If you've recently set up your smart pet feeder and noticed that it only supports 2.4GHz WiFi, you might be wondering why it doesn't connect to your 5GHz network.
The good news is that this is completely normal. In fact, many smart home devices—including automatic pet feeders, smart plugs, security cameras, and robot vacuums—are designed to work exclusively with 2.4GHz WiFi.
Let's explore why.
2.4GHz vs 5GHz: What's the Difference?
Modern WiFi routers usually broadcast two wireless networks:
2.4GHz WiFi
- Longer wireless range
- Better signal through walls and floors
- More stable for smart home devices
- Ideal for devices that send small amounts of data
5GHz WiFi
- Faster internet speeds
- Lower latency
- Shorter wireless range
- Best for streaming videos, gaming, and large downloads
For smart pet feeders, speed is not the priority—reliable and stable communication is.
Why Do Smart Pet Feeders Use 2.4GHz?
Most automatic pet feeders only need to transmit small amounts of information, such as:
- Feeding schedules
- Feeding commands
- Notifications
- Device status
These tasks require very little bandwidth.
Using 2.4GHz provides several advantages:
- Stronger signal throughout your home
- Better stability
- Lower power consumption
- Improved compatibility with smart home platforms
This is why many IoT (Internet of Things) devices continue to rely on 2.4GHz networks.
Does 2.4GHz Mean Older Technology?
Not at all.
Many people assume that because 5GHz is faster, it must always be better. However, speed isn't everything.
A smart pet feeder doesn't need to stream 4K video or download large files. Instead, it needs a reliable connection that remains stable throughout the day.
For this type of device, 2.4GHz is often the better choice.
How Do I Connect My Pet Feeder?
Before setting up your feeder, please check that:
- Your phone is connected to a 2.4GHz WiFi network.
- Your router has the 2.4GHz band enabled.
- The WiFi password is entered correctly.
- You are standing close to the router during setup.
Many modern routers combine both 2.4GHz and 5GHz under one network name. If your feeder cannot connect, you may need to temporarily connect your phone to the 2.4GHz network or enable separate WiFi bands in your router settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 5GHz WiFi?
No. Most smart pet feeders are designed to work only with 2.4GHz WiFi.
Will my internet be slower?
No.
Your pet feeder uses very little internet bandwidth and will not affect the speed of your other devices.
Can my phone stay on 5GHz?
For the initial setup, it's recommended that your phone is connected to the same 2.4GHz network as the feeder. Once the device is configured, your phone can usually reconnect to the 5GHz network while still controlling the feeder through the app, as long as both networks are connected to the same router.
PetFlo Tip
At PetFlo, we carefully select smart pet products that prioritise reliable everyday performance. A stable connection is far more important than maximum WiFi speed when it comes to making sure your pets are fed on time—even when you're away from home.
Explore our Products to find the perfect smart feeding solution for your pet.