How to check your WiFi signal strength: Test in under 5 minutes
By Anthony Harrison - 19 September 2023
Share this:
Struggling to get a strong or reliable WiFi signal? Learn how to check your WiFi signal strength with a precise test on iPhones, Android devices, Windows 10 or 11 computers, and Macs.
First off, take a glance at your WiFi indicator symbol on your device — those bars are the initial strength test. More bars mean stronger signals, while error messages might be a sign of trouble.
Here’s another thing with internet 'speed' and 'signal strength' — they aren’t the same. Speed is about how fast your internet can run, like how quickly you can download.
Signal strength is about how strong the connection is, like how many bars you get on your phone or in a specific room. Our guide will cover how to test and boost signal strength.
How do you measure WiFi signal strength?
For a precise reading of your WiFi strength, you need to check the "decibels relative to a milliwatt" or decibel milliwatts (dBm). The scale goes from -30 (strong) to -90 (weak), so -50 to -60 dBm is the sweet spot for reliable broadband.
Want to make weak signal a thing of the past? Mesh WiFi increases the coverage throughout your home to ensure you have a strong signal in every room.
Why WiFi signal strength matters
Signal strength can mess with your work and home life. When the signal is weak, brace yourself for disappointing moments. If you experience these issues, you might have poor WiFi signal strength:
- Unreliable connections and dropouts
- Not getting the full broadband speed you pay for
- Hassle, frustration, and inconvenience
Concrete walls and other materials can block WiFi signals. If you’re far away from the router, the signal may get weak too.
And don't forget about other gadgets hogging the signal and causing a jam!
A strong signal will give you the smoothest experience. Otherwise, you might be joining the 8 in 10 Brits who experience WiFi rage.
Now that we’ve cleared up why WiFi signal strength matters, let’s find out how to check it.
How to check your WiFi signal strength on iPhone
To check WiFi signal strength on your iPhone, you’ll need an app that can scan WiFi signals, like the AirPort Utility app. To test your signal, do the following:
- Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘AirPort Utility’
- Toggle ‘WiFi Scanner’
- Open the app and tap ‘WiFi Scan’
- Tap ‘Scan’ and select your network
- Look for the ‘RSSI -XX dBm’ result
Check the dBm for a precise reading. Remember, -50 to -60 dBm is a good strength. If the iPhone is still giving you an unreliable connection, it might be another issue.
How to check your WiFi signal strength on Android
First things first, head to the Google Play Store and download a WiFi scanning app, like WiFi Analyzer or an alternative. Install your chosen app, then use the following steps to test your signal strength:
- Scroll down and connect to the network you want to check
- Follow the steps to run the test (this might vary depending on the app)
- The dBm reading will be right at your fingertips!
Make a note of your reading for an accurate gauge of signal strength. The lower the dBm goes, the stronger the signal–and the higher it goes the weaker the signal.
How to check your WiFi signal strength on Windows 10 or 11
On a Windows computer, you’ll need to download an application to scan your WiFi, like the free inSSIDer app. Install it and then use the following steps to find your WiFi signal reading:
- Open it up and the dashboard will have all the dBm details
- Simply take the reading to confirm your signal strength–you know the drill!
Check WiFi signal with a command prompt
For the tech wizards out there, we’ve got a slightly more advanced way to check your WiFi signal strength for Windows 10 or 11 users too.
Open ‘Command prompt’ and type “netsh wlan show interfaces”, you’ll see a signal strength % and many other details–great if you want a quick test with no downloads.
How to check your WiFi signal strength on a Mac
For the Mac maestros out there, good news — your device already has all it needs to check WiFi signal strength. Your Mac’s WiFi signal bar symbol can show you details about your WiFi without installing anything:
- Just hold down the 'Option key (⌥)'
- Click the WiFi symbol on the top of your screen in the menu bar
- You’ll see the hidden WiFi menu — with the dBm, IP address, and other details
Check your signal in just a few clicks on a Mac computer, and make a note of your dBm to verify your WiFi’s signal strength.
How to boost your WiFi signal strength
It’s not much help just confirming your signal strength is bad! It's time to take action. Try the following tips for an extra WiFi boost:
- Find your router’s best position, which is a central and open spot where the signal can spread out.
- Give your router some space — keep it away from other gadgets, obstacles, and thick walls that might block or jam the signal.
- Update your router's firmware for more reliable performance, and consider changing the settings so it can automatically update the firmware.
- Limit the devices on your network so you’re not overloading the router. You can also plug in devices to reduce strain on the WiFi.
- Try WiFi extenders or Mesh systems for a coverage boost, such as the high-quality, Dual or Tri-Band Mesh routers we offer.
- Adjust the antenna position, keeping them upright and pointing away from obstacles for maximum signal.
- Regularly restart your router to clear any frustrating technical glitches and improve performance
The above tips can help enhance dBm readings, so try them out and re-test the WiFi signal strength on your device to see what works best.
WiFi signal FAQs
We've answered some common questions that come up when troubleshooting WiFi signal strength:
What does mW mean?
mW means milliwatts — it's a unit of power for measuring WiFi signal strength.
What does RSSI mean?
RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator — it's a value that shows your WiFi signal's strength.
What does dBm mean?
dBm, or "decibel milliwatts" is a signal strength measurement, which gives you a more precise way of measuring how strong or weak your WiFi is.
How do I check my WiFi signal strength for free?
You can check your WiFi strength for free by using your device's built-in signal indicators or advanced network settings. Some apps are also free to use.
Is there an app to test WiFi signal strength?
Yes. You can use apps like Airport Utility (iPhone), WiFi Analyzer (Android), inSSIDer (Windows 10 or 11), and many other paid or free apps to test your WiFi signal strength.
How to get a strong WiFi signal
Checking the signal strength and taking steps to boost your WiFi signal can help performance, but it’s meaningless without a fast internet speed.
Our unbeatable Premium WiFi service guarantee allows for reliable connections throughout the home for smooth internet surfing and less frustration. Your WiFi will be at your side wherever you roam throughout your home, even on our fastest 3 Gbps broadband deal.
Our 100% full fibre packages deliver the fastest speeds in London, but don't just take our word for it. Put us to the test against your current provider to see if you can get faster speeds.
Community Fibre is available in London, Surrey, and Sussex. Check your postcode to see if Community Fibre’s broadband is available in your area. And keep up to date with our blog for more news, updates, and tips.
Article tags