How does WiFi compatibility mode work?

What is WiFi compatibility mode?

WiFi signals coming from your router are a combination of different frequencies: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and sometimes 6GHz. Devices usually connect to the 5/6GHz signals because they’re faster, but if you have an older device it can struggle to connect.

WiFi compatibility mode separates these signals so you can manually choose which frequency you connect to – older devices can usually connect to 2.4GHz.

How does it work?

WiFi compatibility mode creates another WiFi network with the same WiFi password as your main WiFi. 

How do I know when to use WiFi compatibility mode?

Use it if your device:

  • Can’t find your WiFi network

  • Can’t connect to your WiFi network (even with the right password)

  • Is a smart home product like a camera, doorbell or plug (these tend to work better on 2.4GHz signal)

Part-fibre or full fibre broadband

Use either the My Vodafone app or the portal:

  • My Vodafone app: Go to the WiFi menu and select Compatibility mode.

  • Vodafone Broadband portal: 

    1. Type 192.168.1.1 in the browser address bar

    2. Log in using the admin details (WebUI name and password on the base of your router) or the user account details you created on setup

    3. Choose 'WiFi' on the menu banner, then 'WiFi Compatibility mode' and toggle it on


If you have the Ultra Hub your Default WiFi is suitable for older devices to connect to. Switch on compatibility mode to get Premium WiFi – great for newer, high-performance devices to connect to.

5G Broadband

Your device needs to be connected to your Hub by WiFi. We recommend doing these steps on a PC or laptop.

Indoor Hub:

  1. Type 192.168.0.1 in the browser address bar

  2. Log in using the admin details (WebUI name and password on the base of your Indoor Hub) or the user account details you created on setup

  3. Choose ‘WiFi Basic Settings’ on the menu banner, and toggle off ’5GHz Prefer’


Outdoor Hub:


Compatibility mode is controlled on your router - your Power Hub.

  1. Type 192.168.1.1 in the browser address bar

  2. Log in using the admin details (WebUI name and password on the base of your Power Hub) or the user account details you created on setup

  3. Choose 'WiFi' on the menu banner, then 'WiFi Compatibility mode' and toggle it on

How do I turn on WiFi compatibility mode?

Use one of these methods:

  • Vodafone Broadband app: Go to the WiFi menu and select Compatibility mode.

  • Vodafone Broadband portal: Type the URL found on the bottom of your hub into your web browser, log in using the WebUI and password details. If you have a Power Hub, Ultra Hub, Ultra Hub 7 or WiFi Hub, go to WiFi > WiFi Compatibility mode.

Important things to know when turning on compatibility mode

  • Your devices might disconnect briefly – if this happens, you’ll need to reconnect them to either the Default or the secondary WiFi network. 

  • Your device will be assigned a new IP address when it reconnects.

  • If you switch off compatibility mode, your WiFi signals won’t be separated anymore. This means some of your devices that needed a separate WiFi network to connect to the internet might go offline. Most devices should reconnect automatically using your original password

Still can't connect?

Some smart doorbells might not connect even when using compatibility mode. If you're still having trouble, try connecting them to your Guest WiFi network instead.