Start with the simple checks
Work through these in order, from least to most disruptive. Stop when 5GHz is back.
- Check the router has power and the light looks normal. On many Linksys models the power light (the Linksys logo) is solid white when things are fine. If it is off, check the cable and outlet.
- Check whether other devices see the network. If only one device can’t see it, the problem is probably that device, not the router. If no device sees any network, see Netgear router not showing Wi-Fi for general steps that apply to most brands.
- Move closer. 5GHz has shorter range than 2.4GHz, so a device that sees 2.4GHz from another room may not see 5GHz there.
- Restart the router. Unplug the power, wait about 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait for the power light to settle before testing again.
Confirm your device supports 5GHz
Some older laptops, phones, smart plugs, cameras and printers only support 2.4GHz. If a device never shows a 5GHz network, check its specifications. If it is 2.4GHz-only, nothing is wrong with the router. Keep the 2.4GHz network on for it. For background on the two bands, see our guide to dual-band vs tri-band routers.
Look for the right network name
Many Linksys routers use separate names for each band, often with a “5GHz” or “_5GHz” suffix, while others combine both bands under one name. If you only see one name, the router may be using a single combined network, in which case your device chooses the band. Look in your router’s settings to see how it is set up.
Check the 5GHz radio is switched on
- Connect to the router by Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Open its web setup page or the Linksys app and sign in.
- Go to the Wi-Fi or wireless settings.
- Make sure both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are turned on, and that the network name (SSID) is set to broadcast for both.
Menu names differ between models and firmware versions, so use your model’s manual if the labels don’t match. If you changed settings in the past, such as turning 5GHz off, it may simply need to be switched back on. The process is similar to what we describe for turning off 5GHz on a TP-Link router, just in reverse and in Linksys menus.
Try a different channel
Interference from neighbors or a problem channel can make a band unreliable. In the wireless settings, try a different channel for 5GHz, or set it to Auto, then test again. On some routers, certain 5GHz channels can pause when radar is detected, so changing channel is a reasonable test.
Update the firmware
Firmware updates can fix wireless bugs, and how to tell if your router needs an update explains what to check. Check for an update in the router’s admin page or app, and follow Linksys’s instructions for your model. Don’t unplug the router during an update.
Factory reset as a last resort
If nothing else works, a reset may restore the default network names. A reset erases your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi name, password and any other changes, so you will need to set the router up again. Make a note of anything you need first, such as your internet provider login if you have one.
What does a red light on a Linksys router mean?
The meaning varies by model, but a red light commonly points to a problem such as no internet connection. Check the modem and cable, restart both devices, and consult the manual for your model’s light guide. A red light is not usually specific to 5GHz. For more on this color, see router flashing red.
Forcing a device onto 2.4 GHz
If a device struggles on 5GHz, you can connect it to the 2.4GHz network name if your router uses separate names. If the bands share one name, look in the router settings for an option to split them, or check whether your device has a band preference in its Wi-Fi settings.
When to contact support
If 5GHz still doesn’t appear after a reset and other devices can’t see it either, the router’s 5GHz radio may have a fault. Contact Linksys support with your model number, and check your warranty status. For help with speeds on the bands that do work, our AX vs AC routers guide may help you decide whether it is time to replace the router.