How to check wifi signal strength around your house

How to check wifi signal strength around your house

To check your Wi-Fi signal strength, follow these steps:


  1. Use a Device: Choose a device (smartphone, laptop, or tablet) connected to your Wi-Fi network to measure signal strength.


  1. Check Built-in Tools:
    • Windows: Open the Network and Sharing Center (Control Panel > Network and Internet). Click your Wi-Fi network to view signal strength bars (more bars = stronger signal).
    • Mac: Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar to see signal strength in dBm (e.g., -50 dBm is strong, -80 dBm is weak).
    • Smartphone: On iOS, go to Settings > Wi-Fi; on Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Look at the signal bars.


  1. Download a Wi-Fi Analyser App: Install a free app like NetSpot (Windows/Mac), WiFi Analyzer (Android), or Speedtest by Ookla (iOS/Android). Open the app to view signal strength in dBm, channel interference, and nearby networks.


  1. Move Around the House: Walk to different areas with your device or app open to measure signal strength in various locations. Note where the signal weakens (e.g., fewer bars or lower dBm, like -70 to -90).


  1. Interpret Results: Signal strength is typically shown in dBm:
    • -30 to -50 dBm: Excellent
    • -50 to -70 dBm: Good
    • -70 to -80 dBm: Weak
    • Below -80 dBm: Very weak, likely unreliable


  1. Check Router Interface: Log into your router’s admin panel via a browser (e.g., enter 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Navigate to the wireless status section to view connected devices and signal strength details.


  1. Test Different Bands: If your router supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz switch between bands in your device’s Wi-Fi settings to compare signal strength. 2.4GHz typically has better range, while 5GHz offers faster speeds but shorter range.


  1. Identify Interference: Use the Wi-Fi analyser app to check for nearby networks or devices (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones) that may weaken your signal. Switch to a less congested channel if needed.


  1. Repeat for Accuracy: Test signal strength at different times of the day to account for varying network congestion or interference.

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