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alx1xla Author

Level 1

24 points

Why does my iPhone and iPad always connect to a 2.4G network band?

I have a simple network setup at my home.

A fiber-optic network internet connection
A Linksys AC1200 router
A Linksys RE4100W Extender

I have tried setting up both, the same SSID for the router bands and the extender bands, respectively and, different SSID for the extender bands.

However it is, my iPhone SE 2016 and iPad Pro 2016 and, weirdly sometimes, my MacBook Pro (Early 2015,) all, seem to rush in to connect with any 2.4G band, whilst I still have Auto Join unchecked for these bands. On the contrary, I have checked Auto Join for 5G bands - just plainly ignored.

Ultimately, I have to do some tapping on the devices to Switch OFF and ON (using the Control Centre,) go to Settings > WiFi, and then select my preferred 5G Band.

This happens every time /day. Even after a couple of resets on the devices.

Please advice.

Posted on Aug 29, 2021 7:15 AM

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Level 10

212,408 points

Posted on Aug 29, 2021 7:19 AM

The device will connect to the band with the stronger signal if the SSID is the same for both bands, and 2.4 GHz is almost always stronger than 5 GHz. If you want it to always connect to 5 GHz change the SSID for 5 GHz and make it different, then “forget” the SSID for the 2.4 GHz band.

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Why does my iPhone and iPad always connect to a 2.4G network band?

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