Forcing 2.4ghz

[kbecks13]

Like others, i need to force a 2.4 ghz connection to set up a smart device. I created a guest network as i read in another message from @Jeff that this would be 2.4ghz only, but my phone is connecting to the guest network with 5ghz so that workaround doesn't seem to work.

It is surprising that this wifi router doesn't give more technical options for advanced users.

How can i force 2.4ghz from either my Nest Wifi or Google Pixel 6? 

[olavrb]

You can't. Devices should be able to use 2.4ghz with Nest Wifi automagically if that's the only thing they support. This is a client device issue, not Nest Wifi.

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6293481?hl=en

A workaround for jank client devices is to buy a access point, connect it to Nest Wifi by cable, make it broadcast 2.4GHz only.

The real solution is for client device manufacturers, including those that create IoT devices, to follow common Wi-Fi standards/ behavior.

[kbecks13]

While i'm sure the IoT device manufacturer could do better, it's still disappointing that users can't force this setting within Nest Wifi when it's a common feature in many other routers.

[olavrb]

Nest Wifi is all about making Wi-Fi stupid simple, at least that's how I see it. Devices should handle 2.4ghz and 5ghz on the same SSID, making separation of those available in settings defeats the purpose of making it (Nest Wifi) stupid simple.

And it works well for me. I buy IoT devices that I know handle Wi-Fi according to Wi-Fi standards, and avoid buying hardware that don't. But if I had to use devices that did not support 2.4ghz and 5ghz on same SSID, I'd probably go for something else.

[kbecks13]

Unfortunately many people have devices that are old and/or cheap which don't always perform like some of the name brand pricier devices. You're right that Nest WiFi seems to be meant for making WiFi simple, i definitely regret purchasing it and expected software updates to come along and provide more features over time.

[Jeff]

Hi, kbecks13.

Sorry for the frustration you've had getting devices connected to the network. I see you've tried several things to get this to work for you. I have a bit of a workaround suggestion. With the device you are trying to set up, try connecting it to your network at the far edge of your WiFi signal range. 2.4GHz travels a longer distance than 5GHz, so if you're at the outer edge of your network's range, it's often only 2.4GHz that is available to connect to and you device will only see one band. Once it has been set up and connected, it should function just fine from there.

Give that a go and let me know if that works for you.

Thanks.

[Jeff]

Hi, kbecks13.
I just wanted to check in real fast to see if you saw my reply and to find out if you still needed any help on this. If you're still needing assistance, please just let me know and I'll be happy to continue helping.
Thanks.

[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]

Hi, everyone.
As we haven't had any activity here recently I'm going to go ahead and close the thread. If you have more to add, feel free to start a new discussion.
Thanks