Today everything happens on the Internet. We watch television, listen to music, play games, and even pay bills online. It’s far more convenient and faster than traditional ways. That’s why having an excellent internet speed is crucial.
However, a slow connection can happen anytime. It can be a nightmare, especially if we want to use streaming apps. So, you might start searching for ways how to fix a weak WiFi signal. For that matter, dive into our article and discover it.
How to Fix a Weak WiFi Signal
The short answer is to check your router’s position and system. Therefore, you must put your WiFi router close to your smart devices. In addition, make sure the router is not hidden behind any object, like the TV.
Secondly, check if someone else outside your house is using your WiFi. It’s common for neighbors to use your internet connection, which weakens the WiFi signal. So, secure your connection so that you can be the only user.
Moreover, use MoocherHunter to check if anyone else is using your WiFi. It’s a program that tracks all your wireless connection’s real-time users.
Next, check if your router needs an update. WiFi routers usually don’t require updates often. But many users forget that it’s still a device that needs a system update from time to time. You can read further in our article on how to update it.
Also, you can use a WiFi extender to strengthen your WiFi signal. We usually recommend this for people who live in a big home. This way, the extender will cover every corner of your house.
Read more: What Is the Best Wi-Fi for Gaming?
Your Detailed Guide to Improving Your WiFi Signal
The router’s position
As we said, your router’s position may be the only reason for a weak wireless signal. Therefore, choose a centralized position for it. In addition, it can be anywhere in the rooms you use the most.
However, you must avoid placing it in corners or rooms like the basement. Moreover, it must be away from any walls. This is because walls can easily cause additional unwanted obstructions. Also, if your WiFi router comes with antennas, position them vertically for full coverage.
Next, don’t hide the router behind any objects; by objects, we mean any heavy electronic objects like the TV, the radio, the microwave, or your home telephone. Moreover, the router shouldn’t be placed near a baby monitor and external or wireless cameras.
Update your WiFi router
As mentioned earlier, updating your WiFi router can help you strengthen the WiFi signal. For that matter, you must update its firmware. For that matter, you must connect your router to your computer.
To connect the two devices, use an Ethernet cable. Secondly, open the router manufacturer’s website. From there, download the needed firmware update.
Next, you must open the router’s web management page. In addition, you will be required to log in. Once you enter the page, choose the downloaded firmware. Afterward, the update will begin. Lastly, reboot your router to finish the process.
Lastly, we must mention that after being used for years, your WiFi router may begin to work slowly. This will directly affect the speed of the wireless connection. In that case, you should consider buying a brand-new router instead of updating it.
Related: How to Check Wifi Signal Strength
WiFi extender
When using a WiFi extender, we recommend purchasing one from NetGear. However, if this can’t fit your budget, don’t worry. You can’t always make a DIY extender.
For that matter, you can use aluminum or cardboard. Moreover, you should cut small pieces of the material. Next, you should wrap them around the antennas of your WiFi router. However, this can only extend the wireless signal range for just a little bit.
Check your wireless frequency
Firstly, open your network’s administrator interface. For that matter, you will need to access the router’s page. Furthermore, there you can check your wireless frequency.
In addition, you can see if it’s set to optimal performance. Moreover, if you have a dual-band router, switch from the 2.4 GHz band to 5 GHz. Also, this will enhance your wireless router speed. What’s more, it will reduce interference from other wireless networks.
What Causes a Weak WiFi Signal?
After learning how to fix it, knowing what causes a weak WiFi signal is also good. So, viruses and spyware are the primary reasons for a weak WiFi signal. In addition, add-on programs such as Adobe Flash can also slow down its speed.
Besides add-on programs, other running programs can slow it down too. Furthermore, your WiFi connection can be affected by the space and condition of the hard disk. Another factor that can influence the connection is your computer’s memory.
Next, sometimes it can be just the poor quality of the router. So, when purchasing a router, you must ensure it’s from a trustworthy brand. In addition, as of 2022, WiFi routers such as Asus RT-AX86U and Netgear are considered the best.
As we mentioned, the router placement is crucial too. You can expect a slow WiFi signal if it’s placed somewhere low and behind another device. On the contrary, if it’s placed in a high open position, you can enjoy a fast connection.
Additional causes
In some cases, your smartphone or computer can be the actual cause of the weak WiFi signal. This is because the wireless connection can’t be faster than the speed of your smart devices. So, if they are old or don’t own good speed features, this might also be the problem.
Also Read: What WiFi Extenders Work With AT&T?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several things to do regarding how to fix a weak WiFi signal. You can start by checking the simplest thing – its position.
Always make sure you have your WiFi close to you. In addition, you must place it somewhere high and in front of other devices. Moreover, you can check if it needs to be updated. To do that:
- Grab your Ethernet cable and follow our simple instructions.
- Don’t forget to check if your neighbors are using your wireless connection.
- Prevent this by locking your WiFi with a strong password.