How to test your WiFi signal strength
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Want to know if your WiFi is really performing at its best? Checking your WiFi signal strength is a quick and easy way to see how strong your connection is, and whether it is giving you the speed and stability you are paying for
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 13 November 2025
How your signal strength is measured
Signal strength shows how powerful your connection is by the time it reaches your device, whether that’s your phone, tablet, laptop or WiFi router. Good signal strength isn’t one-size-fits-all - it depends on whether you’re talking WiFi or mobile. Both are measured in decibels (dBm), and the golden rule is the closer that number is to zero, the stronger your signal.
Your dBm reading gives you a much more accurate picture of your WiFi or mobile signal. You can find it right on your phone or computer. It’s usually tucked away in your settings, or you can use a handy app to dig up the details. It only takes a minute, and it’s the best way to see whether your connection’s as strong as it should be.
How to test your WiFi signal strength
The easiest way to check your signal strength is by glancing at the bars on your phone or device, but those little bars only tell part of the story. If you want to get a real sense of how strong your connection is, it’s worth looking at the dBm value instead.
On iPhone: Apple keeps things neat and tidy, so you won’t see dBm values in the settings. Instead download a WiFi analyser app from the App Store to get the full picture.
On Android: Head to Settings > WiFi, tap your connected network, and you’ll spot your signal strength listed in dBm. Simple.
On Windows: Open the Command Prompt, type netsh wlan show interfaces, and hit Enter. You’ll see a signal value pop up - look for a negative number like -60 dBm.
On Mac: Hold down the Option key and click the WiFi icon in your menu bar. You’ll see a drop-down with all the details, including your signal strength (RSSI) in dBm.
What is a good WiFi Signal strength?
For WiFi, a solid connection usually sits between -50dBm and -60dBm, perfect for fast speeds and smooth streaming. Once it dips below -70dBm, you might start to notice the tell-tale signs of a weaker connection, like buffering videos, lagging downloads, or patchy coverage.
Why is my signal strength weak when I test it?
There’s a lot of different factors that could impact your signal strength and make it weaker, and things that you can do to make your signal stronger. When testing the signal strength in your home, there are some factors that you should consider, these include:
Simply put, the further you are from the WiFi router or a cell tower, the weaker the signal becomes. If you’re close to a router or tower, you’ll have a strong connection. Your signal strength might be strongest in the room where the WiFi hub is based, and weaker or non-existent in a room further away.
Features in your home can block or weaken signal strength, including walls, doors, floors and more. If you have walls in your home made of concrete or brick, the signal strength might be reduced. Your signal might be weaker in your bedroom, for example, if the signal has to go through several walls.
Certain electrical devices can interfere with signal strength, including microwaves, Bluetooth devices and other cordless phones. While they don’t operate on the same frequencies, the similar frequencies being omitted can often interfere with one another.
Too many people using the same network at the same time can cause the signal to become slow. Think about your signal at big events like concerts or sports events. You often have a weak or slow connection due to how many people are trying to use the signal at the same time.
Ways to improve your signal strength
Boosting your signal strength can make a huge difference - no more dropped calls, no more buffering. Faster internet, clearer calls, and smoother streaming all round - so what can you do to give your WiFi or mobile signal a helping hand?
1. Move closer to the router
It's obvious, but it's actually really effective. The closer you are to the WiFi router or mobile tower, the stronger your signal will be. If certain rooms feel like WiFi dead zones, see if you can move the Hub to a spot that gets some reception. For mobile, heading outside or towards a window can make a big difference.
2. Clear the clutter
Walls, doors, and all that other stuff can really get in the way of your signal. Keep the WiFi router in a place that's nice and open, with a clear path to every corner of your home. When it comes to mobile, steer clear of basements and thick walls - your signal will be a lot happier if you do.
3. Cut the competition
Everyday stuff like microwaves, cordless phones and baby monitors can really interfere with your WiFi. If the router will do it, switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz - it's faster, less crowded, and a great way to sort out those pesky dropouts.
4. Give your WiFi a boost
If there are still bits of your home that struggle to get a decent connection, a WiFi extender or mesh system can make all the difference. A WiFi extender just pushes your existing signal a bit further, while a mesh setup uses loads of access points to cover your whole home in strong, reliable WiFi.
5. Get up to date
Still using a router that's past its best? If it's more than five years old, it might be time to think about getting a new one. Newer routers and phones support the latest tech, so you'll get faster speeds and a stronger, more stable connection.
6. Find the perfect spot for your router
Where you put the router can make all the difference. Pop it somewhere central, off the floor, and away from any walls or metal objects. Keep it high up on a shelf or table, and try not to hide it behind the telly. That way, your WiFi can get to every device, in every room, without any problems.
Need a WiFi upgrade?
If you have tested your WiFi signal speed and done what you can to boost your signal, but are still struggling, it might be time for an upgrade. With our WiFi guarantee, you can enjoy speeds of at least 30Mbps in every room.
Check out what broadband packages are available in your area and enjoy seamless internet connections throughout your home.
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