1-866-445-8084How to Extend Wi-Fi Range: 12 Ways to Boost Your Signal
The screen freezes, the audio stutters, and your stomach drops — because the internet signal is dropping, too. If you’re getting spotty internet service around the house or experiencing slowdowns and lags when too many devices log on, you’ll benefit from learning how to extend your Wi-Fi range.
Weak or inconsistent Wi-Fi signals can be frustrating, especially when you need reliable internet throughout your home. Whether you game in the basement or work from your living room, here are 12 ways to extend your Wi-Fi range for smoother online experiences.
Moving your router
Switching to 2.4 GHz
Using a Wi-Fi extender
Installing a mesh Wi-Fi network
Updating your firmware
Installing external antennas
Disconnecting devices
Using Wi-Fi powerline adapters
Securing your network
Reducing interference
Using long-range routers
Upgrading your internet plan
1. Move your router to a better location.
Wi-Fi signals transmit strongest, fastest, and best when they have a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the device you’re using. Obviously, that’s not possible if you want your home to have, well, walls and floors. But you can still find an optimal placement that minimizes obstructions and maximizes connectivity.
Ideally, you want to place your Wi-Fi router in a central location relative to all your devices. Elevating the router on a high bookshelf or a table helps the signal travel farther without bumping into other objects around the home. Plus, that helps it reach the upper floors. Many office buildings mount their routers on or near the ceiling for the same reason — max signal reach.
Materials like metal and water can interfere with Wi-Fi signals more than materials like wood and drywall. Placing your router near plumbing, electrical, and other appliances, piping, or ductwork might introduce interference.
2. Switch to 2.4 GHz.
Most routers support dual-band Wi-Fi, meaning they can switch between 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz signal frequencies. Most use the 5 GHz frequency since its shorter-wavelength signal can carry data faster. However, walls and other obstacles in your home can obstruct those shorter waves, meaning they don’t travel as far overall.
Hopping into your Wi-Fi manager app or flipping a switch on the device is usually all it takes to hop from 5 to 2.4 GHz, which travels farther but at slightly reduced speeds. Some newer routers support band steering, which automatically directs devices to the best frequency based on things like signal strength, speed requirements, and congestion.
3. Use a Wi-Fi extender.
A Wi-Fi extender, or repeater, is an add-on device that boosts your main router’s reach. Powered by a wall plug, they work by picking up the main router’s signal, amplifying it, and retransmitting it to extend Wi-Fi range.
By adding a Wi-Fi extender at the back of your house, you might be able to get internet at the end of your backyard. Put one by the basement stairs to get a better signal down below or one on the second floor to reach your upstairs home office.
The trick is to place the Wi-Fi extender between the main router and the low-signal area, giving those two devices the clearest range, too.
4. Install a mesh Wi-Fi network.
If your Wi-Fi still struggles to cover every corner of your home, a mesh network might be the answer. Unlike a single router trying to reach everything, a mesh network uses multiple devices spread throughout your home to create a blanket of Wi-Fi coverage.
It’s like a network of Wi-Fi extenders that you hop between seamlessly, avoiding the drops or dead zones common with traditional routers. To install a mesh system, you start by simply placing the main node near your router and the others plugged in near areas with weak signals.
5. Update your router’s firmware.
Just like your phone or computer, your router needs regular software updates to perform its best and stay secure. Router manufacturers release their equivalent, firmware updates, to improve signal strength and security and sometimes even add new features. If you haven’t updated your router recently, it could be slowing down your Wi-Fi and leaving you open to security risks.
Firmware updates usually happen automatically, but you can do it manually from your Wi-Fi manager by checking for updates. The process typically takes a few minutes but can make a noticeable difference in both speed and signal.
6. Add external antennas.
Many Wi-Fi routers can accept a plug-in external antenna, which you can mount farther away to extend the reach and strength of the main transmission. It’s akin to a rooftop TV antenna but in the opposite direction of transmission.
Before purchasing and trying to install an external antenna, check your router’s manual to confirm compatibility or purchase a brand-specific option. Once installed, adjust the antennas to point in the direction most toward the weak signal spot, but not directly at an obvious obstruction.
7. Disconnect devices you’re not using.
Every device connected to your Wi-Fi uses up bandwidth. When too many devices go online at once, each individual signal experience can slow down. Phones, tablets, smart home devices, and even old gadgets you no longer use may still be connected. They might unnecessarily hog your bandwidth and impact the performance of the devices you need most.
