Six Common Household Items That Could Be Slowing Down Your Wi-Fi

If your Wi-Fi feels sluggish or has limited range, the problem may not be your internet plan but what’s around your router. Experts suggest that certain everyday objects can interfere with wireless signals, and simply moving them could boost speed and coverage at no cost.

Mirrors and metal surfaces are prime culprits, as they reflect radio waves, causing them to scatter or weaken. Bluetooth-enabled gadgets such as wireless speakers, keyboards, or mice can also cause disruptions, particularly on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Switching to 5 GHz or moving these devices away from your router can reduce interference.

Large furniture made of metal or even dense wood can obstruct Wi-Fi signals, especially if the router is hidden inside cabinets. Relocating the router to an open, elevated, and central location is recommended. Microwaves, which operate on a similar frequency to many Wi-Fi networks, can drastically affect performance if the router is placed nearby.

Another surprising disruptor is water. Aquariums or water tanks can absorb radio wave energy, diminishing the signal’s strength in surrounding areas. Lastly, neighboring Wi-Fi networks can create congestion if they operate on overlapping channels. Using a Wi-Fi analyzer app can help identify less crowded channels, which can then be set through the router’s configuration.

These tips echo advice from other technology experts, who warn that interference from household electronics and structural barriers is a common but overlooked cause of poor internet performance. By removing or repositioning these obstacles, users may experience a noticeable improvement without investing in costly range extenders or upgrades.

In short, better Wi-Fi might be just a matter of rearranging your living space—proof that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.