How Do I Know If I Have Wi-Fi 6? The Ultimate 2025 Detection Guide (5 Easy Ways)

Introduction:

You just upgraded your internet plan, but your Netflix still buffers during the climactic scene. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: you might be missing out on Wi-Fi 6’s blazing-fast speeds without even knowing it. But how do I know if I have Wi-Fi 6 running on my devices and router?

Don’t worry – I’ve been there too. After spending years testing network equipment and helping friends upgrade their setups, I’ll walk you through five foolproof methods to check the Wi-Fi version on any device. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what you’re working with and whether it’s time to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi technology.

TL;DR: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers speeds up to 9.6 Gbps and better performance in crowded areas. Check your router’s label/settings, verify device specs online, or use built-in network tools to identify your current Wi-Fi standard.

What Exactly Is Wi-Fi 6? (And Why You Should Care)

Think of Wi-Fi 6 like upgrading from a two-lane country road to a six-lane highway. The official name is Wi-Fi 802.11ax, and it’s not just marketing hype – this technology genuinely transforms your internet experience.

Latest Wi-Fi technology brings several game-changing improvements:

• Faster speeds: Up to 9.6 Gbps theoretical maximum (real-world speeds around 1-2 Gbps)
• Better efficiency: Handles more devices simultaneously without slowdowns
• Reduced latency: Perfect for gaming, video calls, and smart home devices
• Improved battery life: Your devices last longer when connected

Here’s a real-world example: my old Wi-Fi 5 router struggled when my family of four streamed different shows. After upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router, everyone’s content loads instantly, even during peak usage.

Understanding Wi-Fi generations helps put this in perspective:

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): Released 2009, max 600 Mbps
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Released 2013, max 3.5 Gbps
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Released 2019, max 9.6 Gbps
• Wi-Fi 6E: Extended Wi-Fi 6 with 6GHz band

How Do I Know If My Router Has Wi-Fi 6?

Your router is the heart of your network, so let’s start there. Is my router Wi-Fi 6 compatible? Here are three surefire ways to find out.

Method 1: Check the Physical Label (Easiest)

Flip your router over and look for a specification sticker. Router specifications are usually printed right there, including the Wi-Fi standard. Look for these terms:

• “802.11ax” or “Wi-Fi 6”
• “AX” followed by numbers (like AX3000, AX6000)
• Maximum speed ratings above 1 Gbps

If you see “802.11ac” or just “AC” followed by numbers, you’ve got Wi-Fi 5. Time for an upgrade!

Method 2: Access Your Router’s Web Interface

This method works for any router brand and gives you detailed information:

1. Find your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Type the IP into your browser’s address bar
3. Log in using admin credentials (often printed on the router)
4. Navigate to wireless settings or system information
5. Look for wireless standards or protocol information

Most modern interfaces clearly display “Wi-Fi 6” or “802.11ax” in the wireless section. If you see “802.11ac,” you’re running Wi-Fi 5.

Method 3: Check the Model Number Online

Network hardware check becomes simple when you research your specific model:

1. Note your router’s brand and model (printed on the device)
2. Search “[Brand] [Model] specifications” on Google
3. Visit the manufacturer’s official product page
4. Look for wireless standards in the tech specs

This method also reveals whether your router supports Wi-Fi 6E (the extended version with 6GHz band access).

Checking Wi-Fi 6 Compatibility on Your Devices

Now that you’ve checked your router, let’s verify device network capability. Different devices require different approaches.

Does My Phone Support Wi-Fi 6?

Identifying Wi-Fi 6 on your device depends on your phone’s operating system. Here’s how to check both major platforms:

For Android Devices: Unfortunately, Android doesn’t show Wi-Fi standards directly in settings. However, you can:

• Google your phone model + “Wi-Fi 6” for quick answers
• Check the manufacturer’s specifications on their official website
• Use network analyzer apps (like Wi-Fi Analyzer) to see connection details

Most flagship phones from 2020 onwards support Wi-Fi 6. Budget phones might still use Wi-Fi 5.

For iPhones: Apple doesn’t display wireless standards in iOS settings either. Is my laptop compatible with Wi-Fi 6? It becomes relevant here since the same principle applies:

• Visit Apple’s tech specs page for your iPhone model
• Look under “Cellular and Wireless” for Wi-Fi standards
• iPhone 11 and newer generally support Wi-Fi 6

Pro tip: If your phone was released before 2019, it probably doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6. Phones from 2020-2021 might have it, and 2022+ devices almost certainly do.

How to Tell If a Router Is Wi-Fi 6 Connected on Windows PC

Windows makes it relatively easy to check for Wi-Fi 6 compatibility and current connection status:

Check Your Wi-Fi Adapter:

1. Right-click “This PC” and select “Manage”
2. Expand “Network adapters” in Device Manager
3. Right-click your wireless adapter and choose “Properties”
4. Click the “Advanced” tab
5. Look for “802.11ax” or “Wi-Fi 6” in the supported standards list

Check Your Current Connection:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray
2. Select “Properties” for your connected network
3. Scroll down to find “Protocol”
4. Look for “802.11ax” (Wi-Fi 6) or “802.11ac” (Wi-Fi 5)

Mac Users: Checking Wi-Fi Standards

Mac computers handle wireless network version information differently:

1. Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
2. Look at the connection details for your current network
3. Find “CC” (Country Code) and “PHY Mode” information
4. “802.11ax” indicates Wi-Fi 6 connectivity

Alternatively, check your Mac’s Wi-Fi card specifications:

1. Click Apple menu > About This Mac
2. Select “System Report”
3. Click “Wi-Fi” under Network
4. Look for supported PHY modes

Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5: What’s the Real Difference?

Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5 isn’t just about speed numbers on paper. Let me break down the practical differences you’ll actually notice:

Understanding Wi-Fi generations helps explain why these improvements matter. Wi-Fi 6 uses advanced technologies like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and Target Wake Time to manage network traffic more efficiently.

In my testing, Wi-Fi 5 routers slow down significantly when multiple family members stream 4K content simultaneously. Wi-Fi 6 support eliminates this bottleneck entirely.

Advanced Detection Methods for Tech Enthusiasts

For those wanting deeper insights into their network version checking tools, here are professional-grade methods:

Using Command Line Tools

Third-Party Network Analysis Apps

Several apps provide comprehensive Wi-Fi 6 detection methods:

• Wi-Fi Explorer (Mac): Shows detailed network information
• Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android): Displays connection protocols
• NetSpot (Windows/Mac): Professional network analysis
• Acrylic Wi-Fi (Windows): Enterprise-level network monitoring

When Should You Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6?

Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 makes sense in several scenarios. Here’s my honest assessment based on real-world testing:

You SHOULD upgrade if:

• Your household has 10+ connected devices (phones, laptops, smart home gadgets)
• You frequently experience buffering during peak hours
• Multiple people work from home with video conferencing
• You’re a gamer wanting reduced latency
• You have gigabit internet, but aren’t getting full speeds

You can probably wait if:

• You live alone or have minimal device usage
• Your current Wi-Fi 5 setup meets all your needs
• Budget constraints make upgrading difficult right now

Remember, both your router AND devices need Wi-Fi 6 support to see full benefits. Wi-Fi 6 hardware requirements include compatible network adapters in all your devices.

Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Version Detection Issues

Sometimes determining the Wi-Fi version isn’t straightforward. Here are solutions to common problems:

Problem: Can’t Find Router Login Credentials

• Check the router label for the default username/password
• Try common combinations: admin/admin, admin/password
• Reset router to factory defaults if necessary

Problem: Device Shows Connected but No Speed Improvement

• Verify both router and device support Wi-Fi 6
• Check for driver updates on your devices
• Ensure you’re connecting to the 5GHz band

Problem: Mixed Results from Different Detection Methods

• Some older routers support Wi-Fi 6 but don’t clearly label it
• Check manufacturer websites for definitive specifications
• Consider that some devices might connect using older protocols for compatibility

Future-Proofing Your Network: What Comes Next?

The latest Wi-Fi technology continues evolving rapidly. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6GHz band for even less congestion. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) promises speeds up to 30 Gbps and improved efficiency. However, Wi-Fi 6 remains the sweet spot for most users in 2025.

When choosing new equipment, look for:

• WPA3 security (newest encryption standard)
• MU-MIMO technology (serves multiple devices simultaneously)
• Beamforming support (directs the signal toward your devices)
• Quality of Service (QoS) controls for prioritizing traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have Wi-Fi 6 without checking every device individually? The easiest method is to check your router first. If your router doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, none of your devices can use it, regardless of their individual capabilities. Start with your router’s specifications label or admin interface.

What version of Wi-Fi do I have if my router shows “AX6000”? Any router model with “AX” followed by numbers indicates Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support. The number represents the combined theoretical maximum speed across all bands. AX6000 means your router supports up to 6 Gbps total throughput.

Is my laptop compatible with Wi-Fi 6 if it was made in 2019? Most laptops manufactured in late 2019 or later include Wi-Fi 6 adapters, but it’s not guaranteed. Check your specific model’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or use the Device Manager method outlined above for definitive confirmation.

Does my phone support Wi-Fi 6 automatically, or do I need to enable it? Wi-Fi 6 works automatically if both your phone and router support it. There’s no separate setting to enable. However, your phone will only connect using Wi-Fi 6 when connected to a Wi-Fi 6 router – it automatically negotiates the best available standard.

How to check if my device has Wi-Fi 6 using only software tools? Use your device’s network adapter properties (Windows), Wi-Fi details (Mac), or network analysis apps. Command-line tools like “netsh wlan” on Windows or “airport -I” on Mac provide detailed protocol information without requiring physical hardware inspection.

Conclusion: 

Knowing how to know if I have Wi-Fi 6 empowers you to make informed decisions about your network setup. Whether you discovered you’re already enjoying Wi-Fi 6’s benefits or realized it’s time for an upgrade, you now have the tools to optimize your internet experience.

Start by checking your router using the label method – it’s quick and definitive. Then verify your most-used devices to understand which ones can take advantage of Wi-Fi 6’s improvements. Remember, you’ll only see benefits when both your router and device support the standard.

Ready to experience Wi-Fi 6’s blazing speeds and rock-solid reliability? Begin with a router upgrade, then gradually replace older devices as needed. Your future self will thank you when that important video call doesn’t drop or your favorite show streams flawlessly in 4K.

What’s your current Wi-Fi situation? Drop a comment below and share your upgrade plans – I’d love to help you optimize your network setup!