Using 5G hotspot on your phone? These settings can improve speed and performance

5G

• Default 2.4GHz hotspot band limits speed despite 5G network
• Switching to 5GHz hotspot band boosts speed but reduces range
• Wi-Fi 6 support on newer phones offers faster, stable connections

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With 5G services expanding across India, users are increasingly relying on smartphone hotspots to connect laptops and other devices. While 5G networks can deliver high speeds, many users do not experience the same performance when using their phone as a hotspot. The issue is often linked to default hotspot settings rather than network limitations.

Why hotspot speeds may be slower

Most smartphones create Wi-Fi hotspots using the 2.4GHz band by default. This band is widely compatible with older devices and offers better range, but it has limitations in terms of speed. Even if a phone is connected to a high-speed 5G network, the 2.4GHz hotspot may not be able to transfer that speed effectively to connected devices.

As a result, users may see slower download speeds or inconsistent performance despite having strong 5G connectivity on their phone.

Switching to 5GHz for better speed

One of the key changes users can make is switching the hotspot band from 2.4GHz to 5GHz. The 5GHz band supports higher data transfer rates and is better suited for taking advantage of 5G speeds.

Most modern smartphones, including recent Android devices and iPhones, offer this option in hotspot or tethering settings. Once enabled, users may notice improved speed and lower latency when connecting devices.

However, the 5GHz band comes with trade-offs. It has a shorter range compared to 2.4GHz and may not be supported by older devices. This means connected devices need to be relatively close to the phone for stable performance.

How to change the settings: A brand-wise guide

Samsung smartphones

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering → Mobile Hotspot → Configure → Band → Select 5GHz

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones

Open Settings → Connection & Sharing → Portable Hotspot → Set up Portable Hotspot → AP Band → Select 5GHz

Realme and Oppo smartphones

Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot → Personal Hotspot Settings → AP Band → Choose 5GHz

Vivo and iQOO smartphones

Open Settings → Personal Hotspot → Hotspot Configuration → AP Band → Select 5GHz

OnePlus smartphones

Go to Settings → Wi-Fi & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot → AP Band → Choose 5GHz

Role of Wi-Fi 6 support

Some newer smartphones also support Wi-Fi 6 for hotspot sharing. Enabling Wi-Fi 6 can further improve speed, reduce network congestion, and provide a more stable connection, especially when multiple devices are connected.

Users can find this option in advanced hotspot settings, depending on the device.

Understanding 2.4GHz vs 5GHz

The difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz lies in speed and coverage. The 2.4GHz band offers wider coverage but slower speeds, while 5GHz provides faster speeds with limited range. It is also important to note that 5GHz Wi-Fi is different from 5G mobile networks, even though both are associated with faster performance.