How to improve WiFi speed and coverage at home

Start with router placement

Router location is usually the highest-value WiFi change because radio signals weaken with distance and obstacles. Place the router in an open, central and elevated position instead of a cabinet, floor corner or far end of the home. Keep it away from large metal objects, aquariums and dense masonry where possible.

A router cannot create strong coverage through every wall simply because it is newer. If the internet enters at one edge of a large home, use an Ethernet cable or a properly placed mesh node to bring the network closer to users.

Choose 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 6 GHz deliberately

The 2.4 GHz band generally reaches farther and passes through obstacles better, but it offers less capacity and faces more interference. The 5 GHz band is often faster at short and medium range. The 6 GHz band available on newer equipment can provide clean, high-capacity channels, but range is shorter and both the router and device must support it.

For maximum speed near the router, prefer 5 GHz or 6 GHz. For a distant smart device that sends little data, 2.4 GHz may be more dependable. Automatic band steering is convenient, but testing each band separately can expose a poor router decision.

Reduce interference and channel congestion

Neighbouring WiFi networks share radio airtime. So do some cameras, Bluetooth devices and household electronics. Modern routers usually select channels automatically, but the choice can become stale after the local environment changes. A router restart or channel scan may help. Avoid extremely wide channels in crowded areas; a narrower, cleaner channel can outperform a wide channel with frequent interference.

• Keep the router away from microwave ovens, cordless-phone bases and USB 3 hubs.
• Use channels 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz rather than overlapping in-between choices.
• Prefer 5 GHz for laptops, televisions and consoles within good range.
• Update router firmware through the manufacturer's official interface.

Know when an extender is the wrong tool

A basic repeater receives and retransmits WiFi, often using the same radio airtime. It may improve signal bars while reducing usable throughput or adding latency. It works best halfway between the router and the weak area—not inside the dead zone.

A wired access point is usually the most consistent option. Mesh systems are easier when wiring is impractical, especially when nodes have a strong dedicated backhaul. Powerline adapters depend heavily on the home's electrical wiring and should be tested rather than assumed to work well.

Check the device, not just the router

Older phones and laptops may support fewer spatial streams, older WiFi standards or slower channel widths. Their maximum real speed can be much lower than the router's marketing number. Disable a VPN for one controlled comparison, update the wireless driver, and forget then reconnect to the network if one device behaves differently from every other device.

Finally, test beside the router and at the problem location. If the nearby result is already slow on several modern devices, investigate the internet connection or router. If only the distant result is slow, improve coverage rather than buying a faster internet plan.

Compare with a controlled broadband test →