Optimize Transmit Power Settings on UniFi APs
Published onby Iron
Wi-Fi performance can be a tricky beast to master. You’ve got speed, coverage, and those pesky dead zones to think about. But one of the most overlooked settings that can make a big difference is transmit power. Adjusting the transmit power on your UniFi Access Points (APs) can boost Wi-Fi coverage, minimize interference, and give you a smoother, more consistent network experience.
Let's dive in!

Table of Contents
- What is transmit power?
- Why should you adjust transmit power?
- When should you adjust transmit power?
- How to adjust transmit power on UniFi APs
- Best practices for optimizing transmit power
- What transmit power settings should you use?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
- Final Thoughts
What is transmit power?
Transmit power is the strength of the Wi-Fi signal that your UniFi AP sends out. Think of it like the volume of a speaker. If it’s too loud (full power), it might disturb other “listeners” (Wi-Fi devices) nearby. Too quiet (low power), and nobody can hear it. Finding the right volume for your environment is key.
Wi-Fi signals operate on two main bands — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each has its quirks:
- 2.4 GHz: Longer range, but more interference.
Why should you adjust transmit power?
Out of the box, your UniFi APs are set to "Auto" for transmit power, which sounds good in theory. But in practice, it’s often suboptimal. Here’s why you should take control:
- Reduce Interference: If you have multiple APs blasting at max power, they’ll interfere with each other.
- Improve Roaming: Devices tend to "stick" to far-away APs when the signal is too strong. Lowering power helps devices switch to closer, stronger connections.
- Eliminate Overlap: Too much overlap between APs can confuse devices. Setting smart transmit power avoids this.
- Battery Life on Devices: Lower power can extend battery life for connected devices like phones, since they don’t have to work as hard to maintain a connection.
When should you adjust transmit power?
You should consider optimizing transmit power if you’re experiencing any of these issues:
- Devices won’t roam to closer APs.
- There are "sticky clients" clinging to distant APs.
- There are Wi-Fi dead spots in certain areas of your home or office.
- Your Wi-Fi network is competing with nearby Wi-Fi from neighbors (apartment life, anyone?).
How to adjust transmit power on UniFi APs
Now, let's get down to it. Here’s how you can adjust the transmit power settings for your UniFi APs.
Step 1: Access the UniFi Network Controller
- Log into your UniFi Controller (local or cloud-hosted, like UniHosted) via the browser.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Select the Wi-Fi network (SSID) you want to adjust.
🛠️ Pro Tip: If you're using UniHosted, you can access the controller directly from your UniHosted dashboard without worrying about server configurations.
Step 2: Adjust the transmit power for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
- Scroll down to the Advanced Settings for the selected SSID.
- Find the Transmit Power option for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Change the setting from Auto to one of the following:
- Low: If you have many APs close together.
- Medium: A good balance for most small to medium areas.
- High: Only if you have one or two APs for a large space (like a warehouse).
⚠️ Don’t max out the power for all APs! This is the Wi-Fi version of shouting in a crowded room. It might seem like a good idea, but it can create more problems than it solves.
Step 3: Fine-tune individual APs (if needed)
If you need to customize transmit power for specific APs (not system-wide), follow these steps:
- Go to the Devices tab.
- Click on the AP you want to adjust.
- Click Settings.
- Locate Radio Settings for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
- Adjust the transmit power for each frequency.
🛠️ Pro Tip: If you're dealing with sticky clients, try lowering the transmit power on 2.4 GHz to encourage devices to connect to 5 GHz.
Step 4: Test and tweak
- Once you’ve set the transmit power, check your Wi-Fi coverage with a tool like WiFiman (iOS/Android) to see coverage and signal strength.
- Walk around your space and see if devices roam properly from one AP to another.
- If you see devices sticking to distant APs, lower the transmit power further.
Best practices for optimizing transmit power
-
Start with medium power.
- Avoid full power unless you have a huge area with only one AP.
-
Don't set 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz the same.
- Try medium for 5 GHz and low for 2.4 GHz to encourage devices to use 5 GHz for better speeds.
-
Test device roaming.
- Make sure devices move between APs smoothly as you walk around.
-
Avoid co-channel interference.
- Set channels manually if needed (not always necessary with UniFi’s automatic channel selection).
-
Use the UniFi "Coverage Heatmap" tool.
- This lets you visualize Wi-Fi strength and detect weak spots.
What transmit power settings should you use?
Here’s a handy guide:
Environment | 2.4 GHz Power | 5 GHz Power |
---|---|---|
Small Home | Low | Low |
Large Home | Medium | Medium |
Small Office | Medium | Medium |
Warehouse | High | High |
Enterprise Office | Low (Multiple APs) | Medium (Multiple APs) |
Rule of thumb: If you have multiple APs, lower the power to Medium or Low. If you have just one AP, then High might be needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Max power on every AP: Causes "overlapping chaos" and sticky clients.
- Neglecting 5 GHz: People tend to focus on 2.4 GHz but 5 GHz is faster and less crowded.
- Forgetting to test roaming: If your devices don’t roam properly, you’ll be stuck with devices clinging to far-away APs.
- Relying on "Auto" power: It sounds smart, but it often keeps power too high.
Frequently asked questions
1. Will lowering power reduce internet speed? Nope! Wi-Fi speed depends more on signal quality and channel congestion than power. In fact, lowering power can improve speed because devices roam to closer APs.
2. How do I know which AP a device is connected to? In the UniFi Controller, go to the Clients tab. Click on the device and see which AP it’s connected to.
3. Should I adjust AP power daily? No, but you should check it if you add new APs or devices start behaving strangely.
Final Thoughts
If you want to take your Wi-Fi from "meh" to "magnificent," adjusting transmit power is a key move. By finding that perfect balance of coverage, interference, and signal strength, you'll have a smooth, fast Wi-Fi experience.
The default “Auto” setting isn’t always the best, and with tools like UniFi Controller, you have full control. If you’re managing multiple sites or looking for hands-off hosting, we at UniHosted offer cloud-based UniFi controllers that make this process easy.
If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.
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