The Spectrum 5G Wifi not working error is a very frustrating situation that needs a quick solution.
Well, we know just what should be done to fix the problem. If you cannot use the 5GHz on the Spectrum router, the problem could be your hardware, software, or device positioning.
To fix Spectrum 5G not working, start by moving closer to your router. The 5GHz band only works when the user is close to the router.
Check to see that your router is installed in a central position. If this does not work, you will have to update the 5G settings.
The solutions to this problem can be quite diverse. This will depend on the main cause of your problem as you can see below.
Causes of Spectrum 5G Wifi Failure
The main cause of 5G Wifi not working Spectrum is the location of the device compared to the router.
Even so, this is not the only cause. The other causes of 5GHz not working on Spectrum are:
- Outdated device firmware that needs update
- Using a router that has been damaged
- Corruption in your router settings
- Failure to enable the 5GHz band on your router
- Failure to enable 5GHz on the device you are using
- Connecting too many devices to the same router
While these problems are many, there are solutions for each.
We have considered all the potential causes and found solutions for everyone.
Spectrum 5G Wifi not Working Solutions
The solution to Spectrum 5G not working but 2G is working, lies in the way you set up your system.
You have to ensure that the signal from your router is high quality. Further, you should ensure 5GHz is enabled.
Solution #1 Improve the Position of the Router
Before you take any other action in regards to receiving 5GHz, try moving close to the router. This particularly applies to those who install the router in hidden positions.
You might have installed the router behind a wall for interior aesthetics. This will hinder the reception of 5GHz.
It is paramount to note that, while the 5GHz band offers faster internet, it does not offer a wide range.
On the other hand, the 2.4GHz band might be slightly slower but is available on a wide range.
How to position router to get 5G speeds:
- Locate your router closer to the device that needs 5G to operate
- Use Wifi Range Extenders, specifically Wifi Repeaters to improve range.
- Install your router in an open area away from walls and metal devices that could block the signal
Note: If you have a big house, you could use several Wif repeaters to distribute Wifi to all areas.
Solution #2 Enable the 5GHz Band
If you are not receiving the 5G band, chances are that it is disabled. There are some routers that either do not have 5G or disable it.
If this is your situation, you are at liberty to enable the 5GHz band again. All you have to do is log in to your router portal and click it on.
How to turn on 5G on Spectrum router:
- Login to your router portal here at 192.168.1.1 with the username “admin” and password “password“
- Select the Wireless tab once you login
- Tap on the Basic Section
- Tap on the 5GHz band to see if it is enabled
- Tap on the Dropdown Menu to enable if it is not
- Select Enable
- Hit on Apply to finalize the changes
Note: You should never disable 2.4GHz even if you choose to enable 5GHz.
The 5G band does not work on a wide range and may affect the functioning of devices such as cell phones and robot cleaners that move around the house.
Solution #3 Power Cycle the Router
In some cases, the router problem could be a result of a bug or a simple glitch. In this case, there is no need to adjust settings.
All you have to do is power cycle your router and everything will be okay.
How to power cycle Spectrum router:
- First Unplug the modem
- Press the Power Button to turn off the router
- Unplug the router from the source of power and give it about 2 minutes.
- Plug in the Modem
- Turn on the router using the Power Button
- Wait for about 2 minutes and then connect your devices
Tip: It is recommended to also turn off your connected devices when power cycling your router.
This will help start a fresh connection without any interfering bugs.
Solution #4 Reduce the Number of Connected Devices
The other solution would be to reduce the number of connected devices. What most people do not know is that you can actually throttle your network by connecting too many devices.
This applies to all routers the size of your bandwidth notwithstanding.
If you are using a regular home Wifi router, you should limit the connected devices to not more than 10 at every particular point.
If there are too many devices at home, then some will run on the 2.4GHz and others on the 5GHz.
Solution #5 Separate the 5G and 2G Bands by Names
If you specifically want to use the 5G band, you have to assign it a name different from 2G. This way, you can always choose 5G whenever you want.
If your router supports 5G and 2G, you can actually choose which band you want to use. Most people just let the devices select the available band.
How to name the 5G band:
- Login to your router using default credentials
- Click on Wireless
- Click on 5GHz Network
- Select SSID Setup
- Tap on Rename SSID
- Enter your preferred Wifi Name for the 5G band
- Click on Apply to effect the changes just made
After making the changes, you will also have to set up the security of your Wifi. Click on security and proceed to enter security details.
This way you will be able to connect to the 5G band whenever you want.
Solution #6 Update Outdated Router and Upgrade Hardware
The next step is to update the router firmware. If the router is outdated, most of its functions will not work. Thankfully, you can actually update your router.
All you have to do is check if your router model has an update from the manufacturer’s site. If there is an update, download it and update your router.
How to update Spectrum router firmware:
- Using an ethernet Cable, connect your router to your computer
- Visit Spectrum Modem and Routers Upgrades Page
- Search for an Update for your router’s model number in the search box.
- If you find an update, download it to your computer
- After downloading log in to your router’s Online Portal
- On that page, select the Downloaded Firmware and update your router.
- Reboot your router to finish updating the firmware.
The other alternative is to simply upgrade to a new router.
It is important to remember that some of the very old routers do not have 5G capabilities. If you log in to your router management page and do not see 5G, just know it is not available.
The only solution, in this case, is to get a new router.
Solution #7 Factory Reset the Router
If you are confident that your router has 5G but it won’t show up when connecting devices, you could perform a reset.
Factory resetting your router will clear all bugs and errors. This is the clear-cut solution if all the others have failed.
Even so, remember that you will lose your Wifi name and password. You have to set up everything from scratch after resetting.
How to reset Spectrum router:
- Using a pin, press and hold the small Reset button at the rear side of your router.
- Wait until all the lights on your router flash once
- Unplug your router from the power source and wait for a minute
- Plug it back and login to your Online Portal to configure your Wifi
- If you do not have administration access you will have to ask your ISP to help set up your Wifi again.
Note: Do not press the reset button unless you have total control over your router's admin panel.
Otherwise, you might have to pay to get reconnected.
Summary
All types of routers experience problems from time to time. In some situations, the problems are minor and can be overlooked. In others, a solution is necessary.
The Spectrum 5G Wifi not working error is one that calls for action. Follow the above steps to deal with it.
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.