Printer will not print from my phone when my phone connects to 5ghz wifi

Troubleshooting Printer Connectivity Issues When Using 5GHz Wi-Fi on Mobile Devices

In today’s connected world, seamless printing from smartphones has become a necessity for both personal and professional use. However, many users encounter connectivity challenges, especially when their mobile devices are connected to specific Wi-Fi bands. A common issue involves mobile devices being unable to print when connected to the 5GHz Wi-Fi network, necessitating manual switching to the 2.4GHz band. This article explores the underlying causes of this problem and offers practical solutions to ensure smooth printing experiences across your Wi-Fi networks.

Understanding the Wi-Fi Frequency Bands

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to comprehend the differences between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks:

2.4GHz: Offers longer range and better penetration through walls, but generally provides slower speeds and more interference.
5GHz: Provides faster data rates and less interference but has a shorter range and may be more sensitive to obstacles.

Many modern routers operate dual-band networks, allowing devices to connect to either band. However, this can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with certain peripherals, like printers.

Common Issue: Printing Only from 2.4GHz Networks

Users often find that their smartphones can only print when connected to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. When connected to 5GHz, print commands are ignored or fail to execute. This situation is typically caused by:

Network Segmentation: Some routers isolate 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks, preventing devices from communicating across bands.
Printer Compatibility: Many printers are configured or designed primarily to connect via 2.4GHz, which ensures broader compatibility.
Device Restrictions: Certain mobile devices and applications may have limited support for printing over 5GHz networks.

Strategies to Resolve the Connectivity Issue

To enable your mobile device to print seamlessly regardless of the Wi-Fi band, consider the following solutions:

1. Ensure Devices Are on the Same Network

Confirm that your printer and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Some routers separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks with different SSIDs (network names). Connecting both devices to the same SSID (preferably the 2.4GHz band for broader compatibility) can resolve communication issues.