This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to operating channel validation. A device may associate with an access point (AP). The device may establish a first operating channel to communicate with the AP. The device may identify a protected beacon frame received from the AP, wherein the protected beacon frame comprises an indication of a second operating channel. The device may extract the second operating channel from the protected beacon frame. The device may determine an association status with the AP based on the first operating channel and the second operating channel.