If your internet seems slow or web pages won’t load, the problem could be your Wi-Fi connection. Perhaps you’re too far from the source, or thick walls are blocking the signal. Here’s how to check your precise Wi-Fi signal strength.
Why Wi-Fi Signal Strength Matters
A stronger Wi-Fi signal means a more reliable connection. This is what enables you to take full advantage of the internet speeds available to you. Wi-Fi signal strength depends on a variety of factors, such as how far you are from the router, whether it’s a 2.4 or 5ghz connection, and even the materials of the walls around you. The closer you are to the router, the better. While 2.4ghz connections broadcast further, they might have interference issues. Thicker walls made of denser materials (like concrete) will block a Wi-Fi signal. A weaker signal, on the other hand, leads to slower speeds, dropouts, and (in some cases) total disconnection.
Not every connection problem is a result of weak signal strength. If the internet on your tablet or phone seems slow, start by rebooting your router if you have access to it. If the problem persists, the next step is to check if Wi-Fi is the problem. Try using the internet with a device connected through ethernet. If you still have issues, the network is the problem. If the ethernet connection is fine and a router reset didn’t help, then it’s time to check signal strength.
Checking Wi-Fi Signal Strength the Easy Way
To check the strength of your Wi-Fi, the first thing to do is look at the device having issues. Whether it’s using iOS, Android, Mac, or Windows, you should have a Wi-Fi connection indicator. Usually, four or five curved lines make up the Wi-Fi symbol, and the more that are filled, the stronger the connection.
Every phone, tablet, and laptop is different and may indicate a different Wi-Fi strength. But it’s worth consulting a second, or even third device. If you checked a phone, consider testing a tablet, too. Compare internet performance on both devices and see what they display for Wi-Fi strength. If you have similar results with both, you have an excellent baseline to use.
If you’ve determined your Wi-Fi connection is weak in a particular spot, the next thing to do is walk around and pay attention to the Wi-Fi bars on your smartphone or tablet. Keep track of how far you are from the router, and how many walls there are between it and you.
Pay attention to when your Wi-Fi bars increase and decrease. It’s a rudimentary check, but for most cases, it will suffice.
The More Advanced (and Precise) Method to Check Wi-Fi Strength
