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How to Fix Wi-Fi Dead Spots in Your Home

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Have you ever noticed that your laptop, tablet or phone won't connect to the Wi-Fi network in some areas of your home? It's not your imagination; it's likely a Wi-Fi dead spot. Every home has those mysterious corners where the Wi-Fi signal disappears. It can be frustrating, especially if dead spots affect spaces where you need internet connection. Luckily, while Wi-Fi dead spots are common, they're often fixable.

"[Dead spots] usually occur due to distance from a Wi-Fi router, obstructions from walls and furniture, interference from other electronic devices, poor router placement or a combination of all these factors," smart home and networking writer Dhruv Bhutani explained to CNET.

A recent CNET survey revealed that 63% of US adults have seen an increase in their monthly internet costs, and we want to make sure you're getting the most out of your money. With this guide, you'll be able to accurately diagnose and banish wi-fi dead spots, ensuring a strong, reliable connection throughout the entire home.

Locating local internet providers

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How to diagnose your Wi-Fi dead spots

There are several ways to pinpoint dead spots in your home and figure out how widespread the issue is.

Locating local internet providers

Run a speed test: CNET's senior broadband reporter Joe Supan said, "The best way to diagnose a dead zone is to run a speed test." After this test, you'll have access to "key information like download and upload speeds, jitter and latency. You can just pull out your phone in the [possible] dead zone and run the speed test from there."

You'll want to walk around your home and run tests in the areas that matter most. If the speeds don't match the rest of the house or if they're dramatically lower than the internet plan you're paying for, you may have identified a dead spot.

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