Wi-Fi Site Surveys, Analysis, Troubleshooting runs on a MacBook (macOS 11+) or any laptop (Windows 7/8/10/11) with a standard 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless network adapter.
Why is My WiFi so Bad?
Tired of sluggish internet? If you’re asking, “Why is my WiFi so bad?” discover the most common causes and effective fixes for a faster WiFi and more stable connection
The internet has become an integral part of our lives, powering everything from work and education to entertainment and communication. Most of the time, a stable Wi-Fi connection goes unnoticed — until problems arise. That’s when we start asking, “Why is my Wi-Fi so bad?”
To identify and fix these issues, a reliable Wi-Fi diagnostic tool is essential. For example, a program like NetSpot offers not only a user-friendly interface but also a competitive price, making it easy to pinpoint problem areas and find the best solutions.
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What Is Bad Wi-Fi?
To better understand what might be causing poor Wi-Fi performance, it's important to define what "bad Wi-Fi" actually means. Wi-Fi performance varies based on usage — what seems like an unacceptable connection for one user might be sufficient for another.
Generally, Wi-Fi quality depends on signal strength and speed. A quick way to gauge your Wi-Fi signal strength is to use a Wi-Fi analyzer app, which can provide real-time data on your network’s performance and help identify weak spots.
NetSpot Inspector Mode: Table of Networks Around You
So what signal strength should you be content with? It depends on the tasks you expect to be fulfilled. For example, for sending and fetching emails, browsing the Internet, or scanning barcodes, -70 dBm is a decent signal strength. If you are going to use higher-throughput apps, -67 dBm is more suitable.
Some engineers will recommend -65 dBm if you are interested in supporting mobile iOS or Android devices. Depending on the requirements of a real-life network, the desired WiFi signal strength will vary.
For instance, basic web browsing and email require minimal speed and signal strength, whereas online gaming and 4K streaming demand a much stronger connection.
The best Wi-Fi signal strength depends on the tasks you need to perform:
| SNR (dB) | Signal Quality | Performance |
| more than-50 dBm | Excellent | Values around this can be considered an outstanding signal strength. |
| -50 dBm to -60 dBm | Good | A signal strength good enough for tasks of any level. |
| -60 dBm to -70 dBm | Fair | The minimum value for any service dependant on a steady connection and signal strength, e.g. voice over Wi-Fi or non-HD video streaming. |
| less than -70 dBm | Weak | This value of signal strength is considered unreliable and won't suffice for most services |
Note: The values in the chart below are suggestions. Depending on the requirements of a real-life network the desired WiFi signal strength will vary.
If you're still wondering whether your Wi-Fi is good enough, here are some clear signs that it might not be performing as well as it should:
- Buffering issues when streaming videos or music.
- Frequent disconnections from the network.
- Slow webpage loading times and lag in online games.
- Weak signal strength in different areas of your home or office.
- Inconsistent speeds, even when close to the router.
If you notice any of these issues, your Wi-Fi is not performing at its best. The next step is to determine the cause of the problem and take appropriate actions to improve your network’s performance.
Possible Reasons for a Bad Wi-Fi Signal
The strength of your WiFi signal can be negatively influenced by a number of different factors, including:
- Physical obstacles: Like all other forms of wireless communication, WiFi signals have a limited ability to pass through solid physical obstacles. While less dense materials such as wood or foam shouldn’t affect your signal too much, concrete or metal is a whole different story entirely. While you might not always be able to avoid all large physical obstacles, you should at least try to keep your router away from them and use a WiFi signal strength app to measure the loss of your signal strength.
- Distance from router: The WiFi signal emitted by your router becomes weaker and weaker the farther away you get from the router. By measuring WiFi signal strength in different parts of your home or office, you can create a signal strength heatmap to visualize your coverage and see all areas of signal weakness at a glance.
- Signal interference: There are many electronic devices that emit electromagnetic waves in the radio spectrum (from 30 Hz to 300 GHz). Examples include baby monitors, garage door openers, kitchen appliances, walkie-talkies, security cameras, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and, of course, other Wi-Fi routers. If you’ve ever attempted to have a deep conversation at a load party, then you can image how difficult it is for Wi-Fi devices to communicate when there’s too much signal interference.
- Router settings: Modern WiFi routers support multiple bands (most commonly 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and now 6 GHz), which are split into many different channels, some of which may be far busier than others. They also come with a whole host of performance-enhancing features, some of which may need to be manually enabled and configured.
- WiFi leeches: The term WiFi leeches is used to described people who search for unsecured networks using WiFi signal strength apps and other tools and connect to them without asking for a permission. The good news is that WiFi leeches can be easily repelled using strong encryption, which all modern routers support.
Sometimes, multiple factors can contribute to poor Wi-Fi performance at the same time. For example, interference from neighboring networks might combine with a poor router location to create signal instability. Understanding the specific reasons affecting your connection is key to finding the right solution.
