Whenever Xfinity 5GHz not working, we can’t truly experience the full scale of your internet speed due to limitations with the 2.4 GHz frequency.
This is why we’ll explore the Xfinity modem capabilities in this guide and unwrap why your 5 GHz WiFi is not working.
Whenever the Xfinity 5 GHz frequency WiFi thread is not working, verify that your device supports a 5 GHz WiFi connection. Also, you need to check whether the 5 GHz thread is enabled and switch to a less crowded WiFi channel to regain access.
Let’s continue to unwrap more!
Why is Xfinity Modem 5GHz Not Working?
There are numerous reasons why the 5 GHz WiFi thread on your Xfinity router is not working, including many surrounding factors.
This is why it is best first to uncover all of them:
- Your WiFi device is not compatible with 5 GHz.
- The 5 GHz Xfinity modem WiFi is disabled.
- The Xfinity 5 GHz WiFi channel is congested.
- Too much distance between your WiFi devices.
- Temporal and non-lasting Xfinity network bug.
These are the primary factors for a faulty 5 GHz Xfinity WiFi network.
Luckily, we’ve managed to address each of them with an appropriate step guide, so without any hassle, continue reading!
Top 7 Solutions When Xfinity 5GHz Not Working?
Tip: Apply all of the steps in chronological order!
1. Connect From a Compatible Device!
The first and fundamental rule to connect to the Xfinity 5 GHz WiFi network is for your device to support this frequency.
Many devices only support 2.4 GHz WiFi frequency and will not detect the Xfinity 5 GHz WiFi thread upon scanning for available WiFi networks.
Test the Xfinity 5 GHz WiFi from a 5 GHz-enabled device!
Typically, if you’re using a newer Apple or Android smartphone, chances are the device does support the 5 GHz WiFi frequency.
So, if you’re trying to connect to your Xfinity modem 5 GHz WiFi from a smart TV or any other device without 5 GHz support, the connection will not work.
Tip: Generally, you can check the supported WiFi frequency of the WLAN card on your device from Settings > “Network.”
2. Verify that the 5 GHz WiFi is Enabled
Your Xfinity modem can simultaneously host both the 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi threads, but when the settings are modified, the 5 GHz frequency might be disabled.
So, there are two ways to adjust these settings: through the Xfinity mobile app or via the admin tool on the web.
Enable 5 GHz via Xfinity Mobile App:
- Sign in to the Xfinity mobile app with your ID.
- Navigate to the WiFi tab and select network.
- Verify that the 5 GHz broadband is enabled.
Enable 5 GHz via Xfinity Admin Tool:
- Connect to your Xfinity WiFi or via Ethernet.
- Open a web browser and go to “10.0.0.1”.
- Username: admin – Password: password.
- Go to Gateway > Connection and then WiFi.
- Verify that 5 GHz frequency WiFi is enabled.
Note: If you’ve made any changes, reboot your Xfinity modem!
3. Switch the 5 GHz Frequency Channel
Sometimes, when only one of your Xfinity threads, in your case, the 5 GHz WiFi, is not working, the reason is mainly due to an overcrowded channel.
If you’re living in a residential area with many apartments, your 5 GHz WiFi channel is likely congested by other nearby routers.
How to Switch the 5 GHz WiFi Channel?
Again, by using the Xfinity mobile app or the admin tool on the web, open your modem’s settings and switch the WiFi channel.
It’s different based on your method, so here are the steps:
- Xfinity App > WiFi > Edit WiFi Settings > 5 GHz > Channel Setting > Save!
- Admin Tool > Getaway > Connections > WiFi > Edit > Channel Selection.
Which channel do you need to select? Well, the less crowded one!
How to Know Which Channel is Free?
You need to download a WiFi Analyzer app on your smartphone to identify which 5 GHz frequency WiFi channels are overcrowded and which aren’t.
