Want to extend your WiFi outside your home so you can watch your favorite show while relaxing outside? It's easier than you think. Follow this detailed guide.
You might have a solid WiFi connection inside. But the moment you step outdoors to enjoy a little sun or lounge in the backyard with your phone, it might be a different story. Without enough WiFi range, you could find your downloads slowing or stopping completely. And when you try to set up wireless speakers connected to your WiFi outside, you could discover they can’t connect at all..
It's all because your router may not be able to transmit your WiFi signal far enough to reach outside devices. On the bright side, there are tricks to extending WiFi outside so you can enjoy fast, smooth connectivity wherever you go. Let’s explore those solutions now.
Your WiFi router’s range determines how far your wireless internet signal can travel while maintaining a stable connection. Essentially, it’s how far you can be from your router while staying connected.
Many routers are designed to focus their signal indoors, limiting their reach to outdoor areas. The obstacles in your home, such as walls and furniture, as well as interference from neighboring networks, can weaken the signal even further.
That means outdoor online activities, like streaming a TV show in your favorite porch chair, can be beset by frustrating lags, buffering, and low-quality video. By the same token, you might have trouble operating things like security cameras or outdoor speakers without enough WiFi range.
The bottom line? By boosting the WiFi signal outside, you'll enjoy smoother internet performance across your yard or patio while ensuring your connected devices function properly.
There are several ways to extend WiFi outside without requiring advanced technical knowledge. From repositioning your router to investing in outdoor-friendly equipment, these steps will help you boost your signal for a quality connection.
If your router is outdated, it may struggle to deliver a strong WiFi signal even within your home, let alone outdoors. Modern routers come with improved antennas and support for faster WiFi bands like WiFi 6, which enhances both range and speed. Replacing your old router with a newer model is a great first step toward boosting the WiFi signal outside.
On top of that, switching to a less crowded WiFi band can reduce interference and improve signal strength. For example, if you have indoor devices on the 5 GHz band, switch your outdoor devices to the 2.4 GHz band (which is generally better for long-range connections anyway). Most routers allow you to access their settings via a web interface or an app.
Your router's location plays a big role in whether your devices can connect to it while they’re outside. Walls, floors, and even electronic appliances can block or degrade your WiFi signal as it travels from the router to your phone, speaker, or computer. Therefore, placing your router near a window or on a wall (with a sturdy mount, of course) near your outdoor space can help that signal reach outside more effectively.
Make sure the router is elevated and that there aren’t obstructions between it and any devices, like bookshelves or cabinets. Avoid placing it near devices that can interfere with WiFi signals, as well, such as microwaves or cordless phones. A small, dedicated shelf or table for your router – plus any accessories or tools related to it – could be just the ticket.
All in all, a clear line of sight between the router and your home’s outdoor area can significantly improve connectivity.
One of the most effective ways to extend WiFi to your yard or porch is by using an outdoor-rated WiFi extender, which acts like an outdoor access point for devices nearby. These devices are specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions, such as rain, heat, and cold while amplifying your router's signal to cover larger areas.
Outdoor extenders are easy to set up – just connect them to your existing network and place them in a location that bridges the gap between your router and the outdoor area you want to cover. Some extenders offer dual-band functionality, ensuring a fast and stable connection even when multiple devices are in use.
Just be sure to look for models with a high signal range and weatherproofing features to ensure they can handle outdoor environments and inclement weather effectively.
If an extender isn't enough to meet your needs, a WiFi booster might be the better solution. Boosters are similar to extenders but focus on amplifying the signal's strength rather than just repeating it. This makes them ideal for large outdoor spaces or areas with significant interference.
WiFi boosters can be installed either indoors or outdoors, depending on the model. For extending WiFi outside, look for outdoor-compatible boosters that are weather-resistant and capable of handling extended coverage requirements. With a properly installed booster, you can eliminate dead zones and enjoy reliable connectivity across your entire property.
If the above solutions don’t work, there’s one more thing you can try: a WiFi mesh system. Unlike traditional routers and extenders, mesh systems use multiple nodes placed strategically around your home and yard to create a powerful, unified network. This eliminates dead zones and ensures a strong, stable connection wherever you are (indoors or out).
Mesh systems are particularly useful for larger properties or homes with complex layouts, like multiple floors or walled areas, where a single router might struggle to cover all areas. Many mesh systems include outdoor-compatible nodes, making them an excellent option for extending WiFi outside.
Setting up a mesh system is straightforward – most brands provide user-friendly apps that guide you through installation and optimization. While they are more expensive than standalone routers or extenders, mesh systems deliver superior performance and are well worth the investment if you rely heavily on outdoor connectivity.
The best way to ensure you can enjoy excellent WiFi wherever you go? Partner with a provider who takes your home internet seriously.
At Glo, we offer wall-to-wall, whole-home WiFi service with guaranteed connectivity inside the house. While we can’t guarantee constant outdoor WiFi coverage, our fiber internet is powerful enough that you should be able to connect whenever you’re close to home. So whether you’re streaming a show on the front porch or blasting music for a backyard party, you can enjoy fast downloads and uploads with no hassle.
We believe that when it comes to your WiFi, you should be able to connect anywhere, anytime. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can make that happen.