iPhone XR connects only to 2.4Ghz

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Level 1

9 points

iPhone XR connects only to 2.4Ghz

I'm having trouble with my iPhone XR connecting to slower 2.4GHz wifi in my home instead of the faster 5GHz wifi, even when I am very close to the router or satellite unit transmitting the 5Ghz signal (i've tried on both Netgear Orbi router and satellites access points). I've noticed that other apple devices in the house will connect to the 5GHz no problem (iPhone 7, iPad, Mac Mini and iMac all connect to 5GHz when similarly close to the transmitted signal). I've tried resetting my network settings and that didn't work. My wifi router and satellite units are up to date on firmware and my iPhoneXR is current on updates as well.

My Wireless router doesn't allow 2 different SSIDs for 2.4 & 5 Ghz

Any thoughts for a fix?

iPhone XR

Posted on Aug 3, 2019 8:03 PM

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Answer 1

askbarnabas

Level 10

104,220 points

Aug 3, 2019 8:21 PM in response to Ted77777

Is there a way to separate them in the router settings? My router calls it band steering and I can choose to have the 2 5ghz bands steer together and the 2.4ghz work by itself. I then can name them something different.

After a quick search I found that you should be able to adjust the band steering on the Orbi.

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Answer 2

Ted77777 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 3, 2019 9:32 PM in response to askbarnabas

The option on page 54 is for "Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings" which is QoS related. turning it off doesn't allow for 2 different SSIDs.

Band Steering appears to happen automatically over time and device migrate from 2.4 to 5GHz within 24 hrs if they are able to support 5GHz.

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Answer 3

askbarnabas

Level 10

104,220 points

Aug 3, 2019 9:34 PM in response to Ted77777

I am saying just unselect 2.4 so it does not broadcast. If you turn it off you dont need two SSIDs. turning on guest access actually adds an SSID if you are looking for 2 SSIDs which are not necessary if you turn the 2.4 off.

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Answer 4

askbarnabas

Level 10

104,220 points

Aug 3, 2019 8:41 PM in response to Ted77777

It probably won't show 2 SSIDs until you split the band steering.

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Answer 5

askbarnabas

Level 10

104,220 points

Aug 3, 2019 8:57 PM in response to Ted77777

you should still be able to control the band steering.

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Answer 6

askbarnabas

Level 10

104,220 points

Aug 3, 2019 9:14 PM in response to Ted77777

If you go here - http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBK50/Orbi_UM_EN.pdf and go to page 54 you can deselect 2.4Ghz and I think that should get you what you need.

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Answer 7

Aug 3, 2019 8:22 PM in response to Ted77777

If your router doesn't allow for different SSID's, how can you tell if you are connected to 2.4 or 5Ghz? You should be able to create different SSID's per signal.

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