While connected to your Xfinity WiFi, you can check which channels have fewer connections and identify the best channel to switch to.
Note: WiFi Analyzer apps are accessible and free for both Android and iOS mobile devices!
4. Soft-Reset the Xfinity Modem Setup!
If your Comcast 5GHz not working, perhaps the reason why the 5 GHz WiFi on your Xfinity modem is not working is due to a temporary and non-lasting bug.
The best way to address minor complications at once would be to perform a soft reset, also known as a “power cycle,” on your Xfinity modem.
Simply unplug your Xfinity modem from the power for 60 seconds!
This will refresh all modem services and reboot the 5 GHz WiFi thread, which might be enough to resolve your problems.
If the 5 GHz WiFi is still inaccessible, keep reading further into the guide…
5. Shorten the WiFi Distance Proximity!
If you’re unfamiliar with the WiFi frequency concept, you should know that 2.4 GHz frequency covers much more area than the 5 GHz WiFi thread.
So, if you’re attempting to connect from afar, it’s standard for your device only to detect the 2.4 GHz WiFi but not the 5 GHz one!
So, the best way to justify this theory would be to move closer to the router with your 5 GHz WiFi-enabled device and test whether this would work.
If you connect when you’re in the same room as the router but can’t connect from other rooms, know this is entirely normal.
2.4 GHz WiFi Vs. 5 GHz WiFi?
The main difference between both broadbands is in the connection speed. The 2.4 GHz WiFi is slower than the 5 GHz but covers much more area.
In contrast, the 5 GHz offers much faster WiFi speeds but hardly travels through more than one wall in your home.
Tip: Keep your long-distance devices connected to the 2.4 GHz WiFi of your Xfinity modem!
6. Optimize the Xfinity Modem Network
As previously discussed, the 5 GHz WiFi frequency covers a shorter range.
If combined with external interference, the thread might entirely disappear unless you’re next to the modem.
There are a couple of ways to optimize your Xfinity modem’s WiFi and ensure that nothing is blocking or interfering with the signal.
Here are the general steps for Xfinity optimization:
- Verify that your Xfinity modem is not covered/obstructed.
- Do not keep your Xfinity modem in enclosed/tight spaces.
- Relocate the Xfinity modem to a high and centralized spot.
- Dislocate any nearby RF appliances, such as microwaves.
Tip: Additionally, we recommend disconnecting devices from the WiFi that you’re currently not using to relieve bandwidth and optimize the network even further.
7. Prevent Xfinity Modem Overheating!
It’s not unlikely that your Xfinity modem is overheating, and that’s why the 5 GHz thread is turned off and then on when the router cools down.
So, if you’re experiencing disconnects from the WiFi, you need to check whether your Xfinity modem is hot on the touch.
Overheating mainly occurs during the warm seasons, especially when the modem is installed in a poorly ventilated area.
So, here are some steps to verify that your modem will not overheat:
- First, turn off your Xfinity modem to cool down.
- Then, clean the modem ventilation openings.
- Lift your modem off the surface using a box.
- Open a window or turn on the AC to ventilate.
- Optional: Turn on a fan blowing at the modem.
When your Xfinity modem is functioning correctly, there is no reason for the 5 GHz WiFi thread not to work, so feel free to perform your tests.
Also, don’t forget to test your WiFi 5 GHz WiFi from close proximity to the Xfinity WiFi modem to check the actual speed of your WiFi network.
Need More Help?
Nothing from this guide helped? Well, it’s time to seek some professional help!
If you’re still experiencing issues with your Xfinity setup, the next step would be to connect to Xfinity Customer Service and report the issue you’ve been facing. Best of luck!
Quick Recap:
When the Xfinity 5GHz not working, first soft-reset your Xfinity modem and then switch to another 5 GHz WiFi channel.
In addition, check whether your WiFi device supports 5 GHz WiFi, shorten the WiFi proximity, and prevent the Xfinity modem from overheating.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.