Samsung's decision to restrict wifi 5Ghz and 6Ghz channels based on region

[Quazi Haque]

It basically applies to all Samsung devices.

Samsung has decided to region lock the wifi 5GHz and 6Ghz channels for all of their devices. The problem with that is if you bought your wifi router from a different region than the one you live in having different wifi channels, Samsung can't see the 5Ghz and 6Ghz SSIDs. They presumable use the mobile network to identify the region and then impose the restrictions on the wifi channels.

Phones from other manufacturers (Apple, OnePlus, Google, Huawei etc) don't have this restriction imposed. I'm really not sure why Samsung chose to do so. Its hardware supports all bands. The way to test this is if you put your Samsung phone/tablet in airplane mode, restart your phone and then turn only wifi on - you'll see the 5Ghz and 6Ghz SSIDs and can connect to them just fine. Then you can turn airplane mode off, the SSIDs will stay until you go out of range or turn on/off wifi and then they won't show.

I just bought TP-link Deco XE75 mesh routers with wifi 6e from the US - I live in Bangladesh. These routers don't allow for manually changing the channels. So none of the Samsung phones and tablets in my house (6 of them - S24 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S21 Ultra, Flip 5, A73, Tab S9 FE) can see the 5GHz and 6GHz SSIDs. I checked the method above to confirm my S24 Ultra can see and connect to 5GHz and 6GHz the SSIDs just fine when following the procedure, but they'll disappear if I turn off wifi and then turn it back on. 

Every other non-Samsung device in my house can see 5Ghz/6Ghz SSIDs just fine as per their specifications. It's just the Samsung devices that have the issue.

If no other big brands do it, why does Samsung have to do it? I really don't understand. Because of this, I can't enjoy wifi 6e or even 5 Ghz wifi on any of our Samsung devices although their hardware are capable to do so.

I really wish they would come to their senses and remove this unnecessary software limitation.

[Jack the Ranger]

I have this problem as well. It's funny to see some people saying that it's not true, you shouldn't make such crazy statements from your own experience, then they tell you it's because it works for them, based on their own experience (lol).

From what I've seen, for 5GHz, channels 36-64 are fine. But Channels 100-144 do not work here in CN with a UK S24 Ultra. And 6GHz doesn't work at all.

People who claimed that it was working fine for them, probably because most of the public WiFi is on channel 36-64, so people who like to go abroad might think everything is fine but it is not. As any channel other than the native channels permitted at that country will be blocked (yeah yeah I know I know, it not the most legal thing you can do).

I also have this problem -Samsung will cap the Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi6, if I don't turn on airplane mode and restart the phone. 

[KookieMonster]

Buddy I don't know why you find this hard so believe but region locking wifi is also clearly a thing. And it will definitely work given they've set it for a certain region, just like how you can't access some apps in the playstore or Shows on Netflix in some places.

I live in Bangladesh too and I got the same exact issue as the guy who posted and the phone itself says I should use 5ghz channels that are in the 149-165 range because it doesn't see any other 5ghz network channels below that. Unless I do that flight mode method which does indeed work, and then the phone suggests using 44-48 channels alongside the higher ones. So it's definitely something they've done involving the software and the region, cuz simply restarting or resetting the network settings won't work at all. Wifi 6 works just fine as well but it's not a necessity yet to upgrade the current router.

Also guess what, all those issues seem to go away when I'm in a different country, and the phone (without needing any methods) can see all the channels and bands.  

[-Robot-]

As all the problem seem to be in Bangladesh, which I have not been to, maybe the problem is there

[Richardaranz]

yes if you change your frequency to a channel 149 and above you will see 5GHz band 

 

[J_Silva]

Your "members star" will ending up being removed... clearly you are just provoking (infuriating) other members who happens to have the problem.

I also have the same issue. Bought my router and S22 in the US and moved to a country not mentioned here yet. 6GHz does not work with Samsung, except immediately after an OTA upgrade. It is frustrating, but not as much as to read BS from someone pretending/trying to appear clever.

[J_Silva]

I will try your method. Thank you for your post. 

[-Robot-]

How am I provoking anything?

I don't work for Samsung, but have been in IT for over 28 years, never seen region blocking on wifi

It can be that the wifi in other countries using different frequencies then Samsung phone provide or the router your using support but that's not Region blocking that's just regional differences

I have been through Europe, North American and alot of Asia never seen this

[J_Silva]

Well, I have more than 30 years of IT experience AND my formation is on Telecomm. 

If you are serious and not just simply trolling the thread, let me explain to you how it works. In order to comply with local regulations, a Samgung device (not just mobile, because my TV also "lost" the 6GHz frequency) that certainly was not sold in that market, automatically blocks the non-complying frequency range in that country. "Unfortunately" the newer Samsung devices are smart enough for that.

I don't know how long it takes for the regulations to be enforced like that, but it happens. It is a fact. My router keeps the 6GHz continuously active, it is just the Samsung devices that geo-block the frequency. It is a fact and it is like everybody else has been describing and trying to explain to you.

YOUR problem has been trying to state something that you obviously does not understand and, at the same time, trying to underrate those who are contrary to your beliefs. Being humble goes a long way and prevents one of self-embarrassing in public.

With all that said, whilst I understand Samsung reasonings, I believe a little of common sense from their side would not hurt. After all, I, for instance, just want to keep the same setup I had in my home, while I am living in another country. Right now, the investment I made is completely wasted. I cannot use 6GHz WiFi.

[-Robot-]

This is where you're wrong, regional variation in is not Region locking, you too have been in the business long enough if working in over 30 years to know that. Regional locking infers that that Samsung has made deliberate change to block service which I do not believe it correct. If there is a problem with the device or router or network I can accept that but thats is not Region locking.

Not embarrassing myself, I know what I am talking about

You are attacking me, because you can't win the argument

You using example of you not being able to connect to 6ghz to justify your arguement but many can so explain that?

Actually don't, I don't have enough time to debate this with you.

My stuff all works, it's fantastic WiFi 6 on all WiFi I connect to around the world I have travelled to, connecting to multiple routers/ap and wireless controller from other countries and working fine?

[ChrisP88]

@-Robot- @J_Silva All opinions in here are valued and although they may differ, this is no place to argue or or be mean to each other.

Let's keep things civil and agree to disagree if necessary!