18 Tips To Improve Your Home WiFi Coverage

Does your home wifi coverage fall short? The router isn’t (always) the problem. There are some things you can do to help improve the wifi coverage in your home. Here are 18 tips to improve your wifi coverage.

Centralize The Router Placement

Position your router in the center of your home. This helps distribute the WiFi signal more evenly throughout your space, ensuring better coverage in all rooms.

Elevate The Router

Keep the router off the floor, ideally on a shelf or a high piece of furniture. Raising the router helps the signal travel farther without obstructions, such as furniture and appliances that can block it.

Avoid Obstructions

Keep the area around your router clear of physical obstructions like walls, large furniture, and metal objects. These can absorb or deflect the WiFi signal, reducing its reach.

Update Your Router

Make sure your router’s firmware is up-to-date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance, add features, and fix security issues.

Change The WiFi Channel

If you’re experiencing interference from other nearby networks, try changing the WiFi channel. Apps can help you find the least crowded channel.

Limit Interference Sources

Keep your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices. These can interfere with your WiFi signal due to overlapping frequencies.

Use A WiFi Extender

If your home has areas with poor WiFi coverage, consider using a WiFi extender. It captures the existing signal and re-broadcasts it to extend its reach.

Optimize Router Settings

Explore your router’s settings for options that enhance performance, such as selecting a different bandwidth or enabling QoS (Quality of Service).

Secure Your WiFi

Ensure your WiFi network is secured with a strong password. Unwanted users can otherwise access your network and degrade performance.

Regularly Restart Your Router

Periodically restart your router to clear bugs and improve connection quality. This can be done manually or scheduled in the router’s settings.

Check For Device Limitations

Some older devices may not support newer WiFi standards. Upgrading these devices can improve their connection speed and reliability.

Reduce WiFi Leeches

Make sure to secure your network to prevent unauthorized access. A crowded network can significantly slow down your WiFi speed.

Use The 5 GHz Band

If your router supports it, use the 5 GHz band instead of the more common 2.4 GHz. It’s faster and typically less congested.

Adjust Antenna Direction

If your router has external antennas, try adjusting them. Positioning antennas vertically and horizontally can help improve coverage.

Use Wired Connections When Possible

For devices that need a lot of bandwidth, like gaming consoles and streaming boxes, use a wired connection to free up WiFi bandwidth for other devices.

Use Network Management Software

Some routers come with software that helps you manage your network. Use it to check for connected devices and manage their bandwidth usage.

Upgrade To A Mesh Network System

If extenders don’t do the job, consider investing in a mesh network system. This consists of multiple router-like devices that work together to blanket your home with WiFi.

Test And Measure Signal Strength

Use a WiFi analyzer app to test signal strength in different areas of your home. This will help you identify and address weak spots in your WiFi coverage.