Android Oreo 8.1 Now Displays Wi-Fi Network Speed Before You Connect

by Shane McGlaun — Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 04:32 PM EDT

Few things are more frustrating for mobile device users than having to log on and off Wi-Fi while searching for a network fast enough to support what your current activities. Android Oreo 8.1 can now show you Wi-Fi network speed before you even connect to a network.

The new feature is rolling out now and the connection speed will show under the name of the public network. If the connection speed says “Slow”, you can make phone calls and send texts if you have Wi-Fi calling enabled. If the speed is listed as “OK”, you can read webpages, use social media, and stream music without any issues.

Public Wi-Fi can be spotty. For the first time, #AndroidOreo 8.1 lets you take out the guesswork & see the speed of networks before you hit connect. Rolling out now: https://t.co/lSzvCFgNk7 pic.twitter.com/60EmoPxUX4
— Android (@Android) January 22, 2018

For networks with speed listed as “Fast” you will be able to stream video. “Very Fast” networks can stream very high-quality videos. The feature will be on by default, but if you don’t want to see that feature, you can turn the new setting off in the Settings app. You'll need to navigate to Network & Internet --> Wi-Fi --> Wi-Fi Preferences --> Advanced --> Network rating provider --> None.

Tags: Android, Google, (nasdaq:goog), android-oreo

Shane McGlaun

Shane has been into tech since his dad brought home a Pong game when he was a toddler. A passion for gaming led to a passion for PC tech and hardware. That passion was eventually turned into a career writing about cool gadgets, computers, and automotive technology for some of the biggest publications online and in print. Shane also has a passion for the outdoors and when not writing about tech can be found hiking the trails of Colorado whilst keeping an eye open for nefarious rattlesnakes and bears.

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