How to set Router to not use Auto Cannel for ESP-NOW

Disable Router Auto Channel.md

**“ESP-NOW does not roam or follow WiFi channel changes. Both ESP32 boards must stay on the same fixed WiFi channel. If your router or AP is set to ‘Auto’, it may change channels and break ESP-NOW completely.

Best solution: Log into the router → lock 2.4 GHz to a fixed channel (1, 6, or 11). That keeps ESP-NOW stable with zero code changes.

ESP-NOW doesn’t provide an API to detect channel switches or auto-rescan. If the channel changes, the ESP32 won’t magically adapt — it just stops linking. So the reliable approach is: fix the WiFi channel at the router and let ESP-NOW run normally.”**

--ChatGPT

✅ How to Set Your Router’s Wi-Fi Channel (Disable Auto Channel)

1. Connect to your router

You must be connected to the router’s Wi-Fi or plugged in with Ethernet.

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✅ 2. Open the router’s login page

In a web browser enter one of these common addresses:

• http://192.168.0.1
• http://192.168.1.1
• http://192.168.1.254
• http://10.0.0.1 (common on Xfinity)
• http://192.168.100.1 (some cable modems)

If you’re unsure, check:

• On a PC: Command Prompt → ipconfig → Default Gateway

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✅ 3. Log in

Common default credentials (unless you changed them):

• admin / admin
• admin / password
• admin / (blank)
• On ISP routers: printed on a sticker on the router.

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✅ 4. Go to the Wireless Settings menu

Look for something like:

• Wireless
• Wi-Fi
• Wireless Settings
• Advanced Wireless
• Wireless → Advanced
• 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz Settings

You may have separate pages for:

• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• 5 GHz Wi-Fi
• 6 GHz (if Wi-Fi 6E)

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✅ 5. Find the “Channel” setting

You will usually see:

• Mode (b/g/n, ax, etc.)
• Channel Width
• Channel (Auto) ← this is what we change
• Transmit Power

Change:

Channel: Auto → Pick a specific channel

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🎯 Recommended Wi-Fi Channels

2.4 GHz band (VERY important)

Only use:

• 1
• 6
• 11

These three do not overlap. (Choosing anything else can cause interference.)

5 GHz band

• Use 36, 40, 44, 48 (best for home)
• Or DFS channels 52–144 if supported (Less crowded but may reset if radar is detected)

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🎯 How to pick the best channel

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer on your phone:

Android

• “WiFi Analyzer” by farproc
• “WiFiman” by Ubiquiti

iPhone

• “AirPort Utility” → enable Wi-Fi Scan in Settings

Find the least-used channel and set it manually.

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✅ 6. Save/Apply settings

• Click Save, Apply, or Confirm.
• Router may reboot (30–60 seconds).

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✅ 7. Repeat for both bands

If your router has:

• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi → set Channel manually
• 5 GHz Wi-Fi → set Channel manually

Make sure both are NOT set to Auto.

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