Connecting 2.4 GHz only IoT devices

September 18, 2025

Will 2.4GHz-only devices connect to a multi-band WiFi network with a single SSID? 

Most 2.4GHz-only devices have no issues connecting to networks that use the same SSID for multiple bands, including AK-Fi Work networks. However, the software for some smart home and IoT devices may present an error if your mobile is not connected to the 2.4 GHz band during setup. This error is often due to limitations of the IoT device's software rather than the hardware's WiFi capabilities. In these cases, additional steps are needed to bypass the error message to continue setting up the IoT device.

Why is the same SSID used for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands?

AK-Fi Work networks, like other modern wireless access points (APs) and wireless routers, use the same SSID (Service Set Identifier) for multiple bands (typically 2.4GHz and 5GHz) for simplicity and performance optimization. Here's why: 

Seamless roaming

  • When all bands share the same SSID, dual-band client devices can switch between bands automatically based on signal strength, speed, and interference
  • A single SSID enables client devices to roam between access points, such as AK-Fi Work networks with multiple SuperPods, and bands without disconnecting, improving the user experience in larger spaces, such as offices and businesses.

Band steering
 AK-Fi Work networks include a feature known as band steering, which encourages capable devices to connect to the faster 5 GHz band when appropriate, instead of the crowded 2.4GHz band. Band steering is only possible when all bands use the same SSID.

Simplified network management

  • With a single SSID for both bands, there's no need for end users to configure their client devices for both SSIDs and then manually select the best SSID based on their distance from an access point (SuperPod).
  • This reduces confusion and configuration complexity, particularly in the case of AK-Fi Work networks, which already use multiple SSIDs to secure network access for employees, business infrastructure, and guests.

About IoT onboarding mode

IoT onboarding mode is a feature that forces the mobile phone running the AK-Fi Work app to connect to the 2.4GHz band. Once connected on 2.4GHz, the app used to set up the IoT devices should no longer display the "connect to a 2.4GHz network" error message, allowing you to continue the device setup.

Important

  • The mobile device running the AK-Fi Work app must also be used to set up the 2.4 GHz-only device.
  • Even if the mobile device is on 2.4 GHz, other common issues may still prevent you from connecting the IoT device to the network.
    — Ensure you are providing the correct password
    — ome devices have issues with special characters in the SSID
  • IoT onboarding mode is only necessary during setup. Afterward, the IoT device application can be used normally to manage the connected devices.
  • IoT onboarding mode is only for 2.4GHz devices that require a mobile app to connect them to a network.

Starting IoT onboarding mode

  1. Connect your mobile device to the Secure WiFi network and disable auto-reconnect for any other WiFi networks that may be in range.
  2. Find the mobile device running the AK-Fi Work app in the Secure zone and tap on it to open its detail page. (The icon of the device running the AK-Fi Work app will have a Plume logo when it is connected to the AK-Fi Work network.)
  3. Tap on the IoT onboarding mode button.
  4. Tap the Enable button. (IoT onboarding mode will be enabled for one hour. During this time, the mobile phone running the AK-Fi Work app will only be able to connect to the 2.4GHz band.)
  5. Close the page.
  6. Wait until the connection diagram for the mobile phone confirms it is connected on 2.4GHz.
  7. Continue setting up the IoT device(s) on the mobile phone. (Optional: If you have enabled the feature to require manual approval for all new devices in the Secure zone, you must approve the IoT devices if they need local network access to other devices in the Secure zone. If they only need Internet but do not need local network access, they can be left in the Unapproved group.)
  8. IoT onboarding mode will automatically expire after 1 hour or be manually disabled, allowing your mobile phone to reconnect on 5GHz.

Turning off IoT onboarding mode

  1. Find the mobile device running the AK-Fi Work app in theSecure zone and tap on it to open its detail page.
  2. Tap on theIoT onboarding mode button.
  3. Tap the Disable button. (IoT onboarding mode will be disabled, and your mobile will be able to reconnect on 5GHz.)

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