A LOT of items that are common in home settings can negatively impact Wi-Fi speed. Wi-Fi speed can be saved just by moving your router away from common household items
By Charlotte Edwards, Published: 16:16 ET, Jul 31 2023 Updated: 16:42 ET, Jul 31 2023
We’ve rounded up 10 below and they might make you want to rearrange some furniture.
MICROWAVE
Microwaves are one of the biggest Wi-Fi speed-stealing culprits.
That’s because they give out electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with your router’s signals.
FRIDGE
Any kitchen appliance that contains metal, including the fridge and the microwave, is bad for the Wi-Fi signal. That’s because routers emit radio waves that are electromagnetic. Metal absorbs them and reduces your Wi-Fi signal and speed.
SPEAKERS
Bluetooth speakers and other similar devices emit signals that can interfere with your Wi-Fi speed.
That’s because both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices use similar radio frequencies.
This can result in competing signals and disruption to either of them.
BABY MONITOR
The same signal interference can happen if you place a baby monitor near your Wi-Fi router.
It’s best to keep the two apart if you can.
TV
Your TV could also be disturbing your Wi-Fi signal and speed.
TVs contain metal and some have Wi-Fi-disrupting Bluetooth features.
MIRRORS
Even mirrors contain some metal.
Some large mirrors can impact connectivity as the mirror is made up of a thin coat of metal which may cause interference.
FISH TANK
Fish tanks that contain a large amount of water can block your Wi-Fi signal.
Water easily absorbs the radiation sent out by your router, leaving a black hole with no signal around the tank.
CONCRETE WALLS
Reinforced concrete walls can also slow down your Wi-Fi speed.
Concrete is a notoriously thick building material, making it difficult for radio waves to pass through.
Reinforced concrete usually has metal inside and that can make transmission of signals even worse.
WINDOWS
Placing your Wi-Fi router near a window isn’t always a good idea.
Unless you want a signal going outside, try to keep the device more central in the home.
VACUUM CLEANER
Vacuum cleaning near your Wi-Fi router can potentially disrupt your speed.
