How To Extend WiFi Range & Boost Signal For Free – 5 Tips!

By AlfredCamera

May 2, 2023

Losing internet connection or experiencing an unstable signal can be frustrating, especially if you depend on it for work or school. But investing in top-tier internet isn’t a solution everyone can accommodate. Read on and find out how to extend your wifi range without an extender and some of the best wifi signal boost apps.

Table of Contents

How Can I Extend My WiFi Range for Free?

Improving WiFi range for free is possible, but it might require some trial-and-error before finding the right solution. We have come up with some tips for you.

1. Find a better location for your WiFi router

What is the cheapest way to extend WiFi? Switch your router’s place, you won’t spend a dime. Map the WiFi router’s location relative to the rooms in the house, including living spaces where wireless internet connection is particularly poor. Ideally, the router should be central in the home, allowing multiple devices to connect at nearly equal distances.

Position the router high above the floor to ensure an unobstructed path to connected devices, and refrain from boxing the router or placing it in a storage cabinet, as this might interfere with the wifi signal strength. Keeping the router away from frequency-using appliances, microwaves, and large metal objects can also help boost wifi range for free.

2. Disconnect the least-used devices

Ease the load on the WiFi router by identifying the devices that must always be linked to the internet and those that only need WiFi occasionally. This simple step might instantly give the wifi range a boost.

Gaming consoles, phones, and even smart TVs can easily be disconnected from WiFi when the internet isn’t being used, which can help improve connection speeds on other devices. If using a phone with an unlimited mobile data plan, consider using the data more frequently.

3. Switch to the 2.4 GHz channel

Although this channel is slower than 5 GHz frequencies, the 2.4 GHz system has a more extensive reach and can better penetrate walls, solid objects, and other obstructions. This system is more likely to get a strong WiFi signal in every room of the house.

4. Restart your WiFi router

Unplug the WiFi router from the electrical outlet for at least half a minute, re-establish power, and turn it back on. Alternatively, try pressing the reset button on the device. Sometimes a little tweak goes a long way!

5. Try updating your firmware

Firmware is essentially the operating system of your router, controlling how it manages connections, security, and performance. An outdated firmware version can lead to several issues that negatively impact your Wi-Fi signal and range. Updating it to the latest version may help improve wifi signal reception and range.

WiFi Extender Range: Myths vs. Reality

WiFi extenders promise to eliminate dead zones and extend your wireless coverage, but they come with trade-offs. Ideal WiFi signal transmission scenarios are few and far between, so consumers should take claims with a pinch of salt, since no home on earth experiences zero environmental interference. Let’s separate some myths from reality to help you decide if they’re worth it.

Myth 1: An Extender Doubles Your Wi-Fi Range

Extenders repeat the existing signal, but they don’t create a new signal, just rebroadcast a weaker version of your WiFi. Therefore, you get wider but slower coverage, especially if connecting far from the main router.

Myth 2: Extenders Work Well Through Thick Walls

If your main WiFi signal struggles with walls, the extender will too. Placing an extender in a poor signal area means it will amplify a weak, laggy connection. Instead, consider using a wired extender for a more reliable and potentially faster connection to the main router.

Myth 3: Extenders Don’t Reduce Speed

A wifi range extender cuts your wifi speed by at least half; that is to say, if your main router gives 200 Mbps, the extender might only deliver 80-100 Mbps.

Is there a monthly fee for a WiFi extender?

Fees for WiFi extenders depend on the internet service provider, but third-party Wi-Fi extenders do not have monthly fees. Fees are more likely to be incurred if getting a Wi-Fi extender directly from the ISP. These may be more reliable since the products are purpose-built to work alongside the Wi-Fi routers offered by the ISP.

How to Extend WiFi Range Without Extender?

Extending WiFi range without an extender is a possibility, so consider attempting the following before investing in one:

Install higher-gain WiFi router antennas: If your router has detachable antennas, replace them with high-gain directional antennas. This method does have a few caveats, like FCC limits and client device signal reception strength.
Upgrade to a newer router: If your router is older than 3-4 years, a modern router will significantly increase your wifi signal strength and speed.

Add more access points: Extra routers and a large Ethernet cable should create more reliable access points for internet devices.

