How to Check Wi-Fi Strength: A Complete Guide for All Devices

A weak Wi-Fi signal is one of the most common causes of slow internet, connection drops while watching videos, or freezes in online games. But how can you tell if the problem is actually signal strength, and not your provider's plan or an overloaded router? In this article, we'll look at How to measure Wi-Fi strength on any device: from a smartphone to a smart TV, and we'll also explain which indicators are considered normal and which require intervention.

It's important not only to know the current signal level, but also to correctly interpret the data received. For example, many users confuse interest in the Wi-Fi indicator on the smartphone with the actual signal strength in dBm (decibels relative to milliwatts). We'll show you how to convert these values ​​into understandable metrics and what to do if the signal is too weak. And for those who want to delve deeper, we've included a table of dBm and connection quality correlations.

What is Wi-Fi signal strength and how is it measured?

Wi-Fi signal strength indicates how well your device can receive the wireless network from your router. The higher the signal strength, the more stable the connection and the faster the internet speed. The main units of measurement are:

• 📶 dBm (decibel-milliwatt) — the absolute value of the signal power. The closer the value is to 0, the better (for example, -30 dBm - excellent signal, -90 dBm - very weak).
• 📊 Percentage (%) — a subjective rating provided by operating systems (for example, 3 out of 4 "sticks" on a smartphone). It's not precise, as it depends on the manufacturer's algorithms.
• 🔄 RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) — a relative indicator, often used in router specifications. The scale is from 0 (best) to -100 (worst).

Most modern devices display the signal level in dBm, but hide this information behind “friendly” icons. For example, on iPhone you will see only the number of "stripes", and the real value in dBm You'll have to look for it in the service menus. The same applies Windows And Android — by default, percentages or conditional indicators are shown.

Critical value: if the signal is weaker -75 dBm, the Internet speed will drop by 2-3 times, and when -85 dBm and below the connection may be completely lost. This is relevant for standards Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) And Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)For legacy networks Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) threshold values ​​are 5–10 dBm higher.

How to check your Wi-Fi connection strength on Windows 10 and 11

In operating systems Windows 10 And Windows 11 There are several ways to check signal strength, from simply checking the taskbar to using the command line for detailed diagnostics. Let's look at both options.

Method 1: Via the taskbar (fast, but inaccurate)

The easiest method is to look at the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Left-click on it, and you'll see a list of available networks with a signal strength indicator (1 to 4 bars). However, this method doesn't show the exact values. dBm, but only an approximate estimate.

Method 2: Via "Settings" (more details)

To see more detailed information:

1. Open Parameters (Win + I).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click on the name of your network (under "Connected").
4. Scroll down to the Properties block. There will be a line here Signal level with a percentage value.

Please note: percentages in Windows are calculated nonlinearly. For example, 75% may correspond -50 dBm, A 25% - already -80 dBmFor accurate data, it is better to use the following method.

Method 3: Via the command line (maximum accuracy)

This method will show the real value of the signal in dBm:

1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
2. Enter the command:

   netsh wlan show interfaces

3. Find the line Signal (Signal). There will be a value in percentage and in dBm (For example, 98% (-35 dBm)).

If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:

netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid

Here will be a list of all available networks with the indication Signal for each.

Open a command prompt|Enter the command `netsh wlan show interfaces`|Find the "Signal" line with the value in dBm|Compare with the table of normal values-->

Checking Wi-Fi Strength on macOS (MacBook, iMac)

On devices Apple With macOS Viewing the signal level is a little more complicated than in Windows, but there are built-in tools for detailed analysis. The main thing is to know where to look.

Method 1: Via the menu bar (quick)

In the upper right corner of the screen, tap the Wi-Fi icon (the "wave" icon). This will display a list of networks with a signal strength indicator (dots or arcs). However, as in Windows, this is a subjective assessment.

Method 2: Via Wireless Network Monitoring (precise data)

To view the value in dBm:

1. Hold down the key Option (Alt) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. The drop-down list will display additional information, including the line RSSI (this is the signal level in dBm).

If RSSI is not displayed, use the built-in utility Wireless Diagnostics:

1. Hold Option (Alt) and click on the Wi-Fi icon → select Open wireless network diagnostics.
2. In the window that opens, go to the menu Window → Scanner (or Window → Scan (in the English version).
3. Click Scan and wait for the results. The table will have a column RSSI.

sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -s

How to check Wi-Fi strength on an Android smartphone or tablet

On Android You can check the signal level either through the standard settings or using third-party apps. The first method is suitable for a quick check, while the second is for a detailed analysis.

Method 1: Via Settings (Basic Information)

Open Settings → Wi-Fi and find your network in the list. Next to its name, there will be a signal strength indicator (usually 1-4 bars or a percentage). However, as with other operating systems, this is an approximate value.

On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi) you can see more detailed information:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network.
3. Scroll down and you may see a line Signal level with a value of dBm (For example, -67 dBm).

