To switch from 5GHz to 2.4GHz on a Vodafone router, the fastest fix is to split the Wi-Fi bands so 2.4GHz has its own network name. In short:
- Open the router’s gateway page in any browser on a device already on the Vodafone Wi-Fi (exact address in step 2 of the detailed guide below; differs for the Vodafone 5G Hub).
- Log in with the admin password printed on the sticker on the back of the router.
- Wi-Fi settings → “Split Wi-Fi bands” (or similar toggle) → Save.
The router restarts and you will see two networks: the original (now 2.4GHz only) and a new one ending in _5GHz. Connect your 2.4GHz-only device (GivEnergy dongle, ESP smart-home sensor, TP-Link Tapo, etc.) to the 2.4GHz one.
If your hub does not show that toggle in the browser (newer Vodafone hubs hide it), the same option lives inside the Vodafone Broadband mobile app. Sections below cover the full step-by-step plus the temporary workaround of disabling 5GHz while you pair a single device.
Understanding 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz Wi-Fi
Before changing any settings, it is helpful to understand the difference between the two Wi-Fi bands. Neither is inherently better; they are designed for different purposes.
| Feature | 2.4GHz Band | 5GHz Band |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Longer range, better at penetrating walls and solid objects. | Shorter range, less effective over long distances or through walls. |
| Speed | Slower maximum speeds. | Faster maximum speeds, ideal for high-bandwidth tasks. |
| Interference | More prone to interference from other devices (microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth). | Less crowded and therefore less prone to interference. |
| Best For | Smart plugs, sensors, thermostats, Wi-Fi cameras, and devices far from the router. | Smart TVs, games consoles, laptops, and smartphones used for streaming or large downloads. |
Many smart home products exclusively use the 2.4GHz band because its longer range and better wall penetration ensure a more stable connection for low-bandwidth devices spread throughout a home.
Method 1: Split Your Wi-Fi Bands (Recommended)
Creating two separate Wi-Fi networks is the most stable, long-term solution. This allows you to name them differently, for example, OurHomeWiFi_2.4GHz and OurHomeWiFi_5GHz, ensuring you can always connect devices to the appropriate band.
What if the ‘Split Bands’ Option is Missing or Greyed Out?
On some of Vodafone’s newer routers, such as the ‘Power Hub’ or ‘Ultra Hub’, the ability to split the Wi-Fi bands via the web browser interface may be disabled. In this situation, you must use the official Vodafone Broadband app on your smartphone to access this setting. The option is often found within the app’s Wi-Fi settings or a ‘compatibility mode’ feature designed for smart devices.
Method 2: Temporarily Disable the 5GHz Band
If you only need to connect a single troublesome device and do not wish to permanently split your networks, you can use this temporary workaround. The process involves turning off the 5GHz band, connecting your device to the remaining 2.4GHz network, and then turning the 5GHz band back on.
- Log in to the router admin panel: Follow steps 1-3 from the method above, by navigating to
192.168.1.1and entering your admin password. - Find Advanced Wireless Settings: Go to the ‘Wi-Fi’ section. You may need to switch to an ‘Expert Mode’ or ‘Advanced Settings’ view to see the required options.
- Disable the 5GHz Radio: Locate the settings for the 5GHz band and look for an option such as ‘Enable Wireless Radio’ or ‘5GHz Network’.
- Turn it off: Untick the box or toggle the switch to ‘Off’ to disable the 5GHz band. Click ‘Save’ or ‘Apply’.
- Connect your 2.4GHz device: Your Wi-Fi network will now only be broadcasting on the 2.4GHz frequency. Use your smart device’s app to connect it to your standard Wi-Fi network.
- Re-enable the 5GHz Radio: Go back to the router’s admin panel and turn the 5GHz band back on. Save the settings again.
Once the smart device has successfully connected to the 2.4GHz band, it should remember these settings and automatically reconnect to the correct band even after the 5GHz network is restored.
Q: Will splitting my Wi-Fi bands reduce my internet speed? A: No. Splitting the bands simply creates two separate networks and does not change your incoming internet speed. It allows you to manage which devices use which band, which can actually improve performance by ensuring high-bandwidth devices use the faster, less congested 5GHz band.
Q: I can’t log in to 192.168.1.1. What should I do? A: First, confirm you are connected to the Vodafone Wi-Fi network. Double-check the address is correct. If it still fails, you may need to perform a factory reset of the router by holding the small ‘reset’ button on the back for 10-15 seconds. Note that this will erase all custom settings, including your Wi-Fi name and password, reverting them to the defaults printed on the router label.
Comments
0 comments
Loading comments…