Use mesh networks: A collection of WiFi routers and other connectivity devices work together to form a single large network within the home in a mesh network. It allows users to access the internet from anywhere in the home and worry less about signal dropouts.

Apps For WiFi Signal Strength Test

In order to extend the WiFi range in your home, you need to analyze existing data connection parameters to identify potential troubleshooting areas. You don’t need to be a network engineer to diagnose and boost wireless internet connections. The following apps are all you need.

1. Connection Stabilizer Booster

This neat app fixes WiFi and cellular network connectivity issues to make mobile internet experiences more engaging and exciting. Developed by Supersonic Software, Connection Stabilizer Booster keeps data connection active even when not in use, automatically reconnects devices to the network when dropped, and forces connection technologies in adverse network conditions.

2. WiFi Analyzer

Algor’s entry into the world of WiFi booster apps is the WiFi Analyzer, which allows users to identify the best wireless internet channels to connect. The app also offers insightful information on increasing internet connection stability while minimizing signal interference.

3. NetSpot Wi-Fi Analyzer

This WiFi booster app is one of the most powerful and is available for free. You can visualize, troubleshoot, plan, audit, and manage your wireless networks with its easy-to-use interface. Deploying your Wi-Fi network is also a cinch. Advanced users will love the Survey Tool, perfect for laying out wireless zones.

4. NETGEAR WiFi Analytics

Turning your Android device into a WiFi analytics system is easy with this NETGEAR offering. Like NetSpot, it analyzes and monitors home wireless internet networks and troubleshoots connections on the fly. The user interface is a cinch to navigate, while its handy tools are perfect for optimizing Wi-Fi in the home.

5. Ubiquiti WiFiman

Although less robust than other platforms, WiFiman’s wireless internet connection speed tests and discovery are almost second to none. You can use the information to modify the home Wi-Fi router’s settings and location to boost internet connections.

Why Is The WiFi Signal So Weak in My House?

The key to extend WiFi range in the home is to identify why the signal is so weak in the first place. These are the prime suspects when it comes to weak WiFi in the house.

Distance: Most wireless router manufacturers limit their indoor range to 100 feet to compensate for the device’s low-power signal transmission, although materials in the home are likely to significantly limit this.
Obstruction: WiFi signals have to penetrate the materials and objects around them. The wall separating the living room from the kitchen, for example, might contain metal lath and plaster that impacts Wi-Fi signal transmission.
Competing WiFi networks: Unfortunately, having too many WiFi-dependent technologies connecting to a single router can cause significant signal transmission issues.
Other wireless devices: Microwaves, radios, and cordless phones can also interfere with wireless internet signal transmission.

FAQ

How to get strong WiFi signal in every room?

Installing a Wi-Fi range extender, mesh system, or an extra router can strengthen the Wi-Fi signal in every room. For best results, map the home and identify the location of each Wi-Fi-dependent gadget. Place the extender or Wi-Fi mesh centrally.

What is the difference between a Wi-Fi booster and a Wi-Fi extender?

You’ll be surprised to learn that these terms Wi-Fi booster and Wi-Fi extender mean the same thing. You might also hear people talk about a Wi-Fi repeater, which is, again, the same device.

How to boost WiFi signal through walls?

Boost Wi-Fi signals through walls by switching to 2.4 GHz because it penetrates obstructions better than 5 GHz. However, 5 GHz is the way to go if you need fast internet speeds and minimal interferences.

How to improve WiFi signal upstairs?

Distance and obstructions (i.e., floor separating upstairs rooms from the room where the Wi-Fi router is) can reduce Wi-Fi signal strength on the upper floors. So, is there any device to increase Wi-Fi range upstairs? Yes, there is. A Wi-Fi extender or booster can help address your concern about a poor Wi-Fi signal upstairs.

How to boost WiFi signal with aluminum foil?

If you’re wondering how to boost Wi-Fi signal with aluminum foil, check out this YouTube video from Byte My Bits.

Conclusion

You can extend your WiFi range for free, though it may take some experimentation to find what works best for your space. Like repositioning your router or switching to 2.4GHz for better reach. While extenders promise easy fixes, they can slow speeds or create unreliable connections. For real improvement, start by analyzing your current wifi signal strength and interference sources, then test targeted tweaks before considering paid solutions like mesh systems or upgraded routers.