1. Use a central location
By placing your router in the middle of your home, the signal can reach all rooms equally. Wi-Fi signals radiate outwards in all directions, so placing your router in a central location gives even coverage throughout your home. Avoid tucking it away in a corner or placing it in one extreme end of the house, as this may leave some rooms with weaker signals.
2. Raise it up
Putting your hub on the floor is a big no-no as Wi-Fi signal travels downwards too. Position your router on a high shelf or mount it on a wall to reduce obstructions and improve signal reach. Wi-Fi signals travel best when they’re not blocked by furniture, appliances, or thick walls.
3. Don’t put it in the kitchen
The kitchen is the worst room for your router to live. There’s just too many other appliances – see below for list of objects to avoid – that will interfere with your signal. There also tends to be more metal here which can reflect and weaken signals.
4. Keep it in the open
Although it might be tempting to keep your router hidden out of sight, putting your piece of kit in a cupboard or hidden away in something will weaken the signal as you’re adding another physical layer for the Wi-Fi to travel through. Keeping your router in an open space allows a clear pathway for your device.
5. Stay away from windows
Keep the view just for you, as placing your Wi-Fi router next to a window can actually weaken your signal. Wi-Fi signals radiate in all directions, and when positioned near a window, these signals will end up escaping outside instead of staying inside where you need them. If you live in a densely populated area, placing your router near a window may also make your network more vulnerable to interference from neighbouring Wi-Fi signals.
6. Keep away from obstacles and electronics
Certain household objects that you might not even think of can disrupt Wi-Fi signals. Keep your router away from:
- Large metal objects (like refrigerators and filing cabinets)
- Microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones, which operate on similar frequencies
- Water sources, such as fish tanks, which can absorb signals
- Electronic devices, such as Bluetooth speakers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs, can create signal interference.
7. Position the antennas correctly
Not all routers have antennas, but if they do, position them in the best way:
- One antenna pointing vertically (for horizontal coverage)
- One antenna pointing horizontally (for vertical coverage) This helps maximize signal distribution across different floors and rooms.
Still not getting the best Wi-Fi signal?
If you’ve tried all the above and your router is now in its prime position, your home may just be too big for a standard router to cope with
Get extra help
Larger homes or multi-story houses may require additional solutions, so if you’re still experiencing weak signals or dead zones consider using Wi-Fi boosters that extend your existing network's range by amplifying the signals. Or mesh network systems that create a seamless network with multiple access points to ensure a better coverage. these solutions are especially useful for larger spaces or buildings with thick walls that obstruct Wi-Fi signals. Most providers offer an additional add-on service for these.
Try a new router
When you sign up for a broadband deal, you’ll get a free router from your new provider. While the majority of these do a pretty decent job, they tend to be on the more basic side and you might find you get a better performance by using your own equipment.
Read our guide to using a 3rd party router.
Update and maintain your router
Keeping your router’s firmware up to date ensures optimal performance and security. Manufacturers release firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance. Some routers give you automatic update alerts, but many need you to manually check for an update on your router’s manufacturer website.
If your router is more than five years old, consider upgrading to a newer model with better range and speed.
