How to Force Samsung S21 to connect to a 2.4GHz WiFi

Samsung Galaxy S21 devices support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi frequencies. This means Galaxy S21 can be connected to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi routers.

But some Galaxy S21 users experience issues when connecting their smartphones to a 2.4GHz WiFi network. According to them, these devices connect to a 5GHz network without issues. But when connecting to a 2.4GHz network, the device produces errors.

If your Galaxy S21 does the same and gives you errors when you try to connect the phone to a 2.4GHz band router, then you have to either change the router’s frequency to 5GHz or force connect your Galaxy S21 to the router. 

That is what this guide will explain, so if you want to fix the 2.4GHz WiFi connection issue on your Galaxy S21, read this guide and apply the solutions.

Note

This guide also applies to other Samsung Galaxy models, such as Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, S21 Fe, and S21 Ultra.

Why won’t my Samsung S21 connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi?

If you wonder why your Samsung Galaxy S21 refuses to connect with your 2.4GHz router, there are a couple of reasons for that. 

The first one is configuration issues on your Galaxy S21 WiFi settings. If the WiFi router is saved in your phone’s WiFi settings, this could be a reason.

The next reason is glitched connection profile of your phone. There are a number of ways it can get malfunctioned such as long device usage without restarting it, recently updated system software, etc.

The last possible cause of why your phone doesn’t connect to the router is bugs/glitches or configuration issues with your WiFi router.

But no matter what is the cause of your case, the solutions we are about to show you will fix these 3 problems and will force your Galaxy S21 to connect to the 2.4GHz router. ‘

How to fix and force your Galaxy S21 to connect to your 2.4GHz router.

First, you should start with fixing issues with your Samsung S21, then we will show you how you can fix the router if it is causing the connection problem.

Let’s start with removing the WiFi router from your device.

Fix 01 – Forget the WiFi router from your Galaxy S21

When you forget the WiFi router from your Galaxy S21, it will remove the saved information such as cache files, passwords, etc.

This can help you to connect your phone to the router. Before going to do this solution, make sure you remember the WiFi password, as removing the router from your Galaxy S21 will remove the saved password information.

Here is what you should do;

1. Swipe down the notification bar
2. Tap on hold the WiFi icon
3. You will see the routers that are saved on your device 
4. Tap on the gear icon next to the router you are trying to connect, and tap on “Forget”

5. Then turn off the WiFi and turn it on again. After, try to connect to the router and see if the device connects without any issue

Fix 02 – Reset network settings

Resetting network settings will remove previous configurations made to the network settings of your Galaxy S21. So if there is any issue with the network settings that prevented your device from connecting to the WiFi router, this solution will resolve that issue.

To reset network settings, follow these steps;

1. Open Settings
2. Tap on General management
3. Tap on Reset

4. Under reset settings, tap on “Reset network settings”

You will have to reconfigure settings like mobile data connections once you reset the network settings. However, make sure to not change WiFi settings once you do this.

Fix 03 – Restart the router

If there is a glitch in your router that refuses to connect your device, restarting the router should fix the issue.

Plug out the router from the power source. Then after a few seconds, plug it back and turn on the router. Then try to connect your Galaxy S21 with it and see if the problem is solved.

Fix 04 – Reset the router

If restarting the router didn’t solve the connecting issue, you can reset its settings.

Note

Resetting the router will reset the password too. If you have changed its password, you will have to recharge it after you reset the router.

The steps you should take to reset your router will depend on its model. However, you have two ways to do this;

Method 01 – Reset router settings using its reset button

On your router, there should be a reset key. Look under it or the back side of it and see if there is a reset key. Then use a small tool like a thumb pin and press and hold the key for a few seconds while the router is turned on.

Tip: If you still cannot find the reset key, see the manual of your router

Your router will restart automatically after you keep pressing the reset key for a few seconds. Then, use the default router password to connect your Galaxy S21 with it.

Method 02 – Reset router settings using the router’s dashboard

You can also log into the router dashboard and use the reset option there to reset your router. To do this, follow the steps below;

1. First, type the router’s IP address on a web browser and load its dashboard (control panel)
2. Log into the dashboard by typing the username and password (if this is your first time, see the router and there should be a sticker containing the username and password)
3. Go to its Settings
4. Go to Advanced settings
5. Tap on the reset option

Now your router will restart automatically and after that, use the default router password and try to connect your Galaxy S21 to the router.

Wrapping Up

By following the simple solutions above, we hope you have successfully fixed and forced your Galaxy S21 to connect to the router.

So which method worked for you? Don’t forget to leave feedback for us!

You might still have questions regarding this problem and this guide. If so, leave a comment below so we can help you there.

Have a nice day!

More guides for your Samsung Galaxy S21

• Samsung S20/S21 Calls Cutting in and out – How to Fix
• Sim 1 Not Allowed on Samsung S21 & S20 – Complete Guide to Fix
• Samsung S21 Mobile Hotspot is Not Working – 5 Solutions
• Samsung S21 QR Scanner Not Working – How to Fix It