Quick answer
A weak WiFi signal is usually fixed by moving the router to a central and open location, changing the channel on 2.4 GHz and updating the firmware. If that does not help, use a coverage survey to find dead zones and place a WiFi extender or mesh system there.
How to recognize the problem
- WiFi works in the living room but not in the bedroom or bathroom
- Speed drops the further you are from the router
- The connection drops on your phone or laptop in a distant room
- Video calls and streaming stutter even though the internet is fast
- Signal is full in one room and barely one bar in another
Most common causes
Router is in a bad location
A router in a closet, behind the TV or in a corner of the apartment spreads the signal through walls and furniture, so it arrives weakened in distant rooms.
Congestion on the 2.4 GHz channel
If multiple routers in the building use the same channel, interference occurs and the signal seems weaker and less stable.
Thick walls and metal obstacles
Concrete, reinforced walls, mirrors, aquariums and metal furniture weaken WiFi signal the most, especially on 5 GHz.
Outdated firmware or bad settings
Old firmware and incorrectly set signal strength or channel width can reduce range and network stability.
Crowded WiFi spectrum
Many devices and neighboring networks nearby create congestion, so the signal gets "suffocated" even when you are close to the router.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Place the router in a central location
Move the router as close to the center of the apartment as possible, on an open surface and at a height of about 1.5 m. Avoid closets, shelves behind the TV, basements and corners. Point the antennas vertically.
- 2
Check coverage in the apartment
Walk through each room with your phone or laptop and note where the signal drops. In Windows, click the network icon in the system tray and monitor the number of bars, and on your phone check signal strength in
Settings > WiFi. This later helps you determine where to place the extender. - 3
Change the WiFi channel
Log in to the router (the address is usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1, written on the label). In the wireless settings, select channel 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz instead of Auto. For 5 GHz, leave Auto or select the least crowded channel. - 4
Update the router firmware
In the router administration, find the firmware update option (often under
AdministrationorSystem). Download the latest version for your exact router model from the manufacturer's website and install it; if the router offers to save a backup of settings, do so before updating. Do not interrupt power during the update. - 5
Adjust signal strength and channel width
If the router has a transmit power option, set it to High. For 2.4 GHz, select a channel width of 20 MHz for stability. For 5 GHz, use 80 MHz when the signal is strong, and 40 or 20 MHz if the signal is weak or unstable. If you have no older devices, disable legacy modes (802.11b).
- 6
Remove sources of interference
Move the router away from microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors and other devices that operate on 2.4 GHz. Do not place the router next to metal objects, aquariums or thick walls.
- 7
Set up a WiFi extender or mesh
If one room still has no signal, place a WiFi extender halfway between the router and that room, in a spot where the signal is still good. For a larger apartment or multiple floors, a mesh system with multiple nodes is a better solution.
- 8
Use 5 GHz for proximity, 2.4 GHz for range
Near the router, connect to the 5 GHz network for higher speed, and in distant rooms to 2.4 GHz for better range. If the router broadcasts the same name for both bands, separate them in the settings (e.g.
MyWiFiandMyWiFi-5G). - 9
Check the result and repeat if necessary
After each change, test speed and signal strength in each room. If there is no improvement, revert the previous setting and try the next step. Note what helped so you can more easily maintain the network later.
If nothing helps: advanced options
If you have tried all the steps and the signal is still weak, consider buying a stronger router with external antennas or a mesh system with three nodes. For apartments with thick concrete walls, consider Powerline adapters that transmit the network over the electrical wiring. Also check if your provider offers a better router with your contract. As a last resort, call a professional to measure coverage with a professional tool and suggest the optimal solution.
How to prevent it
- Keep the router in an open and central location, away from metal and devices that emit radiation.
- Occasionally check and update the router firmware.
- Use 5 GHz for devices near the router, and 2.4 GHz for distant ones.
- Do not put the router in a closet or behind the TV.
When to call a professional
If you have tried all the steps and the signal is still weak or the connection frequently drops, contact IT support. They can measure coverage, check the equipment and suggest the best solution for your apartment.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Does a WiFi extender really boost the signal?
Yes, but only if placed where the signal is still good. If you put it in a dead zone, it will extend a weak signal. For best results, use a mesh system.
Which channel should I choose for 2.4 GHz?
Use channels 1, 6 or 11 because they do not overlap. If you live in a building, try each and choose the one with the fewest neighboring networks.
Why is my signal weaker in the evening?
In the evening there is more congestion on WiFi networks in the building, causing interference. Changing the channel and switching to 5 GHz can help.