Based on these causes, the necessary steps should be taken to eliminate issues and improve Wi-Fi performance. Whether it involves repositioning your router, adjusting network settings, or upgrading your equipment, addressing the root causes will lead to a more stable and faster connection.
How to Fix Bad Wi-Fi
If you’re still wondering why is my WiFi so bad, let’s consider the most effective ways to improve the situation. A few targeted adjustments can significantly enhance your Wi-Fi performance and provide a more stable connection. Let’s explore the key solutions:
Step 1
Identify and Eliminate Interference
Choosing the right Wi-Fi channel can greatly improve network speed and stability, especially in densely populated areas where numerous networks vie for bandwidth. You can use a Wi-Fi analyzer like NetSpot to detect overlapping networks and external interference.
With Inspector Mode, you can view a real-time graph of overlapping channels — including hidden networks — and pinpoint the best available channel for improved performance. NetSpot also supports the 6 GHz band, which provides more space and fewer competing signals.
To change your Wi-Fi channel, log into your router (usually at 192.168.1.1), find “Wireless Settings,” and switch to a less crowded channel as identified by NetSpot’s Inspector Mode.
Step 2
Optimize Router Placement and Signal Distribution
Positioning your router in a centrally located, elevated spot away from thick walls, metal objects, and electronic devices can significantly improve signal strength. If your home has multiple floors, positioning the router on an upper level can enhance coverage. To get a clear visual representation of how your Wi-Fi signal spreads, you can use a Wi-Fi heatmap tool like NetSpot.
This allows you to identify weak zones where adjustments — such as repositioning the router.
Step 3
Secure Your Network
If too many devices are connected or unauthorized users are leeching bandwidth, your Wi-Fi will slow down. Changing your Wi-Fi password, enabling WPA3 encryption, and limiting guest access can prevent unwanted connections and free up bandwidth for your primary devices.
Step 4
Optimize Router Settings
Adjusting settings such as Quality of Service (QoS) can prioritize important tasks like video calls and gaming. Enabling MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) allows multiple devices to communicate with the router more efficiently.
Step 5
Limit Background Applications
Devices running bandwidth-heavy applications in the background can slow down your connection. Restrict automatic updates, cloud backups, and streaming services on unused devices to free up bandwidth for essential tasks.
Step 6
Upgrade Your Equipment
Outdated routers or weak antennas can limit performance. Investing in a dual-band or tri-band router with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E support ensures better speeds and handling of multiple connected devices.
NetSpot’s Planning Mode allows you to virtually place access points and test different setups before investing in new equipment, helping you optimize coverage and performance efficiently.
Step 7
Consider a Mesh System or Wi-Fi Extender
If your home has multiple dead zones, a mesh Wi-Fi system can help distribute the signal more evenly, ensuring consistent coverage across all rooms without relying on a single router.
Step 8
Use Ethernet for Critical Devices
For devices that require a stable connection, such as gaming consoles, PCs, or smart TVs, consider using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection eliminates signal interference and ensures maximum speed and stability.
Conclusion
Experiencing bad Wi-Fi can be frustrating, but it’s not a lost cause. With the right approach and a reliable Wi-Fi analyzer like NetSpot, you can optimize your wireless network for better performance.
Whether it’s adjusting router placement, switching to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel, or upgrading to 6 GHz-capable equipment, small changes can make a big difference. Regularly analyzing your network helps maintain a stable and efficient connection, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted Wi-Fi performance.
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FAQ
Why is my WiFi so bad in one room but fine in another?
Walls, floors, and furniture can block Wi-Fi signals. Using NetSpot’s heatmap in Survey Mode helps identify weak zones and suggests better router placement.
Why is my WiFi so bad even with a strong internet plan?
Your router’s settings, interference from other networks, and device limitations can impact performance. Analyzing your network with NetSpot can help pinpoint the issue.
Why is my WiFi so bad at night?
More users may be online during peak hours, increasing congestion. Nearby networks might also contribute to interference. Switching to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel can help.
Can too many devices slow down my Wi-Fi?
Yes. Each connected device consumes bandwidth. If too many devices are active, your network may slow down. Upgrading your router or using a mesh system can improve performance.
There are several factors that can degrade your Wi-Fi signal, including router placement, network interference, outdated equipment, and excessive bandwidth usage. By using a Wi-Fi analyzer like NetSpot, you can identify weak spots in coverage and address them with proper router positioning, channel selection, or equipment upgrades.
Physical obstructions (walls, metal surfaces), long distances between your device and router, and interference from neighboring networks or electronics commonly lead to a bad Wi-Fi signal. Conducting a wireless site survey with a tool such as NetSpot helps you pinpoint which obstacles are most affecting your signal.
Start by optimizing router settings (e.g., choosing a less-crowded channel), moving your router to a central location, and making sure your network is secure from unauthorized users. If you have multiple devices competing for bandwidth, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router for faster speeds and better device handling.
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Wi-Fi Site Surveys, Analysis, Troubleshooting runs on a MacBook (macOS 11+) or any laptop (Windows 7/8/10/11) with a standard 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless network adapter.