Why your older devices may struggle with WiFi 7 (and what to do about it)

Feel free to jump to areas that interest you the most:

• What is WiFi 7—and why it matters

• Why older devices might not play nice with WiFi 7
• How to check if your device is WiFi 7 compatible
• How to connect older devices to WiFi 7 network
• When to consider upgrading your device
• Tips to future-proof your network
• You don’t have to choose between speed and compatibility

What is WiFi 7—and why it matters

It’s important to note that simply owning a WiFi 7 router doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting the full WiFi 7 experience. To truly benefit from WiFi 7’s features—like higher speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity when compared to WiFi 6—your connected devices must also support WiFi 7. Right now, many devices on the market don’t yet include WiFi 7 compatibility because the technology is still new. That’s why checking the specifications of any new device you purchase is critical. Look for explicit mentions of WiFi 7 or 802.11be support. Without it, your device will fall back on older WiFi standards, limiting performance and bypassing the benefits of your upgraded router.

Let’s start with the basics. WiFi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the newest generation of wireless networking. It delivers serious performance improvements over previous versions like WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and WiFi 6 (802.11ax).

Here’s what makes WiFi 7 so exciting:

• Higher speeds than WiFi 6: Theoretical speeds of up to 46 Gbps—that’s more than four times faster than WiFi 6.
• More bandwidth: WiFi 7 uses the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, offering more spectrum and less congestion.
• Lower latency: Great for online gaming, 4K/8K video streaming, and virtual meetings.
• Multi-link operation (MLO): Devices can use multiple bands at once for faster, more stable than WiFi 6.

In short, WiFi 7 is built to support the growing number of high-performance devices in your home or small business.

Why older devices might not play nice with WiFi 7

The power of WiFi 7 lies in its advanced features and use of the 6GHz frequency band. This band provides greater capacity and speed than WiFi 6, but it also introduces compatibility challenges. Older devices simply weren’t built to access the newer frequency or take advantage of features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO). As a result, even with a state-of-the-art router, those older gadgets might struggle—or fail entirely—to connect.

Common reasons older devices struggle with WiFi 7:

1. Lack of support for newer WiFi protocols: Many devices made before 2020 were designed for WiFi 4 (802.11n) or WiFi 5 (802.11ac). They simply don’t recognize WiFi 7 protocols, especially on the 6GHz band.
2. Missing hardware: Older phones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices often have wireless chips that can’t detect or utilize the wider channels and new frequencies WiFi 7 offers.
3. Outdated operating systems or firmware: If your device hasn’t been updated in a while, it may lack the drivers or software compatibility needed to interact with newer networking standards.
4. No support for WPA3 security: WiFi 7 networks typically use WPA3 encryption. Some older devices only understand WPA2, creating compatibility issues.

These limitations don’t necessarily mean your device is useless—it just needs a little help to get connected. In many cases, a firmware update can make a big difference. 

It’s worth checking the manufacturer’s website or support forums to see if an update is available—and if not, contacting them directly may help bring attention to the issue. While WiFi 7 compatibility might not be a priority for all manufacturers today, it’s likely to become one as more consumers upgrade their routers and demand broader support.

How to check if your device is WiFi 7 compatible

Before diving into fixes, it helps to know where your device stands. Here are a few quick steps to find out if your gear is ready for WiFi 7.

Device compatibility checklist:

• Look up your device specs: Visit the manufacturer’s website or check the user manual to see what WiFi standards it supports.
• Check for dual- or tri-band support: Devices with only 2.4GHz capability are unlikely to benefit from WiFi 7.
• Update your software: Make sure your operating system, drivers, and firmware are fully updated.
• Look for WPA3 support: This might be buried in advanced network settings or part of a recent software update.

Still unsure? If your device is more than five to six years old and hasn’t had recent updates, it’s probably not WiFi 7-ready.

How to connect older devices to a WiFi 7 network

Here’s the good news: WiFi 7 networks, like those from Quantum Fiber, are designed to be flexible. That means you can still connect older devices with a few simple adjustments.

Try these proven solutions:

1. Use the Quantum Fiber app to create a separate 2.4GHz or legacy SSID
   Many older devices only connect to 2.4GHz. Creating a dedicated network for them can resolve issues.
2. Turn on backward compatibility
   Most modern routers allow legacy mode or mixed mode that supports older WiFi standards.
3. Enable WPA2/WPA3 mixed security mode
   This ensures that both old and new devices can connect securely.
4. Use a dual-band or tri-band WiFi extender
   These devices can help bridge the gap between old hardware and new networks.
5. Try Ethernet for stationary devices
   Smart TVs, desktop PCs, or printers can often connect via Ethernet, bypassing WiFi issues altogether.
6. Restart and reconfigure the device
   Sometimes simply forgetting the network and reconnecting with updated settings can do the trick.

When to consider upgrading your device

If you’ve tried all the above and your device still struggles to stay connected, it might be time to evaluate whether an upgrade is worth it. Getting a newer device may be the better long-term solution, especially since newer tech is designed to take full advantage of modern WiFi standards. In addition to fast speeds and stability, newer devices often come with improved energy efficiency, longer software support, and enhanced security features. Investing in updated gear helps ensure you’re not only solving today’s connectivity issues but also preparing your home network for future demands.

Signs it might be time to replace older tech:

• Frequent disconnections or buffering
• Slow performance even close to the router
• No firmware or OS updates available
• Security risks from outdated software

Devices worth upgrading first:

• Work-from-home laptops and webcams
• Smartphones older than 5 years
• IoT devices with poor range or reliability
• Gaming consoles or streaming boxes

Newer devices tend to connect more effectively to WiFi 7 and often come with improvements in battery life, speed, and cybersecurity features. While not guaranteed in every case, these enhancements are generally more common in newer tech. As WiFi standards evolve, updated hardware is typically built to support the latest protocols and performance benefits. Choosing modern devices can help you get the most from your upgraded network now and in the future.

Tips to future-proof your network

Mixing old and new tech? You’re not alone—and the good news is, there’s plenty you can do to make it work. WiFi 7 offers the flexibility to support a mix of modern and legacy devices with the right setup. Here’s how to optimize your WiFi 7 network so everything plays well together:

Best practices for a smooth experience:

• Label your SSIDs clearly: Example: “Home-WiFi7” for new devices, “Home-Legacy” for old ones.
• Keep router firmware updated: Use the Quantum Fiber app to check regularly.
• Prioritize important devices: Use device prioritization settings for remote work or streaming.
• Use guest networks wisely: Ideal for visitors with older gear.
• Reboot occasionally: Both your router and devices can benefit from a fresh start now and then.

You don’t have to choose between speed and compatibility

WiFi 7 is here to deliver next-level performance, and yes, it’s a game changer. But that doesn’t mean your older devices have to be left behind. With a few smart adjustments and tools, you can keep your whole home or workspace connected—old, new, and everything in between.

Whether you’re streaming in 4K, printing from a 2015 laptop, or juggling smart home gear from every era, the WiFi 7 service from Quantum Fiber is designed for flexibility. In fact, Quantum Fiber was the first internet provider in the industry to offer a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7™ device. So go ahead and embrace the future of WiFi, knowing your legacy tech can still tag along for the ride while you explore what next-gen connectivity has to offer.

Ready to experience the power of WiFi 7? Learn more about the next-gen service from Quantum Fiber and get set up today.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7TM is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.