Before we dive further, let’s understand more about Wi-Fi. The term Wi-Fi was coined by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. It later became the Wi-Fi Alliance. Starting with IEEE 802.11b, the group announced the first set of Wi-Fi Certified products in April 2000. According to Alliance, in 2022, there are over 15 billion Wi-Fi products in use across the globe.
Why is Wi-Fi important?
Wireless networks allow users to access information in real-time while on the go without being removed from the network. This improves their mobility compared to the traditional networking system.
Wi-Fi allows the software to be linked to the internet allowing light bulbs, home surveillance, thermostats, tracking and control devices electronics, and automotive goods.Wireless networks eliminate the need for wires which are difficult to set up and can cause safety risks. Also, Wi-Fi systems can be mounted quickly and efficiently compared to the conventional network.Wi-Fi is a boon for offices where wires and cables are not available.Footage from a Wi-Fi surveillance camera is stored in the cloud so the cameras can be watched remotely.A Wi-Fi thermostat can help you control the temperature in your house remotely. You can simply log into your thermostat software and change the cooling if you’re going home early and want your home to be cool before you arrive.
Additionally, Wi-Fi upgrades will focus on reducing congestion, improving connection speeds, interoperability, and new devices that can offer networking connectivity to a local network. That said, newer concepts such as Wi-Fi aware and ambient computing will take Wi-Fi to another level. Here are a few ways that can help improve Wi-Fi signal strength on your smartphone.
Restart your phone
One of the simplest and best things to do is to restart your phone. You may also consider shutting your phone down when you are asleep at night and then switching it on in the morning. This could hopefully fix your Wi-Fi speed issue.
Move your router elsewhere
Another trick to improve your Wi-Fi signal strength is to move your router to a place where the signal will spread with more quality and efficiency. We recommend you place the router at a central place such that it is close to all your rooms. This will also ensure the signal is strong in more places and you enjoy a hassle-free connection.
Check for radio or firmware updates
OTA updates from your carrier or manufacturer may not apply to you. However, if you are running custom ROMs, you may have to manually update the radio occasionally on your phone. That said, you must ensure you are using the latest version of Android for best performance. To check, open Settings > About > Software updates.
Use a Wi-Fi Repeater
In case you cannot move the router elsewhere, you can consider using a relatively cheaper option- purchasing a WiFi repeater. The repeater can capture the signal and resend it anew thus boosting your WiFi signal and improving its reach. A repeater is a great choice for those living in a huge house who can’t get a good signal with only the router. While the market is flooded with different repeater models, we recommend you do your research and find the one that works best with your router. However, make sure that you place the repeater close to the router, otherwise, the repeated signal won’t be a good one.
Remove the thick phone case
If you are using a thick protective cover for your phone, you need to remove it as it can impede the Wi-Fi signal on your phone. However, remove the case in the safe environs of your home where there are minimum chances of any fall damage. Alternatively, you could opt for a lighter case that will not only protect your phone from any physical damage but also help you get a better Wi-Fi connection.
Change your frequency band
Most phones are compatible with the 5GHz frequency band, which means a much faster and more reliable connection is available for your device. However, some phones may by default have the older 2.4Ghz option enabled, but you can change that. That said, we recommend you do that only if your Wi-Fi is compatible with 5GHz. Typically, most newer models are compatible with 5GHz (you can check it on your router’s box). To change the frequency band on your Android phone, go to your Wi-Fi settings and tap Advanced and then Wi-Fi frequency band. Next, select the Automatic option so your phone can always choose to use 5GHz whenever possible.
Update your phone
While it may seem to be a simple step, it is an important one. To prevent any minor phone issues or those related to connectivity, it is important to ensure your phone is always up-to-date. Many people do not update their phones as they find it convenient to use the older version. However, you must note that the newer updates help fix problems and bugs in the operating system. So, if you are using an older Android version, you must update it.
Reset your phone
By resetting your phone, all the settings will turn the custom settings such as saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, etc., to default which will improve the connection. So, these are eight ways you can improve Wi-Fi signal strength on your smartphone. Do try and share your experience in the comment section below.
