Disable 5GHz band

[Seplant]

Some devices not only must be connected to 2.4 GHz networks, but the device (phone) used to configure those devices must be connected to the same network. The way the mesh network is configured, a user cannot control which frequncy band their phone connects to. This makes it impossible to set up these devices. Please add a feature to allow users to temporarily disable the 5GHz band on the mesh network. 

[MichaelP]

Hello @Seplant 

I think this is a great idea. That said, many 2.4GHz-only devices can connect just fine – it's only those that were designed based on archaic assumptions about what home WiFi networks look like that have issues. I'd like to see those devices work better with modern networks, but I am under no illusions that all of them will. So, having a way to disable the 5GHz band temporarily would help during setup. It would have some unfortunate side effects, though – any devices that support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands would be kicked off of the 5GHz band when it gets disabled, and some of them might not automatically switch back to the 5GHz band when it comes back (this is not up to the network – band switching is something client devices have to do, though the network provides some extra information they may use to make it easier). All of that said, I would suggest sending this idea through the "Feedback" feature in the Google Home app. The more people that ask for this, the more likely it will be implemented.

[EdwardT]

Hi folks,

@MichaelP, thanks for the help.

Thanks for reaching out. I understand that having an option to disable the 5 GHz band temporarily would be helpful when connecting devices that only support 2.4 GHz. Our team is always looking for ways to improve and we'll take this as feedback.

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi folks,

It's me again. I wanted to check back in to see if you have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do. 

Thanks,

Edward

[onenewempire]

Concerns about what? Was there a solution provided? 

[EdwardT]

Hi onenewempire,

Thanks for the response. I understand that not having this feature could be frustrating. We appreciate people who are keen on sharing with us their thoughts. We're always looking for ways to improve and we'll take this as feedback.

Thanks,

Edward

[onenewempire]

Not sure what its going to take to get you guys to understand that we need an option to disable 5ghz so we can connect 2.4 ghz SMART HOME DEVICES. Google home is BUILT around these devices and setup is exceedingly difficult because you wont let me control my own router... Get your **bleep** together.  

[Raydavies8719]

It's shocking isn't it, I've literally tried to walk to the end of my 5ghz signal and it doesn't change over to 2.4, cannot set up smart device until this is rectified likely will just move our of Google wifi

[Origami1966]

I'll +1 this too. Sylvania smart bulbs want 2.4Ghz to set up, and I can't tell my phone or my Nest Wifi not to pass 5Ghz. These bulbs, since my "upgrade" to Google Nest Wifi are not so smart any more. 

I thought it might be possible to set up the Guest network as a 2.4Ghz only network, but no dice. I've seen no solutions from Google. VERY disappointed we're on the "too bad, so sad" no solution track. 

[EdwardT]

Hi Origami1966,

Thanks for letting us know. One workaround would be connecting your smart bulbs while farther from your Google Wifi devices until your phone connects to 2.4 GHz. 

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi Origami1966,

It's me again. I wanted to check back in to see if you have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do. 

Thanks,

Edward

[Jeff]

Hi everyone,

Just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need help, I would be happy to keep it open. If there's more we can do, just let me know.

Thanks,
Jeff