By disconnecting devices you’re not actively using, you free up bandwidth for things that matter most or require the most, like streaming, gaming, or working from home. It’s easy to manage connected devices through your router’s settings or a Wi-Fi management app, which can push a signal disconnect command right to the device.
8. Use Wi-Fi powerline adapters.
Wi-Fi powerline adapters extend your Wi-Fi signal using your home’s electrical wiring. These adapters plug into standard outlets and transmit your internet signal back through the power lines, offering a stable connection even in hard-to-reach areas.
However, they can be hit or miss — for example, older homes might have older, less conductive wiring that doesn’t transmit the signal. Plus, Wi-Fi is impacted by electrical noise, so having all the lights on, for instance, might impact its effectiveness.
To set up a powerline adapter, simply plug one adapter into an outlet near your router and another into an outlet in the area where you need better coverage. They work together to send the signal across your home, extending the range of your Wi-Fi without the need for complicated installations or extra wires.
9. Secure your network.
Disconnecting inactive devices is also the first step to securing your network, so start there. That’s especially true of devices you don’t recognize or look suspicious — block such devices if you can.
Securing your network doesn’t just protect your data and identity. It protects your precious Wi-Fi signal strength, too. Updating your router’s firmware also aligns with security best practices, but you can go beyond that by updating your password and making it hard to guess.
By securing your network, you make it difficult for unknown users and devices to freeload off your Wi-Fi.
10. Reduce signal interference.
Your home is filled with electronics that can mess with your Wi-Fi signal, not just the wires in the walls. Microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones emit radio frequencies that can cause signal interference, weakening your Wi-Fi’s performance.
Even nearby Wi-Fi networks from neighbors can crowd your signal, slowing things down. The closer your router is to these devices, the more likely your connection will suffer.
To reduce interference, try moving your router away from high-traffic areas for electronics — and away from other appliances. This can help your signal stay strong and steady, improving your overall internet experience without the need for extra equipment to extend your range.
11. Consider a long-range router.
If you’re at the end of your wits or don’t mind investing a few hundred extra dollars in your Wi-Fi experience, consider a long-range Wi-Fi router. While they might cost $200 to $400 (or more) and need to be purchased separately from your ISP, they’re typically the most reliable choice for boosting signal everywhere.
Long-range routers are designed to cover larger areas and typically come with advanced features like additional antennas, MU-MIMO (multiple user, multiple input, multiple output) technology, and more powerful processors.
To make the investment easier, consider that these whole-home Wi-Fi routers also tend to come with mesh extenders and added security features.
12. Upgrade your internet plan.
At a certain point, the issue isn’t your Wi-Fi—it’s your internet plan and speed coming into the property. If your household has added more devices, gamers or 4K streamers, your current plan might be unable to keep up with the extra demand. Modern demands will quickly overwhelm an insufficient plan, particularly in hard-to-reach places.
If this describes your situation, switching to a faster internet connection type might be your best path forward. For example, switching to fiber-optic internet is the best way to ensure you have the fastest connection to start. And it’ll be strongest at the farthest reaches of your Wi-Fi signal.
Looking for fast, reliable internet?
A strong, fast Wi-Fi connection keeps you comfortably and conveniently connected to the internet without delay or frustration. Aside from plugging an Ethernet cable right into your router or modem, these tips will help maximize your internet experience.
Just be sure your Wi-Fi signal is connected to a fast, reliable, cost-effective internet service provider (ISP).
Kinetic, for example, is a top-rated provider with a range of high-speed internet plans. We offer ultra-fast internet speeds and ensure your Wi-Fi performance is consistent with regular (and complimentary) service health checks. That way, your home network operates at peak performance.
How to Extend Wi-Fi Range FAQs
How can I switch frequencies to extend my Wi-Fi range?
You can switch to 2.4 GHz through your router’s settings for better range. To do this, try logging into your Wi-Fi manager or accessing the router’s settings from a web browser. Do note that the exact process will vary based on your router’s model and specifications.
What are some ways to optimize my router for better coverage?
Place your router centrally, elevate it, and avoid obstacles like walls or metal objects.
Should I password-protect my Wi-Fi network to extend range?
Yes, securing your network prevents unauthorized access, which poses a major security risk and can slow your connection.
Is it necessary to update router firmware for better Wi-Fi range?
Yes, firmware updates can improve performance and security, boosting Wi-Fi range.
Can disconnecting unnecessary devices improve Wi-Fi range?
Yes, reducing the number of connected devices frees up bandwidth and enhances signal strength.