Many smart device owners face a situation where modern Xiaomi equipment creates a 5GHz network, and older gadgets like vacuum cleaners, lamps or cameras simply don’t see Wi-Fi. This is a common problem as most smart home devices operate exclusively in the 2.4GHz band.
In this article, we will discuss how to force high-speed bandwidth to be turned off or bandwidths to ensure that all your devices are connected to the network. The interface of routers may vary depending on the model and version of the operating system, but the basic principles remain the same. You will need access to a web interface or mobile application to make changes.
Some users mistakenly believe that a 5GHz shutdown will reduce overall internet speed, but for IoT devices it is the only way to work correctly. Xiaomi routers have flexible settings that allow you to manage radio modules independently. Let's look at an algorithm of actions that will help solve the compatibility problem.
⚠️ Caution: After disabling the 5GHz band, all devices that support only this standard will lose their network connection.
Why do you need to turn off 5 GHz on a router?
The main reason lies in the specifics of the IEEE 802.11 protocol, which is used for data transfer. The 5 GHz range provides high speed and lower latency, but has a much shorter range and penetrates walls worse. However, the main problem is IoT devices (Internet of Things), which do not physically have a module to work at high frequencies.
When a router broadcasts a network with the same name (SSID) on both frequencies, modern smartphones automatically select 5 GHz. At this point, the smart home control app may not see the device because it is in a different frequency plane.
Splitting or completely disabling one of the bands allows devices to be isolated and made to see each other, especially for the Mi Router 4A, 4C and newer Wi-Fi 6 versions, where dual-band is enabled by default.
Preparation for network equipment setup
Before making configuration changes, you need to ensure a stable connection to the administrative panel. LAN-port to prevent communication interruption when switching frequencies. If this is not possible, make sure that your smartphone or PC is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network.
You will need the following login details: the gateway address (usually 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com) and the administrator password. By default, the password often matches the Wi-Fi password or is listed on a sticker at the bottom of the device. Write down your current settings to return it as it was when needed.
- 📱 Smartphone or PC with access to the router network
- 🔑 Administrator Password and Wi-Fi
- 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) or Mi Wi-Fi app
- 🔌 Ethernet Cable (recommended for reliability)
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Before changing your Wi-Fi settings, take a picture of your current settings on your phone, which will help you quickly restore access if something goes wrong.
Disconnect 5 GHz via web interface
The most reliable way to manage it is to use the browser version of the interface. Open any browser and type in the address bar. IP-Your router's address. Once you enter your password, you'll be taken to the main menu, where you'll find the section that handles your wireless network settings.
Depending on the firmware version (Chinese or global), the path may vary. Look for the Settings tab → Wi-Fi Settings. This shows the settings for both bands. Find the switch responsible for splitting frequencies or turning on the 5 GHz module.
If you see the option "Dual-band combined", you need to turn it off. Then you will have two separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. To completely disable the high-frequency module, find the checkbox Enable 5G Wi-Fi and uncheck it, or select the Turn off option.
☑️ Pre-conservation checks
Once you have set up the router, it will restart the wireless module, all connected devices will momentarily lose communication, that's normal behavior, and wait for the network with your name to appear on the list of available connections.
Managing ranges in the Mi Wi-Fi app
The Mi Wi-Fi mobile app (or Xiaomi Home for some models) provides a more user-friendly interface, but the functionality may be limited compared to the web version. Launch the app and select your router from the list of devices. Go to the settings menu, usually indicated by the gear icon.
Find Wi-Fi Settings. Some firmware versions have Smart Connect or Dual-band available. If you turn off this mode, the system will suggest setting up the networks separately. To completely disable 5 GHz, you may need to go to Advanced Settings.
The application interface often hides the full settings of the radio module. If you do not find the switch, try changing the region in the router settings to China or Singapore - this sometimes opens up additional options, but can lead to violation of local RF regulations.
| Action. | Web interface | Mi Wi-Fi app |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to settings | Through the browser (IP) | Through the router icon |
| Frequency separation | Uncheck the "Dual-band" box | Wi-Fi settings → Mode |
| 5GHz shutdown | Turn off the 5G switchboard | Not always available. |
| Application | OK/Save button | Automatically or "Save." |
What to do if the app does not see the router?
Compatibility issues and smart home
Xiaomi, Yeelight, Aqama Smart Home devices require strict adherence to the 2.4 GHz protocol. When you try to configure via Bluetooth or direct Wi-Fi connection, the phone can automatically switch to 5 GHz, and the mating process will be interrupted with the error "Device not found".
In such cases, turning off 5GHz on the router is the most radical but effective solution. The alternative is to create a Guest Network only in the 2.4GHz band, which allows you to not touch the main network, but connect smart devices to the guest profile.
Some Xiaomi routers allow you to create a separate router SSID for 2.4 GHz, leaving 5 GHz is active for phones. Name a network, Home_2.4 And you can connect the technology to it, and it's the best option, and it keeps the speed high for the major traffic users.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that no protocol is selected in the security settings WPA3. Older smart home devices may not support new encryption standards and may refuse to connect even with the right frequency range.
Frequent errors and methods of their elimination
Users often forget that after a 5GHz shutdown, their laptops and phones may not automatically switch to the remaining 2.4GHz network if the names (SSIDs) were the same.
The solution is simple: on a client device (smartphone, PC) you need to forget the network (Forget Network) and connect again, and it is also worth checking whether WPS mode is turned on, which sometimes conflicts with manual range settings on old firmware.
If after all the manipulations, the devices can’t see the network, try changing the bandwidth channel. 1, 6 or 11 are optimal for 2.4 GHz. Setting a 20 MHz channel width instead of 40 MHz or Auto often improves connection stability for IoT gadgets.
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If the smart device doesn’t connect, try temporarily renaming the 2.4GHz network by adding suffix “ 2G” so that the phone chooses the right range when setting up.
The impact of settings on speed and coverage
Disabling the 5GHz band will inevitably affect the maximum theoretical data rate. If your ISP plan exceeds 100 Mbps, in the 2.4GHz band, you will not be able to use all the channel power due to the physical limitations of the standard.
But for smart home tasks, full HD video viewing, and web surfing, 40-60 Mbps speeds, which are actually available at 2.4 GHz, are good enough, but the signal coverage in this range is much better: it can bend obstacles more easily and pass through concrete walls.
A 5GHz shutdown is only valid for the time you set up your devices or if you don’t have gadgets in your home that support this standard, and otherwise it’s better to use separate network names for flexible connection management.