5GHz Wi-Fi is not the same as mobile 5G
When people search for “turn off 5G on a TP-Link router”, they usually mean the 5GHz Wi-Fi band, not 5G mobile data (for cellular routers, see how a 4G router works). This guide covers the Wi-Fi band. Most home TP-Link routers are normal Wi-Fi routers, so switching off “5G” in the settings refers to the 5GHz radio.
Before you start
- Connect to the router using Ethernet if you can. If you are on the 5GHz network when you switch it off, your device will lose its connection, which is expected.
- Know your router’s admin password (see where to find your router password and login if you do not). TP-Link’s setup page is usually reached at tplinkwifi.net, or at the router’s IP address.
- Keep the 2.4GHz band on so your devices still have a network.
- Menu names differ by model and firmware, so the paths below may not match exactly.
Method 1: The web interface
- Open a browser and go to tplinkwifi.net, then log in.
- Look for the wireless settings. On many newer interfaces the path is Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings. Some models use Wi-Fi > Main Network, and older models use Wireless > Basic Settings.
- Find the 5GHz entry and turn it off, or untick its Enable option.
- Click Save.
Your 5GHz network name should disappear from the list of Wi-Fi networks within a short time. If it still shows, restart the device you are checking on.
Method 2: The Tether app
- Open the TP-Link Tether app and sign in.
- Select your router.
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings (the location may be under a “More” or “Wireless” menu, depending on version).
- Turn off the 5GHz network toggle and save.
Method 3: Deco mesh systems
Deco systems are managed in the Deco app. Open the app and look in the Wi-Fi settings for your network, then check the advanced options for a band setting. Availability of this option can depend on the model and app version. TP-Link’s own instructions for your Deco model are the most reliable guide.
If Smart Connect is on
Smart Connect puts the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands under one network name and chooses a band for each device automatically. With it on, you may not see separate controls for each band. Turn Smart Connect off first (in the wireless settings), and then the individual bands should be adjustable. TP-Link describes this under its Smart Connect settings.
What happens when 5GHz is off
- Devices will connect to the 2.4GHz band only, or fail to connect if they only support 5GHz.
- Speeds are typically lower, and the band can be more crowded with interference from neighbors and household electronics.
- Range is generally better on 2.4GHz, which may suit a device far from the router.
- Wired connections are not affected.
Turning off 5GHz is sometimes done for older devices that struggle with it, or to test a connection problem. If you are unsure, our guide to dual-band vs tri-band routers explains what each band is good for.
Turning 5GHz back on
Repeat the same steps and switch the 5GHz option on again, then save. The network name should reappear. If it does not, restart the router and check the settings again. For similar steps on another brand, see our Linksys 5GHz not working checklist.
If it still isn’t working
- Make sure you saved the change and that the right band was selected.
- Restart the router and your device.
- Check for a firmware update from TP-Link for your model (see how to tell if your router needs an update).
- As a last step, a factory reset restores defaults but erases your settings, so note anything you need first.