Firestick 4K Max switches to 2.4 GHz network

[Mark_Raleigh]

Without changing anything we see that Firestick 4K Max stopped connecting to 5 GHZ and connected to 2.4 GHZ.  No idea how to fix this.  If I reboot device maybe it happens again?

NOTE hardware config not ideal.  Router and puck in closet 1st floor.  Smart TV on second floor just above.  Signal to Firestick is weak.

Has anyone used an HDMI extension cable to get a device away from the TV and get a better signal?

I see no way to have separate networks.

Network5

Network24

Why would this happen with weeks of no problem?

[MichaelP]

Hello @Mark_Raleigh 

WiFi devices decide which band to connect to. If your Firestick starts out connected to 5GHz and switches to 2.4GHz, that's because it's having trouble with the 5GHz connection, and that trouble is starting some time after it initially connected to 5GHz. Do you happen to have a soundbar or something like it that supports a wireless subwoofer or wireless surround speakers? That may be using the same 5GHz spectrum and causing interference when it's turned on.

[Mark_Raleigh]

only device in room is Amazon Firestick 4K Max.  Fixed by rebooting.  But for how long I don’t know.  Wi-Fi router in closet one floor below.

Before reboot Firestick WEAK SIGNAL 2.4ghz

After reboot GOOD SIGNAL 5 ghz.

Not sure what’s going on.

Am checking with Google supplied admin tool and testing speed with device speed test.

[Jeff]

Hey Mark_Raleigh,

I'm happy to see that things are working better for the moment. When devices are restarted, they will typically find the strongest signal to connect to, so that's probably what prompted your Fire Stick to find the 5GHz connection. You may have had a fluctuation in your network that bumped it down to 2.4GHz, and since that connection was stable, it didn't look for another even when the 5GHz connection was available at a good strength. While you shouldn't have to be doing restarts regularly, they can be beneficial in situations like this.

If you have any other questions, definitely let us know.

Thanks,
Jeff

[AbigailF]

Hi Mark_Raleigh,

We’d like to check in again in case you have any further questions or concerns. Feel free to reply to this thread and we’ll help you out.

Best, 
Abi

[Mark_Raleigh]

I wish I could figure out WHY my Firestick 4K Max switched to a 2.4 GHz signal and when it will happen again.

[AbigailF]

Hi Mark_Raleigh,

The Google Wifi router and points uses the same name for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band networks. This means that the Wi-Fi network uses both radio bands. But keep in mind: while both bands can be used, the personal devices (a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) will connect to only one radio band at any given time. Nest Wifi, Google Wifi, or OnHub attempts to select the band that will deliver the best performance for your device. Currently there is no option to manually disable either of the bands or to connect to them separately.

If you want your device to connect to the 2.4 GHz band, try these steps:

Create a hotspot with a mobile phone. However, 2 mobile phones are required:

Use the first device to create a hotspot (mobile phone).
How to set up a mobile hotspot:
Android
Go to Settings.
Tap the Network & internet option.
Select Hotspot & tethering.
Tap on Wi-Fi hotspot.
Set up the hotspot name and password the same as the primary network.
Choose the AP Band > 2.4 GHz band > Apply.

iOS:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular. Tap the slider to turn Cellular Data on.
Under Cellular, tap the slider to turn Personal Hotspot on.
Tap the slider next to Allow Others to Join.
Set up the hotspot name password the same as the primary network.
To change the hotspot password, under Personal Hotspot Wi-Fi Password.
To change the hotspot name, go to Settings > General > About > Name.

Use the second device to connect to the mobile hotspot.
Disconnect all of the Google Wifi or Nest Wifi points from the power outlet.
Connect the device to the 2.4 GHz band of the hotspot with the same SSID and password of the current network (case sensitive).
Once connected to the hotspot, plug in your primary Google Wifi point or the Nest Wifi router.
Turn off the hotspot and check if the device automatically connects to the Google Wifi network.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards,
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hey Mark_Raleigh,

Checking back in should you still have some questions here. Let us know by replying to this thread. 

Best, 
Abi

[Jhonleanmel]

Hi everyone,

Just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We haven't heard from you in a while so we'll be locking this thread if there is no update after 24 hours. If you have any new questions, updates or just a discussion topic, feel free to start a new thread in the Community.

Thanks,
Mel