The router already broadcasts two names, say OurHome and OurHome-5G. A new phone sees both, but the office laptop or an older phone only shows the first. Here are the causes, most common first.

1. The Wi-Fi card only supports 2.4 GHz

Many budget laptops, entry-level phones, TVs, and older smart devices only have a 2.4 GHz radio. No setting can change that.

To check on Windows: open Command Prompt, run netsh wlan show drivers, and look at the Radio types supported line. If 802.11a, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax is listed, the device supports 5 GHz. If only 802.11b/g/n, it most likely doesn't.

For phones, look up the model's official specifications and check for dual-band or Wi-Fi 5.

The fix for a laptop or PC is a dual-band USB adapter, options are covered in the guide to choosing a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

2. The router is on a DFS channel

Some 5 GHz channels (roughly channels 52 to 144) share frequencies with radar, so they are called DFS channels. Not every device will or may use them, and the router must also "listen" first before transmitting.

The symptom: the 5 GHz network is invisible on some devices, or disappears for a while after the router starts.

The fix: in the router's admin page, switch the 5 GHz channel to a non-DFS one such as 36, 40, 44, 48, or 149–161 where available. Choosing a channel is covered in the guide to choosing a Wi-Fi channel.

3. The country or region setting doesn't match

A router or device set to a different region, for example an imported router set to another country, can use channels that devices set for Indonesia don't scan. Make sure the router's Country/Region setting matches where it is used.

4. Names merged with band steering

Some routers and mesh systems combine 2.4 and 5 GHz under one name. Devices won't see a separate "-5G" name because there isn't one; the router chooses the band. To split them, look for an option like Smart Connect or Band Steering and turn it off.

5. Driver or adapter settings

On a Windows laptop that does support 5 GHz, check:

  • Update the Wi-Fi driver from the laptop maker's or chip maker's website.
  • Open Device Manager → Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → Advanced, and make sure options like Preferred Band or Wireless Mode aren't locked to 2.4 GHz only.
  • Don't forget distance: 5 GHz weakens faster through walls. Try from the same room as the router.

The bottom line

First check whether the device supports 5 GHz at all. If it does, move the router to a non-DFS channel, match the region setting, and make sure the 5 GHz name isn't merged. The difference between the bands is explained further in the guide to 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether a laptop supports 5 GHz?

On Windows, run the command netsh wlan show drivers and look at the supported radio types line. If only 802.11b, g, and n are listed, the Wi-Fi card most likely works on 2.4 GHz only.

Is "5G" in a Wi-Fi name the same as 5G mobile networks?

No. A 5G suffix on a Wi-Fi name only marks the 5 GHz band. 5G mobile networks are an entirely different technology.