How to Check Your WiFi Signal Strength
WiFi is essential for most of us when it comes to staying connected to the internet, but every now and then, we all face that frustrating moment when the connection slows down. Pages take forever to load, and videos buffer like crazy. Usually, this happens because the WiFi signal is weaker in certain parts of your home.
If you’re trying to figure out how strong your WiFi signal is or find the best spot for a solid connection, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!
The Quick and Easy Way: Check the Signal Bars
Most devices, like your phone or laptop, show signal bars to indicate how strong your WiFi connection is. More bars = a stronger signal, and fewer bars = a weaker one. You can walk around your home and see how the bars change as you move farther from your router.
This method is simple, but it doesn’t give you precise numbers. If you want a more accurate reading, there’s an even better way.
A More Accurate Way: Use a WiFi Analyzer App
To get a clearer picture of your WiFi signal strength, try using a WiFi analyzer app. These apps give you numbers that represent your signal strength in dBm (decibels relative to a milliwatt). The numbers range from -30 to -90.
- -30 dBm is the best signal you can get (usually when you’re right next to the router).
- -90 dBm is the weakest signal, and you might not even be able to connect at all.
Generally, your signal will fall somewhere between -50 dBm and -60 dBm, which is good for most tasks like browsing, streaming videos, or even gaming. If your signal drops below -60 dBm, you’ll likely notice slower speeds, and anything closer to -70 dBm or lower could make the internet feel painfully slow.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, if your signal is between -50 dBm and -60 dBm, you’re in the clear. If it’s weaker than that, try moving closer to your router or consider making some improvements to your WiFi setup.