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Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
a week ago - last edited a week ago
Tags: #Network Connectivity
Model: Archer AX50  
Hardware Version: V1
Firmware Version: 1.1.2 Build 20251022 rel.69668(5553)

Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz / 5GHz low channels fail in mixed mode

 

I'm having trouble with my TP-Link Archer AX50 when using 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi in 802.11ax-only mode.

Problem details:

When the wireless mode is set to 802.11ax-only (AX only), my phone can see the Wi-Fi SSID but won't connect.

The connection process keeps loading and eventually fails.

This issue occurs specifically on the lower 5 GHz channels:
36
40
44
48
When using mixed mode (802.11ac/ax), the connection works normally on higher channels such as:
149
153
157

Tested settings:

Security: WPA/WPA2-Personal
Version: WPA2-PSK
Encryption: AES
Channel Width: 80 MHz
Smart Connect: OFF
Forget the network and reset the network settings on the iPhone

However:

AX mode alone still fails to connect
Low channels (36–48) also fail even in mixed mode

Additional information:

Router model: Archer AX50 v1.0
Firmware version: 1.1.2 Build 20251022 rel.69668(5553)
Devices tested: iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 (Wi-Fi enabled) 6)

I have a question:

Is this a known issue with the latest AX50 firmware?

Is there a recommended stable firmware version for AX mode only?

Is there any special configuration required to be compatible with my phone?

Are there any known issues related to the low UNII-1/5 GHz channels (36–48)?

Is downgrading intentionally blocked on the latest firmware? I also receive a “unable to upgrade” message when trying to install an older firmware version.

10
10
#1
3 Reply
Re:Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Friday - last edited Friday

Hello @tongki ,

Welcome to our community.

 

I'd like to confirm with you again that your situation can be categorized as follows:

1. With the 5GHz Wireless mode set to 802.11ax-only and channel ranges 36, 40, 44, and 48, clients cannot connect to both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. Does this mean the clients can't connect to 2.4GHz either, or can they only connect to 2.4GHz?

2. If the channel is changed to 149, 153, or 157, the WiFi connection works normally. Does this mean the clients can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz normally?

3. If the 5GHz Wireless mode is changed to 802.11ac/ax-mixed, and the channel range is 36, 40, 44, or 48, will clients still be unable to connect to both wireless bands?

 

Please try reducing the channel width to 40MHz, or temporarily avoid using channels 36-48 altogether.

 

Best Regards.

 

Welcome to Our Community! Get the latest posts: △New Firmware for Archer GE550/GE650 V1 Introduces AI-QoS, EasyMesh IoT Expansion, and More! △New Firmware Releases for Archer BE805 V1/BE450 V1 to Support VPN Merge, New ECO Mode, and More! More posts, please see: △ Get the Ongoing Pre-release Firmware for Wi-Fi Routers Here— Subscribe for Updates! Urgent problems with your Wi-Fi Router, Range Extender, or DSL Modem? Please reach out via private Messages or @Joesph-TP in your new thread directly. Click △ Or ☆Recommended Solution if the post/answer helps.
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0
#2
Re:Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Friday

  @Joseph-TP 

 

Hello,

Thank you for your response. Please find the clarification below regarding the issue I am experiencing:

1. When the wireless mode is set to 802.11ax-only, clients are unable to connect to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. I have tested all available channels, but the clients still cannot connect whenever 802.11ax-only mode is enabled.

 

2. On the 2.4GHz network, there are no issues as long as 802.11ax-only mode is disabled. However, if 802.11ax-only is enabled, the network is still visible to clients, but they cannot connect to it.

   On the 5GHz network, clients can connect normally when using channels 149 and above and when 802.11ax-only mode is disabled.

   Additionally, on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, the channel width always falls back to 20MHz, even when it is manually configured to 40MHz or 80MHz.

   On the 5GHz network, I can sometimes connect when using channels 36–48, but the connection becomes unstable. Usually, within less than one minute, the WiFi disconnects and cannot reconnect again until the router is rebooted. During the short period when it works on channel 36, the speed test result reaches the full speed provided by my ISP subscription. However, when using channels 149, 153, and higher, the internet speed is reduced by approximately 40–60%.

 

3. If the wireless mode is changed to 802.11ac/ax mixed, clients are still unable to connect.

I would also like to ask whether there is any specific firmware version or recommended configuration required for the AX50 to operate properly with WiFi 6 (802.11ax).

 

Additionally, I noticed that when attempting to install an older firmware version for testing and troubleshooting purposes, the router displays an “Unable to upgrade” message. Is firmware rollback restricted on the latest firmware version?

I have also tried entering Recovery/Rescue Mode by holding the Reset/WPS button while powering on the router, but I have never been able to successfully access the recovery mode.

5
5
#3
Re:Archer AX50 AX-only mode cannot connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Yesterday

Hello @tongki ,

Thanks for your reply with detailed test results.

 

Please manually install the Archer AX50(US)_V1_1.1.1 Build 20250917. Please refer to How to Update Firmware on TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers

If it doesn't help, contact Local Support for further assistance.

 

Best Regards.

 

Welcome to Our Community! Get the latest posts: △New Firmware for Archer GE550/GE650 V1 Introduces AI-QoS, EasyMesh IoT Expansion, and More! △New Firmware Releases for Archer BE805 V1/BE450 V1 to Support VPN Merge, New ECO Mode, and More! More posts, please see: △ Get the Ongoing Pre-release Firmware for Wi-Fi Routers Here— Subscribe for Updates! Urgent problems with your Wi-Fi Router, Range Extender, or DSL Modem? Please reach out via private Messages or @Joesph-TP in your new thread directly. Click △ Or ☆Recommended Solution if the post/answer helps.
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#4

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