Typically for hotspots we rely on the crowded 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, which are fine but aren’t exactly speed demons. Now Google is unlocking the 6GHz band – the superfast lane used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 – for Android hotspots.
Pixel owners can already find this in Settings (Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering). But here’s the catch: 6GHz is incredibly fast, but it hates walls and has a shorter range. Plus, your older laptop or tablet probably can’t even see it.
That’s why the real magic lies in a new feature that Google is currently testing in the Android Canary build. It is a “dual band” mode that transmits 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz simultaneously. It sits right between the standard options and offers a solution that combines “the best of both worlds”.
Why it matters: Faster hotspots, more compatible devices – and fewer compromises
Hotspots are an absolute lifesaver when you’re working at a coffee shop or stuck at the airport. But until now you’ve had to choose: Do you want compatibility (so your old Kindle will connect) or absolute speed?
With 6GHz finally unlocked, Pixel users – and soon likely all Android users – will be able to enjoy significantly faster tethering speeds with significantly less lag. But because 6GHz is so vulnerable over distance, the new 2.4+6GHz combo mode is the real breakthrough. It acts like a premium home router, providing your brand new laptop with a high-speed connection while your older devices can still be connected on the reliable, slower band.
For you, this means smoother video calls, faster downloads on the go and finally being able to use the full power of your expensive phone’s Internet connection without any bottlenecks.
What’s next: Wider rollout and deeper integration into Android
For now, this dual-band goodness is only available to testers in the Android Canary channel. But it’s a strong sign that Google is preparing this for a wider release, likely in Android 16 or a feature drop early next year.
As regulations around the world catch up, you can expect big names like Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus to get their hands on it too. We may even see tri-band hotspots at some point. But for now, Google’s move finally makes mobile hotspots feel less like a backup plan and more like a real, powerful network you can take with you wherever you go.
