The WiFi connection between your device and the Wireless Gateway can operate on one of a few channels (if connected to 2.4 GHz) or one of many channels (if your device supports 5 GHz or 6 GHz).
First, you should determine how your advanced WiFi settings are managed:
- WiFi Boost Pods: Advanced WiFi settings are not visible and cannot be managed from the Admin Tool or Xfinity xFi. Pods require that you only have one WiFi network name and password, so all of your devices can seamlessly connect to the network that will provide the best WiFi signal at any given time.
- xFi Advanced Gateways (XB6 and higher): Most of these Gateways have been upgraded with software that manages advanced WiFi settings automatically to help optimize your home network and provide the best performance possible. Advanced WiFi settings for Gateways with this software enhancement are not visible and cannot be managed from the Admin Tool or Xfinity xFi.
- 1st Generation xFi Gateway (XB3): If you have a 1st Generation xFi Gateway and no WiFi Boost Pods on your network, you can manage your advanced WiFi settings using Xfinity xFi.
Note: Advanced WiFi settings can also be managed using the Admin Tool; however, you’ll have to be connected to your home network for access. If you have an xFi Gateway: Please see Change the WiFi Channel in Xfinity xFi for instructions. - Xfinity Gateway (XB2): You can access the Xfinity app; however, the features available do not include advanced WiFi settings. You can manage your advanced WiFi settings using the Admin tool.
If your advanced WiFi settings are visible and your channel settings are set to Auto, your Xfinity Gateway will automatically detect and connect devices using the optimal channel to provide the best WiFi signal at any given time. This selection is based on several factors, including the number of other devices currently using a channel, the distance from the device to the Gateway and whether the device is capable of connecting using 5 GHz.
WiFi channel cannot be modified if you see a notification in the Admin Portal stating that WiFi channel settings (i.e., WiFi Mode, Security Mode, Channel Selection, Channel Mode and Channel bandwidth) are managed automatically.
Changing WiFi Channel in the Admin Tool
- Connect to your WiFi network, and access http://10.0.0.1 from a web browser.
- Navigate to Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi, where you will see your private WiFi network name(s) displayed. If you would like to update your WiFi channel, click EDIT.
- Mark the Manual radio button for the Channel Selection field and choose your desired channel number in the Channel field.
- To complete the change, click Save Settings at the bottom of the page.
