How can I improve my Wi-Fi signal?

If your Wi-Fi works when you are in the same room as your modem but signal strength decreases when you move to a different room within your home, this could be due to a number of factors:

 
 

Location: Wireless signal can be affected by walls or other solid objects such as metal objects, furniture or a large mirror for example, so it is best to position your modem within a central location in your home to ensure minimum impact.

Range: As well as overcoming obstacles that impact your Wi-Fi signal, a Smart Wi-Fi pod can also extend the range of your signal. This is ideal for larger homes as it will help boost the signal far and wide enabling everyone to get online throughout the home. Check out our Wi-Fi Guarantee and Smart Pods here.

Other devices in your home: Other items such as baby monitors, microwave ovens and cordless phones may affect your Wi-Fi as they may work on the same frequency as your wireless modem, this can result in a loss of signal, so try where possible not to have them in close proximity.

Other devices that use Wi-Fi such as mobiles, consoles etc. May be fighting for the signal, consider turning off anything that isn't being used and downloading lareg files during the night.

Interference from external sources: If you are in an apartment building with lots of wireless modems and lots of devices you may experience some wireless interference. If you reboot your modem it will automatically select the most appropriate channel for you. To do this unplug your modem; leave it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This allows the modem to select the best Wi-Fi channel for you.

Ethernet Cable: We recommend that you connect using an Ethernet cable rather than your Wi-Fi to get the best results from your broadband.

Wi-Fi Guarantee: While Virgin Media delivers fast and reliable broadband there can be some black spots in the home. With our Wi-Fi Guarantee, you can enjoy complete home coverage with secure Wi-Fi guaranteed using Smart Wi-Fi Pods, powered by advanced Wi-Fi mesh technology.

Find out more in our Wi-Fi section or watch our video on how to get the best Wifi experience from your Virgin Media Hub

Follow these steps to get the best Wi-Fi signal around your home.

Reduce obstacles to get a clearer signal

Your wireless signal is best when you’re in line-of-sight of your Hub.

Walls or fish tanks reduce the WiFi strength and distance, while wireless speakers and baby monitors can cause interference.

If you have another Virgin Media connection point in your home in a more central place, considering installing your hub there instead to get a better service.

Remember some devices are limited & need a break

New devices are much better suited for wireless connectivity and speed compared to older devices. The same goes for smaller devices. Smartphones are a convenient way to get online but may not be able to keep up with larger laptops.

Devices are constantly fighting for signal causing reduced speeds. Make sure you switch off anything you aren't using, and try downloading large files, like movies and music, late at night when other devices are asleep.

Use an Ethernet/Wired connection where possible

We recommend you connect any device you can to an Ethernet cable that plugs into the back of your Hub. Games consoles, smart TVs, PC's all have an Ethernet socket, and you can plug in up to four devices at a time.

This allows other devices that aren't plugged in a much better signal.

Don’t tuck your Hub away

Tucking your Hub behind a TV, in a TV cabinet or in a closed shelving unit can block your wireless signal.

It’s best to position your Hub out in the open to avoid any unnecessary signal blocks.

 
 

Switch channel with a reboot

Your Hub uses two wireless channels: 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

  • 2.4GHz: This channel has a longer range, so you can stay connected further away from the Hub, but the speed is slower.
  • 5GHz: This channel is faster but only works well when you're closer to the Hub.

Both channels share the same WiFi name, and your device will automatically switch between them. If you're far from the Hub, it'll use 2.4GHz for better range. When you're closer, it switches to 5GHz for faster speeds. You don't need to do anything—the Hub takes care of it automatically. Rebooting the Hub helps it choose the best channel if there’s interference.

 
 

Reduce obstacles to get a clearer signal

Your wireless signal is best when you’re in line-of-sight of your Hub.

Walls or fish tanks reduce the WiFi strength and distance, while wireless speakers and baby monitors can cause interference.

If you have another Virgin Media connection point in your home in a more central place, considering installing your hub there instead to get a better service.

 
 

Remember some devices are limited

New devices are much better suited for wireless connectivity and speed compared to older devices.

It isn’t just about the age though - tablets and smartphones are a brilliant and convenient way to get online, but most smartphones are unable to process high speeds due to their smaller size. This means they can’t quite keep up with newer computers when it comes to speed.

 
 

Give your gadgets and gizmos a break

Wireless networks are often shared between lots of devices, including computers, games consoles, smartphones, TVs and even WiFi music systems. This can cause reduced speeds and breaks in connection, as each fight for the best signal.

Make sure you switch off anything you aren't using, and try downloading large files, like movies and music, late at night when other devices are asleep.

 
 

Use an Ethernet/Wired connection where possible

We recommend you connect any device you can to an Ethernet cable that plugs into the back of your Hub. Games consoles, smart TVs, PC's all have an Ethernet socket, and you can plug in up to four devices at a time.

This allows other devices that aren't plugged in a much better signal.

 
 

Get WiFi Guarantee

Want to get rid of those annoying WiFi blackspots around your home using our next level WiFi mesh technology? Simply plug them in and enjoy guaranteed minimum speeds for reliable browsing, gaming, and show-streaming power, right where you want it.

Find out more
 
 

Still having signal problems? Let us know...

If these tips don't work, and your service checker results come back normal, perhaps it's time to call us on 1908.

 
 
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