Google is finally addressing a significant frustration for mobile power users. In the latest Android Canary build, the company is piloting a new 2.4 and 6 GHz dual-band option for Wi-Fi hotspots. This feature promises to deliver the high throughput associated with modern Wi-Fi standards while maintaining compatibility with older devices.
Currently, Android makes setting up a hotspot fairly straightforward. However, the default settings may not always provide the best performance. Reports indicate that this new solution is expected to roll out in an upcoming beta for the Android 16 QPR3 release.
The Problem With Current Android Hotspots
Until now, Android users faced a challenging predicament. By default, Android creates hotspots using the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. While this configuration ensures that most devices can connect easily, it omits the 6 GHz frequency supported by newer Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 standards.
Recently, Google updated Pixel phones to unlock the 6 GHz frequency following changes in U.S. regulations. While this allows for faster speeds via wider channels, it comes with considerable trade-offs. The high-frequency 6 GHz waves are easily obstructed by walls and other objects, resulting in a shorter effective range. Moreover, many legacy devices do not support 6 GHz at all, which means that if users select the “6 GHz” hotspot option today, older gadgets often cannot connect.
The “Best of Both Worlds” Solution
Google’s new feature effectively bridges this gap. The newly introduced 2.4 and 6 GHz option combines the broad compatibility of the 2.4 GHz band with the superior speed of the 6 GHz band.
According to the descriptions provided in the Canary update, this dual-band mode offers the “fastest speeds” associated with dedicated 6 GHz options while simultaneously maintaining connections with legacy devices through the 2.4 GHz band.
Pixel users can easily access these settings by navigating to:
Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > Speed & compatibility
Here’s a breakdown of the hotspot options available in the latest update:
| Option | Speed Profile | Device Compatibility |
| 2.4 and 5 GHz | Fast speeds | Compatible with most devices (Default) |
| 6 GHz | Fastest speeds | Compatible with a few devices (Short range) |
| 2.4 and 6 GHz (NEW) | Fastest speeds | Compatible with most devices |
This update is a welcome change. Previously, regulations in regions like the U.S. prohibited smartphones from creating 6 GHz hotspots. Now that these restrictions have been lifted, Android is leveraging the hardware capabilities of modern devices, such as the Pixel series, to offer a significantly enhanced tethering experience.
For more details, you can visit the source Here.
Image Credit: www.techjuice.pk
