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How to Change Channels on a Router

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Updated February 12, 2023

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Difficulty Medium

Steps 4

Time Required 5 minutes

Sections

Things to Know

If you are trying out the various features of your wireless network, you may wonder how to change channels on a router. The best routers, after all, do not need to be tied to a particular channel. So why would you want to change channels on a router and how to do it? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Changing Wi-Fi channels is a necessity once in a while, especially if you are using the 2.4GHz network GHz band and you are noticing congestion.
Start the process by accessing your router’s admin panel or settings page by putting your router’s public IP address into a web browser’s address bar.
Once in the settings, look for WiFi channels in a drop-down menu and change to an optimal channel for your needs.

Why Change Channels on a Router?

There are many reasons why you’d want to change wireless channels on a router, including network congestion. This isn’t quite the same as changing the NAT type on a router or turning off the 5GHz band. Basically, the 2.4GHz band only has 12 usable channels, though the 5GHz band has around 100. Generally speaking, when using 2.4GHz you want to be on channels 1, 6, or 12. If you notice congestion, you’ll have to change the channel, especially if you are learning how to connect two WiFi routers together wirelessly.

Insider Tip

If you are using 2.4GHz, channels 1, 6, and 11 are nearly always your preferred choices.

How Do I Change Channels on my Router?

This process differs according to the make and model of your router, so we have kept this guide as universal as possible. Still, changing wireless channels on a router is fairly simple, and the same cannot be said of some processes, such as learning how to turn an old router into an access point.

STEP 1

Check to ensure that you have a valid Internet connection and that everything is running smoothly. Your router should be connected via Ethernet cable to your satellite modem or cable modem. Your modem should be broadcasting a decent Internet signal and your router should be wirelessly transmitting that signal to all of your beloved devices.

STEP 2

Access your router’s settings via whatever methods are indicated in your instructions. This varies from router to router, so check the instruction manual if you have them or perform a quick web search

STEP 3

These settings are typically accessed by entering your router’s public IP address in a web browser address bar. The public IP address is often labeled somewhere on the router itself. You can also use firmware for this task or a dedicated mobile device app.

STEP 4

Look for a settings adjustment point regarding wireless channels. You should be able to change the channel manually. Afterward, save your changes and restart the router.

F.A.Q.S

How can I see which Wi-Fi channels are busy and free?

There are certain apps that analyze Wi-Fi channels to see which are busy and which are free. One is called Wi-Fi Analyzer and it is extremely popular when it comes to channel selection.

Why channels 1,6, and 11?

When it comes to the 2.4 GHz band, channels 1,6, and 11 are the best because they are the furthest away from one another. Wi-Fi channels spaced too close together can cause congestion with your wireless router.

How to find the best WiFi channel?

There is no best when it comes to channel selection. There is just busy and free. Find whatever channel is free in your preferred GHz band.

STAT: Most WiFi routers these days broadcast data using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Each of these bands is divided up into channels that are used to send and receive data over your WiFi network. (source)

REFERENCES:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.