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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Uses your existing Wi-Fi, not mobile data, to extend coverage.
- It extends coverage, but may result in slower speeds than your router.
- Place the phone between the router and dead zone for best results.
I have a Pixel phone that usually sits in a drawer. I mostly use it to test new Android features for work, but sometimes I find creative ways to use or repurpose it. My latest experiment is fixing Wi-Fi dead zones.
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You know... that one room or corner of your home where everything buffers, drops, or refuses to load. Most people fix this by buying a dedicated Wi-Fi extender or upgrading to a mesh system. But there's another option if you're like me and have an old Android phone lying around. You can turn it into a Wi-Fi extender, and it works well enough to deliver a usable connection in problem areas. The best part is it doesn't cost a thing to try.
How to fix spotty home Wi-Fi with an Android phone
What you'll need: All you'll need is an old Android phone with hotspot support, access to your home Wi-Fi network, and a charger to keep the device powered on while in use.
Next, enable Android's Wi-Fi hotspot feature. This creates a new Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to, but the phone essentially rebroadcasts your existing connection and serves as a basic Wi-Fi extender.
- On most Android phones, go to Settings > Network and internet > Hotspot and tethering, then enable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- On Samsung devices, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering, then enable Mobile Hotspot.
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In the same Wi-Fi hotspot menu, you can adjust a few other options.
For example, you can enable a setting that turns off the hotspot automatically when no devices are connected. You can also choose a frequency, such as 2.4, 5, or even 6 GHz, which affects compatibility and connection speed. Some phones also let you enable instant connections for devices signed in to your Google account.
These tweaks can make a difference if you plan to use this setup long term.
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If you're using an old phone, it likely doesn't have a SIM or an active cellular connection. But if it does, make sure it doesn't switch over to cellular data. You want the phone to share your home Wi-Fi connection with other devices, not use mobile data, which could eat into your plan and run up a bill.
Go to Settings > Network and internet > SIMs and turn off mobile data. You can also remove the SIM card entirely if the phone still has one installed.
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You don't want to place your phone directly in the Wi-Fi dead zone.
Instead, position it somewhere between your router and the area where the signal drops off. It should be close enough to the router to maintain a strong connection, but far enough to extend coverage into the weak spot.
I had to move mine around a bit before finding the sweet spot. I also recommend keeping the phone plugged into a charger so it stays powered on continuously and doesn't shut off while extending your Wi-Fi. Once the Android phone is in place and charging, you can connect another device to the Wi-Fi hotspot network you've set up.
You can also test your connection speeds, such as with Ookla (owned by ZDNET's parent company, Ziff Davis).
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Will this improve my home Wi-Fi speed?
No. It extends your home Wi-Fi coverage, not speed. Your connection may even be slightly slower than your main network, but it's still very usable for browsing, streaming, and basic work.
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Can any Android phone do this?
Most modern Android phones support Wi-Fi hotspot features.
Will this drain my Android phone's battery?
Yes, quickly. Keep the phone plugged in if you plan to use it as a permanent Wi-Fi extender.
Should I just buy an extender?
If you already have an old phone and just need basic coverage in one problem area, no. If you need reliable, high-speed performance across your home, a dedicated Wi-Fi extender or mesh system is better.
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