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What are Wi-Fi channels and how do I change them?

Wi-Fi channels help avoid congestion on your wireless signal. Restarting your router often finds a better channel. Here is how to change channels manually and improve home Wi-Fi.

What is a Wi-Fi channel?

A Wi-Fi channel is like a lane on a motorway. Each lane carries traffic. When too many cars use one lane, it becomes crowded and slow. On busy Wi-Fi channels, your devices can slow down because nearby routers also use the same lanes. Changing to a less busy channel can help your Wi-Fi run more smoothly.

Routers divide each Wi-Fi band into channels. The 2.4GHz band has fewer channels and more overlap. The 5GHz band has more channels and less overlap, which usually means less interference and faster performance.

What happens when my router restarts?

When your router restarts it often automatically picks a new Wi-Fi channel. Think of this like changing lanes on the motorway to find a quieter one. Restarting your router is the easiest way to try a new channel before changing settings manually.

Best channels to use

For 2.4GHz Wi-Fi a good choice is channel 1, 6 or 11. These channels are non overlapping which helps reduce interference from other networks.

For 5GHz Wi-Fi you can find many more channels. Lower numbered 5GHz channels such as 36, 40, 44 and 48 are common choices because they often give good performance with fewer restrictions.

📝 Note: Some channels in the 5GHz band are subject to extra rules called DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection). These can cause your router to pause or switch channels if radar is detected. DFS channels can be useful but sometimes lead to change delays, so we often recommend starting with non DFS channels for home use.

When should I change Wi-Fi channels?

You should consider changing channels if:

  • Your Wi-Fi feels slow even when broadband speed is good.

  • Devices disconnect or lag in certain rooms.

  • You live in a building with many other Wi-Fi networks nearby.

Changing channels can reduce interference from your neighbours’ Wi-Fi and other electronic devices.

⚠️ Caution: Changing channels will briefly disconnect your Wi-Fi while the router updates.

How to change Wi-Fi channels on a Zyxel router

If you have a Zyxel router, you can choose your own Wi-Fi channel from the router settings by following these steps.

  1. With your device connected to Wi-Fi, open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1

  2. Enter the router username (admin) and login password (found on the grey panel on the back of your router)

  3. Once logged in, open up the menu in the top right by clicking on the 3 black lines

  4. Click on Network Setting, then click Wireless

  5. Go to Channel Status and press Scan (it will default to 2.4Ghz at first)

    1. Now you will see all the nearby devices sending out wireless signals in range of your router (your router is in the channel that is orange)
    2. Each channel on 2.4GHz overlaps with 2 channels on the left and 2 channels on the right, so when considering yhour new channel to find the one with the lowest number, consider the numbers on the 2 channels to the left and 2 to the right and make a note of the total numbers within range of channels 1, 6 or 11.
      1. Change the band from 2.4GHz to 5GHz and repeat the scan
      2. 5GHz bands do not overlap, so you are looking for the channel with the lowest number, ideally between 36-48.
  6. Next, click on the General Tab
  7. Using the drop down on Channel, choose your channel 1, 6 or 11
    1. If you can't see the channel in the list, choose one at random, then change the Control Sideband from either Lower to Upper, or Upper to Lower. The remaining channels will then appear
      1. Scroll down and click Apply to save your changes
  8. Change the Band from 2.4GHz to 5GHz and choose your new channel, ideally 36, 40, 44 or 48
    1. Scroll down and click Apply to save your changes
  9. Now test your Wi-Fi to see if there is any improvement

    💡 Tip: Test one channel at a time and check if your Wi-Fi feels better before changing again.

    How to change Wi-Fi channels on a TP-Link router

    If you have a TP-Link router, you can do this using the Aginet app by following these steps.

    1. Open the Aginet App

      • If you haven't set up the Aginet app yet, please click here

    2. Go to More, then Wi-Fi Settings

    3. Click on the arrow (>) next to 2.4 Ghz & 5 Ghz Network
    4. Click on the arrow (>) next to Advanced
      1. In the 2.4Ghz section over Channel, click the arrow (>) next to channel and choose a channel such as 1, 6 or 11
      2. In the 5hz section over Channel, click the arrow (>) next to channel and choose a channel such as 36, 40, 44 or 48
    5. Once complete, press the back arrow (<)
    6. Save your changes and monitor for an impovement

    💡 Tip: If you don't notice an improvement, repeat the above trying another wireless channel

    Caution about DFS channels

    Some 5GHz channels use DFS rules. This means your router may need to check for radar signals before using the channel. This can cause delays or automatic channel changes. For most homes non DFS channels such as 36-48 are easier to manage.

    Tip for Wi-Fi channel scanning

    There are free Wi-Fi scanner apps for mobile or PC that show which channels nearby networks are using. These can help you pick a channel with less congestion.

    Can Home Unity do this for me?

    Yes. Home Unity can remotely adjust your Wi-Fi channels and settings. If you want help, please contact us and we can make these changes for you.