Modern Android operating systems typically manage Wi-Fi band selection automatically, optimizing for speed and stability. However, situations arise where explicitly configuring a device to connect to the 2.4 GHz band is desirable. This involves navigating to the Wi-Fi settings, examining available networks, and, if necessary, adjusting router settings to create or prioritize a 2.4 GHz network for the device to connect to. This is especially useful for older devices or IoT devices that may not support the 5 GHz band.
Prioritizing the 2.4 GHz band offers compatibility with a wider range of devices and extended range compared to the 5 GHz band, though it often comes at the cost of reduced speed and increased susceptibility to interference. Legacy devices, smart home appliances, and situations where signal strength is paramount can benefit from this configuration. Historically, this was a common practice to ensure reliable connectivity before dual-band routers became ubiquitous and devices gained advanced band-steering capabilities.