Why Your Wi-Fi Drops in Certain Rooms (And How to Fix It Fast)

You’re halfway through a video call, streaming your favourite show, or trying to upload a file — and suddenly, your Wi-Fi just… stops. The connection vanishes, the screen freezes, and your browser spins endlessly. The strange part? It only happens in certain rooms. The kitchen is fine, but the bedroom is patchy. The living room is strong, but step into the study, and it’s game over.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many households struggle with inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage, especially as more devices rely on stable internet throughout the entire home. And even with a plan that promises fast home internet, the issue usually isn’t the connection coming into your house — it’s what happens to it once it hits your walls.

Luckily, there are quick, practical fixes for most of these frustrating dead zones. But first, let’s break down what’s actually going on.

Wi-Fi travels through the air as radio waves, much like your mobile phone signal or FM radio. And just like radio, it can be blocked, weakened, or scattered by things in its path.

Here are the most common reasons Wi-Fi signals drop off in specific areas:

1. Distance from the Router

Wi-Fi signals lose strength the further they travel. If your router is at one end of the house and you're trying to get a signal at the other, it’s no surprise the connection struggles.

2. Walls and Obstructions

Thick walls, especially those made from concrete, brick or stone, are major culprits in blocking Wi-Fi. Even materials like plaster, metal, and mirrors can absorb or reflect signals.

3. Interference from Other Devices

Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even neighbouring Wi-Fi networks can interfere with your signal — especially on the 2.4GHz frequency, which is more prone to congestion.

4. Router Placement

Tucked away in a cupboard or buried behind a TV cabinet? If your router is hidden or placed low to the ground, it’s already working at a disadvantage.

5. Outdated Hardware

Older routers may not be equipped to handle the speeds or coverage required in modern homes — especially with multiple people streaming, gaming, and working online simultaneously.

Before jumping into solutions, run a few simple checks to identify weak spots and potential causes.

• Speed Test in Each Room: Use a service like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to measure performance. Compare results from near the router vs. far away.

• Signal Strength App: Apps like NetSpot, WiFi Analyzer, or even your device’s Wi-Fi settings can show signal strength throughout your home.

• Device Consistency: Try using multiple devices in the same room. If only one is dropping out, the issue could be with the device itself (e.g. outdated Wi-Fi adapter).

Once you’ve mapped out the trouble zones, it’s time to fix them.

1. Reposition Your Router

The cheapest and fastest fix? Move your router to a more central, open location in your home. Ideally, place it:

• High up (on a shelf or wall-mounted)

• Away from large metal objects or electronics

• Centrally located, not in a far corner

Small adjustments here can lead to big improvements.

2. Switch to the 5GHz Band

If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands (dual-band), try connecting to the 5GHz network for better speeds and less interference. While 5GHz has a shorter range, it’s often more stable in rooms near the router.

Use 2.4GHz for devices further away, where range matters more than speed.

3. Upgrade Your Router

If your router is more than 3–5 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Look for routers that support Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E — these are faster, more efficient, and better at managing lots of devices at once.

Also, newer routers often come with features like beamforming (directing the signal to your device) and MU-MIMO (serving multiple devices simultaneously).

4. Add a Wi-Fi Extender or Repeater

Wi-Fi extenders take your existing signal and rebroadcast it, boosting coverage in problem areas. These are easy to set up and affordable — just plug one into a power point between your router and the dead zone.

However, they can sometimes halve your bandwidth, so they’re better for browsing and emails than heavy streaming or gaming.

5. Go Mesh for Seamless Coverage

A mesh Wi-Fi system is ideal for larger homes or places with tricky layouts. It uses multiple nodes (mini routers) placed throughout the home to create a unified network.

Unlike extenders, mesh systems don’t require separate networks or sacrifice speed. They dynamically route your signal through the best path, giving you solid performance wherever you are.

Popular systems include Google Nest Wi-Fi, Eero, TP-Link Deco, and Netgear Orbi.

6. Use Ethernet Where You Can

If you’re working from home or doing a lot of video calls, nothing beats a wired connection. Use Ethernet for desktop computers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles if possible. This frees up Wi-Fi for mobile devices and improves overall stability.

If running a long cable isn’t practical, consider Powerline adapters — they use your home’s electrical wiring to send internet to other rooms.

Sometimes, small things can create big headaches over time. These habits can help keep your Wi-Fi running at its best:

• Restart your router regularly: Once a week clears memory and refreshes connections

• Update your firmware: Just like your phone, routers get software updates for performance and security

• Limit background data: Pause large downloads or updates during high-traffic times

• Secure your network: Ensure your Wi-Fi is password-protected to prevent neighbours from leeching your bandwidth

If you’ve upgraded your router, moved it to a better spot, and still have issues in certain rooms — the problem might be your device. Older phones, laptops or tablets may not support newer Wi-Fi standards or struggle with weak signals.

Try the same task on a different device in the same room. If it works fine, your device might be the bottleneck — and a simple USB Wi-Fi adapter or software update might be all it needs.

There’s no reason your internet should drop the moment you move into the next room. Wi-Fi dead zones are common, but they’re also fixable. Whether it’s repositioning your router, investing in a mesh system, or running a quick cable to your desk, the right solution depends on your space, your usage, and your needs. With just a bit of tweaking, you can finally enjoy reliable, consistent internet in every corner of your home — and say goodbye to signal dropouts for good.