What does 2.5 GHz mean, and what does 5 GHz mean?

GHz is short for gigahertz; 2.5 and 5 GHz are two frequencies with different speeds and ranges used by your Wi-Fi router.

Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

2.4 GHz has a larger coverage area and can penetrate solid objects better than 5 GHz, but has a lower data rate. But, 2.4 GHz usually has more devices connected, and is more prone to interference.

What GHz is my Wi-Fi?

It's easy to check if Wi-Fi is 2.4 or 5 GHz on an iPhone or iPad; just open the Settings app, and you'll see your Wi-Fi frequency next to the name of your Wi-Fi network.

How to Check Your Wi-Fi Ghz on iPhone & iPad

By Leanne Hays Updated 03/05/2024

What to Know

To know if your Wi-Fi is 2.4 or 5 GHz, open the Settings app, then look next to the name of your Wi-Fi network.
To change from 2.4 to 5 GHz and back again, tap Wi-Fi in Settings, then tap the Wi-Fi frequency you want to switch to.
The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency is weaker, but has a larger coverage area. 5 GHz Wi-Fi has a smaller coverage area, but a stronger signal.

Are you wondering what Wi-Fi frequency your iPhone or iPad is connected to? Here's how to check your Wi-Fi GHz on an iPhone.

How to Check Your Wi-Fi Ghz on iPhone & iPad

Be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day for more great internet and Wi-Fi tutorials. Here's how to know if your Wi-Fi is 2.5 or 5 GHz, and how to change your Wi-Fi frequency.

Open the Settings app.
You'll see Wi-Fi with a network name and either 2.4 or 5 GHz next to it; it's just that easy to find out which Wi-Fi frequency you're using! If you want to change Wi-Fi frequencies, just tap Wi-Fi.

The network you're currently using is the one with the blue checkmark next to it. Tap the network without the checkmark to change from 2.4 to 5 GHz, or from 5 to 2.4 GHz.

FAQ

What does 2.5 GHz mean, and what does 5 GHz mean? GHz is short for gigahertz; 2.5 and 5 GHz are two frequencies with different speeds and ranges used by your Wi-Fi router.
Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi? 2.4 GHz has a larger coverage area and can penetrate solid objects better than 5 GHz, but has a lower data rate. But, 2.4 GHz usually has more devices connected, and is more prone to interference.
What GHz is my Wi-Fi? It's easy to check if Wi-Fi is 2.4 or 5 GHz on an iPhone or iPad; just open the Settings app, and you'll see your Wi-Fi frequency next to the name of your Wi-Fi network.

By now, you should know how to tell if your Wi-Fi is 2.4 or 5 GHz. Be sure to check back with iPhone Life for all your Wi-Fi questions, including how to connect to Wi-Fi quickly, how to use your iPhone as a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, and what to do if your iPhone won't connect to Wi-Fi.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.