Why Your WiFi Works on Some Devices but Not Others (And How to Fix It)

You’re Not Crazy — This Is a Real WiFi Problem

One of the most frustrating tech problems is when your WiFi works perfectly on one device… but refuses to cooperate on another. Your phone connects instantly. Your laptop struggles. Your smart TV buffers. Your smart bulbs show as “offline.”</p>

You reboot the router. You reset the device. You Google the issue. Nothing seems consistent.

The good news? This problem is extremely common — and it’s not random. It almost always comes down to device compatibility, wireless standards, frequency bands, or router configuration conflicts. Once you understand what’s happening, fixing it is usually straightforward.

This guide explains: - Why some devices connect and others don’t - The most common hidden causes - Exactly how to fix it step-by-step - When it’s time to upgrade your hardware

Let’s fix your network.

Why This Happens

1. Different Devices Use Different WiFi Standards

Not all WiFi devices speak the same “language.”

Older devices may use: - 802.11b - 802.11g - 802.11n

Newer devices use: - 802.11ac (WiFi 5) - 802.11ax (WiFi 6)

Some routers disable older standards by default for performance or security reasons — which instantly breaks older smart home devices, printers, and IoT hardware.

2. 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Compatibility

Many smart home devices only support 2.4GHz WiFi because: - It travels farther - It penetrates walls better - It uses less power

Phones and laptops automatically prefer 5GHz because it’s faster. If your router combines both into one SSID, some devices get confused and fail to connect or stay connected.

3. Router Security Modes Can Block Devices

New routers often default to: - WPA3 security - Mixed WPA2/WPA3 modes

Older devices only support WPA2 or even WPA — and will fail silently if the encryption type doesn’t match.

4. Band Steering and “Smart Connect” Causes Problems

Features designed to optimize your network can actually break it: - Band steering forces devices between 2.4GHz and 5GHz - Fast roaming pushes devices to new access points - Mesh handoffs can confuse low-power devices

Smart home hardware doesn’t handle these transitions well.

5. Interference and Signal Quality Differ by Device

A laptop has a powerful antenna. A smart bulb does not.

So: - The laptop connects fine - The bulb struggles due to interference, walls, or distance

Common Mistakes People Make

❌ Rebooting Everything Repeatedly Without Changing Settings

Rebooting helps temporarily but doesn’t fix configuration mismatches.

❌ Assuming All Devices Support 5GHz

Most IoT devices do not.

❌ Ignoring Router Firmware Updates

Firmware often fixes compatibility bugs.

❌ Placing Routers in Corners or Cabinets

Signal quality matters far more for small devices.

❌ Using WPA3 Only

WPA3 is great — unless your devices can’t use it.

Step-by-Step Fix

Follow these in order.

Step 1 — Separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz Networks

Log into your router and: - Disable “Smart Connect” or band steering - Rename your networks: - HomeWiFi_2.4 - HomeWiFi_5

Connect smart devices to 2.4GHz.

Step 2 — Change Security to WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 Mixed

Avoid WPA3-only unless all devices support it.

Step 3 — Enable Legacy Support

Enable 802.11n compatibility or “legacy mode.”

Step 4 — Update Router Firmware

Check the manufacturer’s site or router dashboard.

Step 5 — Reduce Interference

• Change WiFi channel to 1, 6, or 11 (for 2.4GHz)
• Avoid placing the router near:
• Microwaves
• Cordless phones
• Baby monitors

Step 6 — Move or Add Access Points

If devices are far away, consider: - A mesh system - A WiFi extender

When to Upgrade Hardware

Upgrade if:

• Router is more than 5 years old
• It doesn’t support firmware updates
• It lacks proper 2.4GHz controls
• You have 30+ connected devices

Modern routers handle device diversity much better.

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• [ ] Use WPA2 or mixed mode
• [ ] Enable legacy support
• [ ] Update firmware
• [ ] Optimize router placement
• [ ] Reduce interference

FAQ

Why does my phone connect but my smart bulb doesn’t?

Your phone supports 5GHz and WPA3. The bulb only supports 2.4GHz and WPA2.

Should I disable 5GHz?

No — just separate it and assign devices properly.

Is mesh better?

Yes, especially for larger homes.

Final Thoughts

When WiFi works on some devices but not others, it’s rarely a mystery — it’s a mismatch. Once you align your router’s settings with your device capabilities, everything becomes stable, predictable, and reliable.

Your network isn’t broken. It just needs tuning.

👉 Related: Wi-Fi guides