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 strongerWi-Fisignal means a more reliable connection.

A router.

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

This is what enables you to take full advantage of the internet speeds available to you.

The closer you are to the router, the better.

While 2.4ghz connections broadcast further, they might have interference issues.

Android top menu bar with a red arrow pointing to the Wi-Fi signal strength indicator.

Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek

Thicker walls made of denser materials (like concrete) will block a Wi-Fi signal.

Not every connection problem is a result of weak signal strength.

If the problem persists, the next step is to find out if Wi-Fi is the problem.

A Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Mesh Wifi 6E router on a wood table next to a water bottle reading “HTG” and a succulent planted in an orange pot.

Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek

Try using the internet with a equipment connected throughethernet.

If you still have issues, the web link is the problem.

Every phone, tablet, and laptop is different and may indicate a different Wi-Fi strength.

WiFiAnalyzer app with a red box around the signal indicator reading ‘-52dBm’.

But it’s worth consulting a second, or even third machine.

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.

WiFiInfoView window with the RSSI ratings highlighted in a red box.

If you have similar results with both, you have an excellent baseline to use.

Pay attention to when your Wi-Fi bars increase and decrease.

It’s a rudimentary check, but for most cases, it will suffice.

tp-link archer axe300

TP-Link Archer AXE300 shines as a Wi-Fi 6E router thanks to its quad-band support, two 10G ports, fantastic performance, and good coverage area.

you’re able to measure a Wi-Fi signal in multiple ways.

The first thing to know is measurements of dBm will display in negative numbers.

The scale runs from -30 to -90.

Both are easy to use and show results for any wireless networks in your area.

Now, go back to the Airport Utility app and start a scan.

You’ll see dBm measurements expressed as RSSI.

For Android users, Wi-Fi Analyzer is a step easier.

launch the app and look for the networks found.

Each entry will list strength as dBm.

The program is free, easy to use, and doesn’t require installation.

Just unzip and double-poke the EXE file.

Like on a Mac and iPhone, you’ll find dBm measurements listed under the RSSI entry.

Hold the option key and hit the Wi-Fi symbol.

You’ll see dBm measurements in the RSSI entry.

If you have plaster walls, consider moving the router as close to thecenter of the homeas possible.

If your router is older, it might be time to upgrade.

When doing so, look for one that supports both2.4 and 5 GHzWi-Fi signals, oreven 6 Ghz.

If you have a large home, you might want to consider amesh router.

Heatmaps are a great way to determine where your wireless is strongest and weakest with an easy-to-understand visual.

It then colors in your map to give you a general idea of Wi-Fi signal strength throughout.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for boosting the Wi-Fi signal in every home.