Common Household Devices Near Routers Can Slow Down Your Wi-Fi Speed

If your home internet feels slow, experts advise checking the placement of your router before upgrading your plan or buying new equipment. A common household device near the router may interfere with Wi-Fi signals, especially those operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Devices such as smart speakers, televisions, microwaves, baby monitors, and other wireless electronics can disrupt the signal, as can physical obstacles like furniture or walls.

The recommended solution is to give the router more "breathing room" by positioning it in an open, central, and elevated spot in the home, avoiding enclosed spaces like cabinets or corners. While relocating the router can improve wireless reception and performance within the home, it will not increase the internet speed beyond what your service provider offers.

Before spending money on upgrades, users should conduct a speed test in areas with weak signal, move the router away from interfering devices and barriers, and then test again. Often, simply moving the router to a better location can enhance internet performance without additional cost.