PEOPLE are only just realising the ten everyday items that are slowing down your Wi-Fi – but there’s an easy fix.
Yet experts have also revealed easy ways to fix the issues which can hamper home-working or streaming music, TV and movies from sites such as Spotify, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney+.
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Wi-Fi might be commonplace in most homes now but there are often complaints about access breaking up or at least slowing down.
Now a top ten of problem causes has been published – with many surprise items around the house proving problematic.
One dense material which can block or at least interfere with Wi-Fi connections is metal.
That means you should keep your internet router as distant as possible from any other gadgets made of metal, as well as metallic blinds – those these are often found outdoors instead.
A possible solution being suggested is to buy a Wi-Fi extender.
Similarly-dense concrete walls can also wreak havoc, it has been pointed out – interfering with signals provided by online networks.
Plaster and drywall can also weaken your Wi-Fi, although metal and concrete are tougher materials making them worse offenders.
Even ceramic tiles, often found in bathrooms and kitchens, can also play a part in disrupting Wi-Fi, MailOnline reported.
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Marla Milano, from tech website High-Speed Options, said: “Because tiles are often combined with plaster or drywall, the materials are likely to increase Wi-Fi interference.
“This is why placing your router in a high, central location within your home is considered best practice.”
Another feature even more commonplace within homes is a window – and it appears a certain type can be more troublesome than others.
So-called Low-E, or low-emissivity, windows contain metallic film to help keep energy consumption down – yet can also absorb or interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
Similar goes for mirrors, with thin coatings of metal behind the glass, causing what the tech expert called “a decent amount of electromagnetic interference”.
Fish tanks and furniture have also been blamed for internet interference, with signals hindered when passing through water – while thick sofas and wardrobes can also block progress.
White goods such as microwaves and dishwashers are other potential obstacles, especially as they emit their own radio waves.
The tech website urged people to keep their routers as far away from such devices as possible.
Three popular household gadgets have recently been particularly identified as Wi-Fi blockers.
Other experts have placed the blame on two more common home materials.
And yet a Wi-Fi “app tap” trick has been shared, showing how to stop hidden “speed vampires” from slowing your internet down – while other ways to improve connections have been suggested.
Meanwhile, a Wi-Fi security expert warned of five huge security mistakes that can put both security and speed at risk.
