⚠ Before You Start: During setup, the phone or tablet you're using to configure your smart device must also be connected to the same 2.4 GHz network that you want the device to join. If your phone is on the 5 GHz network and you're trying to set up a smart lock on 2.4 GHz, the setup will fail. Switch your phone to the 2G network first, then start the device setup process.
Why You Need to Split Your WiFi
Most smart home devices — smart locks, video doorbells, smart plugs, thermostats, and security cameras — only connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router combines both frequencies into a single network name, your smart devices may fail to connect, drop offline randomly, or refuse to complete setup.
Modern routers broadcast two wireless bands:
📡
2.4 GHz
Slower speeds but longer range and better wall penetration. This is what smart home devices use.
⚡
5 GHz
Faster speeds but shorter range. Great for streaming, gaming, and laptops.
Many routers ship with band steering or Smart Connect that combines both under one network name. The router decides which band your device connects to — and smart devices can't handle 5 GHz. Splitting the bands gives each frequency its own name so your smart lock connects to 2.4 GHz every time.
Spectrum Router (Askey, Sagemcom, RAC2V1K)
Spectrum provides several router models. Here's how to split the bands:
Step 1: Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (or the address on your router's label).
Step 2: Log in with the admin credentials printed on the router label. The default username is usually admin and the password is on the sticker.
Step 3: Look for Wireless or WiFi Settings in the menu.
Step 4: Find Band Steering or Smart Connect and turn it OFF.
Step 5: You'll now see two separate networks. Name the 2.4 GHz network something clear like MyWiFi-2G and the 5 GHz network MyWiFi-5G.
Step 6: Set passwords for each and save. Connect your phone and your smart devices to the 2G network before starting setup.
If you're using the My Spectrum app, go to Services → Your Network → Advanced Settings to find band steering options.
Need help? Call Spectrum Internet support at
(888) 369-2408 — available 24/7.
Xfinity xFi Gateway (XB6, XB7, XB8)
Xfinity's newer gateways combine bands by default.
Step 1: Open the Xfinity app on your phone or go to 10.0.0.1 in a browser.
Step 2: Log in with your Xfinity credentials or the admin password on the gateway.
Step 3: Go to Connect → See Network → Advanced Settings.
Step 4: Look for 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi and select Edit.
Step 5: Turn off Band Steering and give each band a unique name.
Step 6: Save and reconnect both your phone and your smart devices to the 2.4 GHz network.
Some Xfinity gateways require you to log in at 10.0.0.1 with username "admin" and the password printed on the device to access advanced wireless settings.
AT&T BGW210 / BGW320 Gateway
Step 1: Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.254.
Step 2: Enter the access code found on the side of your gateway.
Step 3: Go to Home Network → WiFi.
Step 4: You'll see both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz listed. Give each a different SSID name.
Step 5: Make sure both are enabled and save your changes.
AT&T gateways usually keep the bands separate by default, but some newer firmware may combine them. If you only see one network name, check for a "Band Steering" toggle and disable it.
Need help? Call AT&T Internet support at
(800) 288-2020 — available 24/7.
Netgear Nighthawk Routers
Step 1: Go to 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net in your browser.
Step 2: Log in with your admin credentials (default is usually admin/password).
Step 3: Go to Wireless Settings.
Step 4: Uncheck Enable Smart Connect if it's turned on.
Step 5: You'll now see separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Give each a unique name.
Step 6: Save and reconnect your devices.
TP-Link Routers (Archer Series)
Step 1: Go to 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net in your browser.
Step 2: Log in with your admin password.
Step 3: Go to Wireless (or Basic → Wireless on newer models).
Step 4: If Smart Connect is enabled, turn it off.
Step 5: Set separate names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Step 6: Save and connect your smart devices to the 2.4 GHz network.
Linksys Routers (Velop / Classic)
Step 1: Open the Linksys app or go to 192.168.1.1 in your browser.
Step 2: Log in with your router password.
Step 3: Go to WiFi Settings.
Step 4: Toggle off Band Steering.
Step 5: Name each band separately and save.
On Linksys Velop mesh systems, band steering is deeply integrated. You may need to use the Linksys app → Advanced Settings → WiFi Settings to separate the bands.
ASUS Routers (RT-AX, RT-AC Series)
Step 1: Go to 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com in your browser.
Step 2: Log in with your admin credentials.
Step 3: Go to Wireless in the left menu.
Step 4: Disable Smart Connect at the top if enabled.
Step 5: Switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz tabs and give each a unique SSID.
Step 6: Save and reboot if prompted.
Need help? Call ASUS support at
(888) 678-3688 — available Mon–Fri 9AM–9PM ET, Sat–Sun 9AM–6PM ET.
Google Nest WiFi / Google WiFi
This one's tricky. Google's mesh systems do not allow you to split bands through the app. The router automatically manages which band devices connect to.
However, most smart home devices still connect fine because Google WiFi prioritizes 2.4 GHz for IoT devices. If you're having trouble:
Try moving the smart device closer to the router during initial setup. Set up the device in the same room as the Google WiFi puck. Once connected, it usually stays on 2.4 GHz.
Create a separate guest network through the Google Home app, which sometimes defaults to 2.4 GHz only.
Eero Mesh Routers
Like Google WiFi, Eero doesn't let you split bands directly. Eero automatically manages band assignment.
If your smart device won't connect, try temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band during setup through the Eero app under Settings → Troubleshooting → My device won't connect.
Need help? Call Eero support at
(877) 659-2347 — available 7 days a week.
After You Split: Quick Tips
Connect your phone to 2.4 GHz before setting up any device. This is the number one mistake people make. Your phone must be on the same 2.4 GHz network as the smart device during setup.
Name your networks clearly. Use something like "HomeWiFi-2G" and "HomeWiFi-5G" so you always know which is which.
Use the same password for both. The names are different, but the password doesn't need to be.
Connect smart devices to 2.4 GHz only. Smart locks, Ring doorbells, Wyze cameras, smart plugs, smart thermostats — all go on the 2G network.
Use 5 GHz for everything else. Phones, laptops, tablets, and streaming devices perform better on 5 GHz. After your smart device setup is complete, you can switch your phone back.
Restart your router after making changes. Give it a full power cycle to make sure the new settings take effect cleanly.
Need Help with Smart Lock Installation?
Splitting your WiFi is the first step to a reliable smart home setup. If you need help installing or configuring a smart lock, keypad deadbolt, or access control system — Key-En-Lock can help.
We serve all of Brevard County — Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, and beyond.
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