Boost your connection by checking your Wi-Fi strength from any device

Boost your home Wi-Fi connection by checking its strength! From gaming to streaming, a reliable Wi-Fi signal is crucial. While we can't see radio waves, we can easily measure signal strength to optimize device placement and troubleshoot connection issues. Remember, signal strength (RSSI, measured in dBm) differs from speed. A strong signal (-50 dBm or higher) generally means faster, more stable speeds; anything below -80 dBm usually indicates problems.

Here's how to check your Wi-Fi strength on different devices:

Android:

The Wi-Fi icon in your status bar provides a basic indication. For more detail, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet, tap your Wi-Fi network, and check the signal strength reading (though this may only offer vague labels like "fair" or "excellent"). For precise measurements, use a third-party app like Wifi Speed Test. Its Access Points tab shows signal strengths (color-coded) for all nearby networks, and the Time Graph charts signal strength over time, ideal for identifying optimal placement and dead zones.

iOS:

The Wi-Fi icon in your status bar offers a three-bar strength indicator, but unfortunately, native iOS options provide no further detail. Apple's free AirPort Utility app displays signal strength in dBm for detected networks. Note that third-party apps no longer directly access this data; however, apps like iWifi offer speed and ping tests for network performance assessment (a paid subscription removes ads and improves accuracy).

Windows:

The taskbar displays a four-bar Wi-Fi strength indicator. For more detail, go to Settings > Network & internet > WiFi. PowerShell provides a more precise percentage reading: Open PowerShell, type netsh wlan show interfaces, and press Enter. The free inSSIDer app offers a comprehensive view of nearby Wi-Fi networks, including dBm signal strength and color-coded indicators.

macOS:

The menu bar shows a three-bar Wi-Fi strength indicator. For more detailed information, hold the Option key while clicking the Wi-Fi icon to reveal real-time signal strength statistics. Besides iWifi, the Wifiry app ($3 one-time purchase) offers comprehensive readings for all nearby networks and a customizable menu bar indicator.

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