Fun & Facts   Tech
By Consumer Team | 08 June 2023

How to Improve Your WiFi Signal

WiFi is among the largest advancements in the past decade in regards to the internet. However, many people still suffer from slow internet speeds, among other WiFi-based issues. To increase your computer’s loading speeds and internet improvement overall, here are a few helpful tips to improve your WiFi signal.

Step 1. Run a Speed Test

The first step to improving your WiFi signal is to identify what speed you’re getting in the first place. All you have to do is head over to a speed test site where you can identify your download and upload speeds.

Step 2. Find the Perfect Spot for Your Router

Unfortunately, many people hide their routers in a closet due to their lack of aesthetic qualities. However, doing so can actually slow down your WiFi speeds because solid doors and walls can absorb your signal and degrade it before it reaches your devices. To find the perfect spot for your router, find a centralized spot in your home such as a table or bookshelf in your living room. However, since some routers send WiFi signal downwards instead of upwards, make sure you have it off the ground to send a better signal throughout your house.

Step 3. Move Large Pieces of Furniture Out of the Way

Large bookshelves or furniture can obstruct your WiFi’s signal strength. Make sure you move these objects to the walls around your home to increase your WiFi’s signal strength throughout your home.

Step 4. Keep the Router Away from Metal Objects and Appliances

A number of metal objects and appliances can cause your WiFi signal to fluctuate, such as fluorescent lights, microwaves, and wireless phones. To prevent this from happening, work on placing your router away from these objects and choose a different wireless frequency/channel. You can even use tools such as AirGrab WiFi Radar for Macs or Acrylic WiFi for Windows to help you find a better wireless channel.

Step 5. Set Your Device to Reset on a Schedule

This may seem the most obvious out of all the steps you can take, but even rebooting your router can increase its signal strength. However, before doing so you should contact your internet provider so they can restart your router for you. Plus, you can even purchase an outlet timer to routinely reset your router to improve its signal strength every day.

Step 6. Make Your Network Secure

If you have low-security on your device, you are not only putting your personal information at risk but you are also severely decreasing your WiFi speed. Aside from simply password protecting your network, you should also enable WPA2 password protection on your network. WPA2 is encrypted and provides a lot more security than WEP or WPA security.

Step 7. Use a Repeater

Since many routers only have a range of 150 feet, many devices in your home might not be close enough t get the best signal from it. The best way to fix this is to purchase a WiFi repeater, which can be plugged into any outlet in your home to increase your router’s signal strength. Plus, if you’re a DIY-type person, you can even turn an older router into a WiFi repeater with a small amount of hacking and programming.

Step 8. Change Your Internet Provider

This should be your last resort. If none of the other steps have worked, it may be time to consider switching internet providers. Do some research to find out which internet provider in your area offers the best high speed internet and give them a call.