2 min read
Google is finally solving a major frustration for mobile power users. In the latest Android Canary build, the company is testing a new 2.4 and 6 GHz dual-band option for Wi-Fi hotspots. This feature promises to deliver the high throughput of modern standards while ensuring older devices can still connect.
Currently, Android makes setting up a hotspot easy. However, the default settings do not always provide the best performance. Reportedly, this new solution is expected to officially arrive in an upcoming beta for the Android 16 QPR3 release.
The Problem With Current Android Hotspots
Until now, users faced a difficult choice. By default, Android creates hotspots using the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. This ensures most devices connect easily. Unfortunately, this mode 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 significant trade-offs.
High-frequency 6 GHz waves are easily blocked by objects, resulting in a shorter range. Furthermore, many legacy devices lack support for 6 GHz entirely. Therefore, if you select the “6 GHz” option today, older gadgets often cannot connect at all.
The “Best of Both Worlds” Solution
Google’s new feature bridges this gap effectively. The new 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 in the Canary update, this dual-band mode offers the “fastest speeds” associated with standalone 6 GHz options. Simultaneously, it maintains connections with legacy devices through the 2.4 GHz band.
Pixel users can view these settings by navigating to:
Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > Speed & compatibility
Here is a breakdown of the hotspot options found 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 rules have opened up, Android is leveraging the hardware capabilities of modern devices like the Pixel series to offer a superior tethering experience.
