This topic

5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 23:03:52 GMT

I'm on BT 900. I noticed some WiFi issues the other day and when I checked, noticed that all my devices are on the 2.4ghz channel (including TVs, laptops and phones which are 5ghz capable). I tweaked the settings to no avail and figured it was the router, so contacted BT who spent 3 hours looking at it and came to the same conclusion. New router arrived today so I plugged it in and got it set up. Devices are still only connecting to the 2.4ghz.

I've attempted:

- confirming 5ghz is enabled

-checking with devices which are definitely 5ghz compatible

- Factory resetting

- turning off 2.4ghz (nothing connected at all after that)

- new router (same problem)

- WiFi analyser (showing no 5ghz for either)

- turning the 5ghz off and back on

Before I go back to BT (who weren't particularly helpful the first time), is anyone else experiencing this or has found a solution?

Thanks.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

imjolly — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:18:16 GMT

must admit I find it highly unlikely that 2 new hubs have no 5ghz network being broadcast. Have you changed the 5ghz channel from auto to a specific channel say 48?

It is your devices that decide whether to connect to 2.4 or 5ghz network not the BT router

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:26:13 GMT

I've tried all the 5ghz channels for both routers. I've also connected a power line adapter AP and when connected to that network devices are finding 5ghz. WiFi analyser is showing no 5ghz being broadcast from the routers (I CAN see other 5ghz channels from neighbour routers and the power line, so it isn't an issue with the WiFi analyser).

Thanks.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

Leanne_T — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:42:09 GMT

Hi there @AndyMcC

Thanks for posting and letting us know everything you have tried already.

I would suggest getting back in touch with our broadband tech guides to troubleshoot what could be causing this for you and see what is needed to get this sorted.

Let us know how you get on.

Leanne.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:55:27 GMT

Hi Leanne,

Tech weren't able to help unfortunately.

Thanks,

Andy

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

Michael_D — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:31:56 GMT

What was it the tech team said @AndyMcC?

Michael

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:37:06 GMT

They couldn't sort the issue remotely so are sending a technician out to have a look.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

Michael_D — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:38:35 GMT

Thanks for the update. Please keep us posted with how it is after the technician has visited. - Michael

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

Kimberlin — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 08:45:32 GMT

@AndyMcC

Do you know anybody with a spare 3rd party router that you could borrow just to positively rule out problems with the SH2?

As has been stated, it’s highly unlikely that 2 BT routers would have the same issue but if you are able to try a compatible 3rd party router to see if the problem remains, then clearly there are other issues that require resolving.

Obviously ensure your connected equipment are running the newest device drivers, especially wireless adapters on desktop/laptops etc. My other half WFH and when she connected her work laptop to our network (we’re on FTTP 500mbps) hers was the only device out of 29 wirelessly connected devices that refused to connect to our router. Over half those devices are 5ghz capable. Her IT section (Government based) were literally next to useless and it took them almost 2 weeks to update the wireless drivers on her equipment.

Hopefully BT Tech will sort it, but it does sound unusual.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 08:54:29 GMT

Checking the separate Power line adapter network effectively ruled out the device issue as it broadcast on 5ghz channel which I could connect to using the same devices that are failing on the SH2. WiFi analyser showed the PL network and other 5ghz channels from neighbours (one of which I connected to and also got the 5ghz). So everything else is working fine, just both the smart hubs.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

Kimberlin — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:04:18 GMT

@AndyMcC

Literally stabbing in the dark here and it probably won’t make a difference, but are you able to see what firmware version your SH2 is on? Perhaps someone on the forum is able to state what the current firmware version is. With ISP routers, they generally do an auto update on connection. As I say, just thinking out loud really, it probably has nothing to do with your problem.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:11:34 GMT

New router: v0.44.00.04123-BT
Old router: v0.45.00.08028-BT

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

gg30340 — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:30:10 GMT

The "old" hub is the latest firmware.

I doubt that having the older firmware is the cause of your problem. If it was I would have expected every hub on that firmware to have the same issue.

Your "new" hub will eventually update automatically if you leave it on 24/7

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

gg30340 — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:42:39 GMT

Have you tried removing every device from connecting to the hub and disconnecting anything that is Ethernet connected. ie turn them off and have no device connected to the Internet.

Once you have done that, factory reset the Smarthub by holding a pin into the reset button until the lights flash. Once it starts up then without connecting anything to it use your wifi analyser to see if the 5Ghz signal is there.

If the 5Ghz is now showing connect your devices one at a time until you see if there is one device that is causing the issue.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:42:59 GMT

The new router only has one device connected currently

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

AndyMcC — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:47:49 GMT

The new router only has one device connected at the moment. I haven't tried to move anything across yet because the new one has the same issue.

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

gg30340 — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:54:37 GMT

It could be wireless interference that is blocking the 5Ghz signal.

When you changed the hub did you also change the power brick?

Is the hub plugged into the electrical wall socket on its own?

Have you tried it in a different wall socket?

Are there any devices switched on that are scanning for a connection?

Is the hub next to anything electrical. ie beside or very near the TV or a fridge etc?

Are you able to try the hub in a different location within your house or to see if it is interference at your property at friends house?

Re: 5ghz channel not working for 2 Smart Hubs

Kimberlin — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 12:30:27 GMT

@AndyMcC

Another long shot but it has been known to happen for 5ghz WiFi connectivity, what are the security settings on both routers? Are they set at WPA2 AES or WPA3 or something else? Again, it’s unlikely to be the problem but still worth checking if you haven’t already done so.

Other than the things others have mentioned, I take it you don’t live next door to something with a whacking great radar rotating 24/7?