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Wi-Fi 6

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What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is a generation of Wi-Fi designed to make wireless connections more efficient, particularly in busy places where many devices are connected at the same time.

Glide began introducing Wi-Fi 6 at selected sites in 2021. Availability depends on the equipment installed at your accommodation.

Compared with earlier Wi-Fi generations, Wi-Fi 6 can improve how an access point shares its capacity between devices. It can support higher speeds and better performance in busy environments, but your actual experience still depends on signal strength, interference, your device and the speed available on your Glide account.

Is my device compatible?

Check the manufacturer's specifications for your exact device model or Wi-Fi adapter. Look for Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax. Devices with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 can also support Wi-Fi 6 connections.

A device's release date alone does not tell you whether it supports Wi-Fi 6. Updating its software can fix compatibility problems, but it cannot add Wi-Fi 6 support to hardware that does not have it.

How do I use Wi-Fi 6?

At a site with Wi-Fi 6 equipment, connect to the appropriate Glide Wi-Fi network as normal. A compatible device will automatically use a Wi-Fi mode supported by both the device and the access point. There is usually no separate Wi-Fi 6 network or switch to turn on.

You do not need to buy or bring your own router. Glide provides the wireless equipment at your accommodation.

Older devices can normally still connect using a supported earlier Wi-Fi mode, such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 4. You do not need a Wi-Fi 6 device simply to get online.

For help choosing the correct network, see our guide to Glide Wi-Fi network names.

Check and update your device

Some older Wi-Fi drivers can have difficulty detecting or connecting to newer access points. If you are having trouble, install the latest supported software or Wi-Fi driver for your device.

Select your device below to expand and view the instructions.

Windows laptops and computers

Check Wi-Fi 6 support

  1. Open Start, search for Command Prompt and open it.
  2. Enter netsh wlan show drivers and press Enter.
  3. Look for Radio types supported. If 802.11ax is listed, the installed adapter and driver report Wi-Fi 6 support.

If 802.11ax is not listed, check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact Wi-Fi adapter or computer model. An outdated driver may affect the information reported.

Update the software and Wi-Fi driver

  • Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
  • Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
  • Visit your computer manufacturer's support page, identify your exact model and install any applicable wireless LAN or Wi-Fi driver update.
  • Restart the computer and reconnect to Glide.

Windows 10 standard support has ended. Where possible, use a supported operating system.

Apple Mac

Go to Apple menu > About This Mac to identify your model, then check its wireless specifications on Apple's website for Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax.

  1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available compatible update and restart if prompted.
  3. Reconnect to the Glide Wi-Fi network.

On older versions of macOS, use Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. Built-in Wi-Fi updates are included with macOS updates; they do not normally need a separate driver download.

iPhone and iPad

Find your model under Settings > General > About, then check its Wi-Fi specifications on Apple's website.

  1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available compatible update, following the on-screen instructions.
  3. Reconnect to Glide after the update.

Wi-Fi software updates are included with iOS or iPadOS. A separate Wi-Fi driver is not required.

Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets

Check your exact model's wireless specifications on Samsung's website. Wi-Fi 6 support varies between models.

  1. Go to Settings > Software update.
  2. Select Download and install, or the update option shown on your version.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions and reconnect to Glide afterwards.

Wi-Fi updates are included with the device's system software.

Google Pixel and other Android devices

Check the manufacturer's specifications for your exact phone or tablet model. Not every Android device supports Wi-Fi 6.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. On Google Pixel, go to System > Software updates and select the system update option.
  3. Check for updates and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Reconnect to Glide after any update has finished.

On other Android devices, the option may be called Software update or System update. Use the Settings search if needed, or follow your manufacturer's instructions.

Chromebook

Check the Chromebook manufacturer's specifications for your exact model to confirm Wi-Fi 6 support.

  1. Select the time at the bottom right, then open Settings.
  2. Select About ChromeOS > Check for updates.
  3. Allow any available update to install and select Restart if prompted.

Wi-Fi driver updates are supplied through ChromeOS updates.

Games consoles, smart TVs and streaming devices

Wi-Fi support varies between models, even within the same product range. Check the manufacturer's specifications rather than relying on the brand or release year.

  • Check for a system-software or firmware update using the device's settings or the manufacturer's support guide.
  • Install any available update and restart the device.
  • Connect to the appropriate Glide network as normal. Devices without Wi-Fi 6 can normally use an earlier supported Wi-Fi mode.

For gaming and devices with an Ethernet port, a wired connection remains a useful option for a more stable connection.

Manufacturer support and downloads

For Windows computers, start with your computer manufacturer's support page and choose the driver for your exact model and operating system. If you have a separately fitted Wi-Fi adapter, check its manufacturer's support page instead.

Computers and laptops

Separate Wi-Fi adapters

Phones, tablets and Chromebooks

Games consoles

Use the manufacturer's guidance to check for system-software updates. Consoles do not normally require a separate Wi-Fi driver download.

Smart TVs and streaming devices

Search for your exact model to find its Wi-Fi specifications and software-update instructions.

Still having trouble connecting?

If your device still cannot detect or connect to Glide, follow our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.

You can also call the Service Desk on 0333 123 0115, email studentsupport@glide.co.uk, or use the form below. Please have your Glide username or account ID and your device model ready.

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