How to know if your phone/tablet are using WiFi 6?

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How to know if your phone/tablet are using WiFi 6?

 

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In today’s hyper-connected world, Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether for work, entertainment, or communication, a fast and stable internet connection is crucial. Wi-Fi 6, the latest generation of wireless technology, offers significant improvements over its predecessors, including faster speeds, better performance in crowded networks, and improved battery efficiency for connected devices. But how do you know if your smartphone or tablet is actually using Wi-Fi 6?

Many users assume that simply having a Wi-Fi 6 router means their device automatically benefits from the new standard. However, both your router and your device must support Wi-Fi 6 to take full advantage of its capabilities (Read more about why a phone connected wifi 6 not mean it has enjoyed wifi 6). Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t always make it clear whether a device is Wi-Fi 6-compatible, leaving users to dig through technical specifications or perform manual checks.

Understanding whether your phone or tablet supports Wi-Fi 6 is important for optimizing your network experience. If you’ve recently upgraded your router but aren’t seeing the expected speed boosts, the issue might lie in your device’s compatibility. This guide will walk you through multiple methods to verify Wi-Fi 6 support, ensuring you get the best possible wireless performance.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to check if your device is utilizing Wi-Fi 6, how to interpret network indicators, and what to do if your hardware doesn’t support the latest standard. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to improve your home network, this guide will provide the answers you need.

 


Checking if your device supports Wi-Fi 6

The first and most straightforward way to determine if your phone or tablet supports Wi-Fi 6 is by checking its official specifications. Most manufacturers list Wi-Fi capabilities in the technical details of their products. Here’s how you can find this information:

1. Manufacturer’s Website or Product Manual

Visit the official website of your device’s brand (e.g., Apple, Samsung, Google) and look up your model under the "Tech Specs" or "Features" section. Wi-Fi 6 is sometimes labeled as 802.11ax, which is its technical IEEE standard name. If you see 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, your device only supports older Wi-Fi standards.

2. Retail Listings (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.)

If you no longer have the original packaging or manual, online retailers often list detailed specifications. Search for your device model on sites like Amazon, and check the "Product Details" section for Wi-Fi information.

3. Using System Settings (Android & iOS)

Some devices display Wi-Fi capabilities in their settings:

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) icon next to your network, and look for a "Wi-Fi 6" or "802.11ax" indicator (if available).

  • On Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Hardware Info (varies by brand) and check for Wi-Fi standards under network details.

If your device doesn’t explicitly mention Wi-Fi 6, it likely doesn’t support it.

 


Using Third-Party Apps to Detect Wi-Fi 6

If your device’s settings don’t provide clear information, third-party apps can help. These tools analyze your connection and display real-time data about your Wi-Fi standard.

1. Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android)

Apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot can detect the Wi-Fi protocol in use. Install one from the Google Play Store, connect to your network, and check the "Standards" or "Protocol" section for 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).

2. Network Analyzer (iOS/Android)

Apps like Fing or Network Analyzer provide detailed insights into your connection. Look for the "Router" or "Access Point" details—if it shows Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax, your device is connected using the latest standard.

3. Checking Router Admin Panel

If you have access to your router’s settings (usually via 192.168.1.1 in a browser), check the connected devices list. Some routers (like TP-Link, Netgear, or ASUS) display the Wi-Fi standard each device is using.

 


Physical Indicators & Real-World Testing

Some routers and devices have visual cues to indicate Wi-Fi 6 usage:

1. LED Indicators on Routers

High-end routers (e.g., ASUS RT-AX88U, Netgear Nighthawk AX12) have LED lights that change color when a Wi-Fi 6 device connects. Consult your router’s manual to interpret these signals.

2. Speed & Performance Tests

Wi-Fi 6 offers higher speeds (theoretically up to 9.6 Gbps) and better performance in congested areas. Run a speed test (using Ookla Speedtest) while connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network and compare it to older Wi-Fi standards. If speeds are significantly higher with low latency, your device is likely using Wi-Fi 6.

3. Checking for Wi-Fi 6 Certification

Some phones/tablets have a Wi-Fi Alliance certification label in their settings or packaging. If it’s certified for Wi-Fi 6, you’re good to go.

 


What If Your Device Doesn’t Support Wi-Fi 6?

If you’ve confirmed that your phone or tablet doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, don’t worry—you can still benefit from future-proofing:

1. Upgrade Your Device

Newer flagship phones (iPhone 11 and later, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Google Pixel 6, etc.) support Wi-Fi 6. If you’re due for an upgrade, consider a Wi-Fi 6-compatible model.

2. Use Wi-Fi 6 Extenders or Adapters

Some USB adapters (for tablets/laptops) can add Wi-Fi 6 support. Alternatively, Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems can improve overall network performance.

3. Optimize Existing Wi-Fi

Even without Wi-Fi 6, you can improve speeds by using 5GHz bands, reducing interference, and positioning your router optimally.

 


Final Thoughts

Wi-Fi 6 is a game-changer for wireless connectivity, offering faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved performance in crowded environments. However, to fully benefit from it, both your router and device must support the standard. By following the methods outlined in this guide—checking specifications, using diagnostic apps, and performing real-world tests—you can easily determine whether your phone or tablet is using Wi-Fi 6.

If your current device doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, consider upgrading when possible or optimizing your existing setup for the best performance. As more smart home devices and networks adopt Wi-Fi 6, ensuring compatibility will help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of wireless technology.

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