How to get reliable Wi-Fi in your backyard

Nobody wants They buffer tunes when they have friends over for a barbecue or a podcast stumbles while trying to finish their yard work. Although a regular router may fill your home with Wi-Fi, it doesn’t always extend to your yard or deck, let alone the end of your backyard. But you can get great Wi-Fi coverage in your outdoor spaces, and I’ll show you the best options.

You may also want to read how to make your Wi-Fi faster, how to buy a router, and whether you should choose a single router or a mesh system.

Adjust or move your router

Before you think about spending any money, try adjusting or moving your wireless router. Routers send Wi-Fi signals in a rough circle, so I always recommend placing your router in the center of your home. Moving it a little closer to your backyard or wherever you want to expand your Wi-Fi network is the simplest option. Make sure to place it high and in an open place. You may need a longer Ethernet cable. If your router has adjustable antennas, I also highly recommend moving them and testing the signal strength at the problem spot (this can make a surprising difference).

If you have a mesh system, try moving one of the nodes to your home’s back windowsill to extend the Wi-Fi network into the backyard. If you’re able, running an Ethernet cable between your main router and the node closest to your outdoor space for wired connectivity can also greatly extend range and speed. If you have an outbuilding, you might also consider running an armored Ethernet cable from your main router to a mesh node or access point there.

Use your smartphone as a hotspot

If you get a decent cellular signal on your phone in your garden and have a lot of data, it may be worth using your phone as a hotspot, enabling other devices to take advantage of your mobile network connection. We have a full guide on how to use your smartphone as a hotspot, but it’s very easy to do. Here’s the quick version:

• On iPhone: opens Settings, Personal point of contactswitch to On Allow others to joinAnd appoint A Wi-Fi password.
• on android: opens Settings, Network and Internet (or communication On a Samsung phone), select Connection and connection pointtoggle Wi-Fi hotspot Run, and choose a name and password.

The problem with this is that it will consume your data allowance, tether your phone, and drain your battery quickly. But it is a good solution in question.

Upgrade your setup

If the above two options don’t solve your Wi-Fi issues, it may be time to upgrade your hardware. We have guides to the best routers, best mesh systems, and best Wi-Fi extenders. If you’re currently using an old or ISP-equipped router, simply getting a new one can make a big difference in your range. Most routers have a rough estimate of the square foot range, but the construction of your home and other factors will affect it.

Switching from a single router to a mesh system is a better upgrade if you need to expand your Wi-Fi coverage. I’m not big on Wi-Fi extenders, but they can sometimes be the most cost-effective way to get Wi-Fi to a single problem spot. If you recently upgraded or already have a network, there are still other options.

Get an external router

People who have a mesh system can often easily add a router or external node. Outdoor routers are weatherproof and generally have an IP rating that specifies the type of weather they can withstand. They often come with anchors to mount them to an exterior wall, fence, or pole, but you should consider how you connect the power cable to an outlet. Which outdoor router is right for you depends entirely on your network system.