet, as you get farther away from the router, the bandwidth goes down.
Eventually, when you are at the edge of your internet range, it will switch over to 2.4 GHz.
Smart plugs and other smart devices only need to be set up with a 2.4 GHz connection.
So, if you go to the edge of your internet range, you can set up your smart plug with no problems and then bring it back to where you want to put it in your home.
To set up your smart plug on a 5 GHz internet connection:
- Test your internet range. Open up the settings on your phone and tap on “Wifi.” Walk away from your router slowly until you lose coverage and your phone no longer has wifi. Determine the exact spot where your internet goes out. This spot is where you will be able to set up and connect your smart plug. Sometimes, this means that you will have to set it up in your driveway or backyard.
- Take your smart plug to the end of the range. Use a long extension cord to plug in your smart plug at the end of your wifi range.
- Set up your smart plug. Now that you are at the edge of your internet’s range, you can connect your smart plug to your phone. Once you are connected, go through all of the setup steps.
- Put your smart plug where you want it. Now that you have connected and set up your smart plug, you can bring it anywhere in your home, and it will still work.
This hack requires some extra steps. Still, it is an easy way to connect your 2.4 GHz smart devices to 5 GHz internet without buying a new router.
Learn more: How many devices can connect to 5GHz WiFi?
Summary
So, even if your smart plug requires a 2.4 GHz connection, there are many ways to pair your device.
These are just some of the easiest and most effective methods to connect to 2.4 GHz internet, so give them a try and see what works best for you.
You might also want to know: How To Set A Smart Plug Timer On Google Home? 3 Easy Steps