A slow Wi-Fi connection isn’t always the fault of your internet provider. Sometimes, the problem is sitting right inside your home. Certain appliances, building materials, furniture, and even the way your router is positioned can interfere with the signal and leave you wondering why the internet suddenly feels so sluggish.
The good part is that some of these problems are easy to fix. Moving the router, changing where certain devices sit, or switching to a different Wi-Fi band can make a noticeable difference. Here are 12 things around your house that may be getting in the way of a better connection.
Walls
Walls can be a major obstacle for Wi-Fi, especially when they’re made from dense materials. Concrete, brick, and metal can weaken the signal as it travels from your router to your devices.
The farther your device is from the router, and the more walls the signal has to pass through, the weaker the connection may become. If possible, put your router in a central, open spot rather than hiding it in a corner or behind several walls.
Mirrors
That large mirror on the wall may be making your room look bigger, but its construction can also affect your Wi-Fi. Many mirrors have a thin metal layer behind the glass, which can reflect or weaken wireless signals.
A mirror directly between your router and a frequently used device can be more of a problem than one sitting off to the side. Try moving the router or changing the position of the device if you notice a weak connection in that area.
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Microwave Ovens
Your microwave can cause temporary Wi-Fi trouble, particularly if you’re using the 2.4 GHz band. Microwaves operate at around 2.45 GHz, which is close to the frequency used by 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
That means you might notice buffering, slower speeds, or a brief connection drop while the microwave is running. Keeping the router a good distance away from the microwave can help. Using the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band, when supported by your router and devices, can also reduce this type of interference.
Cordless Phones
Older cordless phones can interfere with Wi-Fi if they operate on the same 2.4 GHz band. The problem is less common with newer phones, but an older handset or base station sitting close to your router can still cause trouble.
According to AT&T, some cordless phones and baby monitors use frequencies that can interfere with home Wi-Fi. Moving the phone base farther from the router or switching to a different type of phone can help.
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Baby Monitors
Baby monitors can create similar problems, especially older models that transmit on the 2.4 GHz band. If the monitor and router are close together, the two signals may compete with each other.
Check the monitor’s specifications to see which frequency it uses. Moving it farther from the router may be enough to solve the problem. Some newer monitors use different wireless technologies, which can reduce this type of interference.
Water Features
Large amounts of water can absorb radio-frequency energy, which is one reason pools, large fish tanks, and indoor water features can affect wireless signals.
A small aquarium probably won’t bring your Wi-Fi to a standstill, but a router sitting directly beside a large fish tank isn’t a great setup. Keep the router away from large bodies of water and place it somewhere open for the best coverage.
Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth devices can sometimes interfere with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi because both technologies operate in the same general frequency range. Your wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and other gadgets may contribute to congestion if many devices are active at once.
Modern Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems are built to share the 2.4 GHz band, so the effect isn’t always noticeable. Still, if your connection seems unreliable, try moving a crowded collection of Bluetooth devices away from the router or switching important devices to 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Household Appliances
Large appliances can create problems depending on their construction and location. Refrigerators, washing machines, fluorescent lighting, and other electrical equipment can interfere with wireless signals or physically block them.
Your router doesn’t need to sit on top of every appliance to work well. Give it some open space and keep it away from large metal objects whenever possible. A dual-band router can also give you more options if the 2.4 GHz connection is crowded.
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Furniture
A router buried behind a bookshelf, tucked inside a cabinet, or surrounded by large pieces of furniture isn’t going to have the same reach as one sitting in an open area.
Wood isn’t usually a major Wi-Fi blocker by itself, but thick furniture can still weaken the signal, especially when several obstacles sit between the router and your devices. Raising the router and keeping a clear path toward the areas where you use Wi-Fi most can help.
Home Security Systems
Some older security systems use radio frequencies that can interfere with nearby wireless equipment. The issue can be more noticeable when the security hub and Wi-Fi router are sitting right next to each other.
Try leaving some space between the two devices. If you’re having persistent connection problems, check the specifications for your security system and router to see which frequencies they use.
Electronic Devices
Televisions, desktop computers, gaming consoles, smart speakers, smart plugs, and other connected gadgets can all contribute to a crowded wireless environment. Some devices can also physically block the router’s signal if they’re placed directly beside or in front of it.
The EMC Directory explains that electromagnetic interference can affect electronic equipment and wireless communication. Moving the router away from clusters of electronics can help. For devices that stay in one place, an Ethernet connection is another good option.
Old or Outdated Routers
Sometimes the router itself is the problem. An older model may lack newer Wi-Fi standards, have limited capacity for multiple devices, or simply struggle to keep up with the demands of a busy household.
Before replacing it, check whether a firmware update is available and restart the router to see if that clears up the issue. If the hardware is several years old and consistently struggles with multiple phones, computers, TVs, and smart-home devices, upgrading may be worth the cost.
Plants
Your houseplants probably aren’t going to destroy your Wi-Fi, but a large amount of foliage can weaken a wireless signal when it sits directly between the router and your device. Plants contain plenty of water, and water absorbs some radio-frequency energy.
There’s no need to get rid of your favorite plants. Just avoid creating a wall of greenery around the router. Keep the router in an open location and leave a reasonably clear path toward the rooms where you use your connection most.