Method 2: Through the engineering menu (hidden mode)

Many AndroidThe devices have a hidden engineering menu where you can view precise network data. To access it:

1. Open the app Telephone.
2. Enter the code: ##4636## (may not work on some models).
3. Select an item Wi-Fi Information (or Wi-Fi information).
4. In the block Wi-Fi Signal Strength there will be a value in dBm.

Attention: The engineering menu may differ depending on the manufacturer and version AndroidOn devices Huawei or Honor The code may not work - try instead *#0011#.

Method 3: Using apps (maximum detail)

If standard methods do not show dBm, install one of these applications:

• 📱 WiFi Analyzer (from farproc) - shows the signal level in real time, creates graphs and helps you choose the least loaded channel.
• 📊 NetSpot — a professional tool for analyzing Wi-Fi networks with coverage maps.
• 🔍 WiFi Signal Meter - a simple measuring tool RSSI and connection speed.

These apps not only show your current signal strength, but also help you find the optimal location for your router or identify sources of interference (for example, neighboring networks on the same channel).

WiFi Analyzer|NetSpot|WiFi Signal Meter|Other|I don't use it-->

Checking Wi-Fi Strength on iPhone and iPad

On devices Apple With iOS or iPadOS There is no built-in way to view the signal level in dBm through the standard settings. However, there are workarounds—both through hidden functions and with third-party utilities.

Method 1: Through "Field Testing Diagnostics" (hidden mode)

This method works on most iPhone (including models iPhone 12/13/14/15), but requires activation of a special mode:

1. Open the app Telephone and type: 3001#12345# → press "Call".
2. A menu will open Field Test Mode (Field testing mode).
3. At the top of the screen, instead of the usual Wi-Fi “sticks”, a numerical value will appear (for example, -65). This is the signal level in dBm.
4. To return the indicator to its standard appearance, click on the number – it will switch back to the icon.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions iOS This method may not work or may require additional steps (such as holding the power button to exit mode). If nothing happens after entering the code, restart your device.

Method 2: Via apps (alternative)

If the stealth mode is not available, install one of these apps from App Store:

• 📶 AirPort Utility (official from Apple) - after installation, open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the name of your network. A line will appear here RSSI.
• 📈 WiFi Analyzer (from VREM Software) - shows the signal level, channels and neighboring networks.
• 🔍 Net Analyzer — a professional tool with graphs and speed tests.

Applications from App Store often have limitations in functionality due to policy Apple, but for basic signal checking they are sufficient.

How to measure Wi-Fi strength on a router

If you want to check the signal strength not on the client device (smartphone, laptop), but directly on router, this can be done through its web interface. This method is useful for diagnosing coverage issues or setting up repeaters (repeater).

Step 1: Login to your router's control panel

To do this:

1. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
   • 192.168.0.1 (For TP-Link, D-Link)
   • 192.168.1.1 (For ASUS, Zyxel)
   • 192.168.8.1 (For Huawei)

Step 2: Find your wireless network information

The router interface varies depending on the model, but the general logic is the same:

• 🔧 On TP-Link: go to Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics.
• 📡 On ASUS: open Network Map → Clients and look at the column RSSI.
• 🌐 On Keenetic: System → Monitor → Wireless Network.

In some routers (for example, MikroTik) to view the signal level of connected devices you will need to use Winbox or WebFig.

Step 3: Check the signal strength of connected devices

In the statistics or client list section, you'll see a table with the devices connected to your network. Typically, it contains the following columns:

• SSID — network name.
• MAC address — unique device identifier.
• RSSI or Signal Strength — signal level in dBm.

⚠️ Attention: If the table does not have a column with RSSI, update your router firmware. This feature may not be available on older firmware versions.

What to do if your Wi-Fi connection is too weak

If after checking it turns out that the signal is weaker -70 dBm, here are some ways to improve the situation:

1. Optimize your router's location

• 📍 Place the router in the center of your apartment/house, not in a corner.
• 🚫 Keep it away from metal objects, mirrors and household appliances (microwaves, refrigerators).
• 📶 Raise the router higher, for example, on a shelf or wall (the signal spreads better from top to bottom).

2. Change Wi-Fi channel

If neighboring networks are operating on the same channel, this creates interference. To change the channel:

1. Log in to your router's control panel (see section above).
2. Find the section Wireless Network → Channel Settings.
3. Select the channel manually (recommended) 1, 6 or 11 For 2.4 GHz; For 5 GHz - any of the free ones).

3. Update your router firmware

Outdated firmware may limit transmission power. Update the firmware via the section System → Software Update in the router's web interface.

4. Use signal boosters

If the above methods do not help, consider:

• 🔄 Repeater - enhances the signal in remote areas.
• 🌐 Mesh system - several access points operating as a single network (for example, TP-Link Deco, Google Nest WiFi).
• 📡 External antenna - suitable for large houses or offices.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap repeaters can reduce your internet speed by half. If your plan is lower 100 Mbps, The mesh system will be more efficient.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi signal strength