Struggling with spotty Wi-Fi? Maybe your signal is strong in the living room but drops off in that upstairs office or far corner bedroom. Before you spend money on boosters or call your internet provider, there’s a surprisingly effective DIY fix hiding in your kitchen—aluminium foil.
Why Foil Works
Wi-Fi travels as radio waves, which can bounce, reflect, and be redirected—just like light. Aluminium foil’s reflective surface acts like a signal mirror, focusing your router’s output toward problem areas. This isn’t just internet folklore; research from Dartmouth College shows that shaped reflective surfaces can guide wireless signals more efficiently.
When to Try It
- You have dead zones in your home
- Some rooms get poor or inconsistent Wi-Fi
- Speeds drop significantly in certain spots
If your router already works perfectly everywhere, you can skip this hack.
How to Do It
- Cut a Sheet – Around 12 inches long, tall enough to match your router (and cover antennas if needed).
- Shape It – Bend into a curved “C” shape, shiny side facing inward.
- Position It – Place behind the router, curving toward the area where you want a stronger signal.
- Test It – Use an online speed test to see if coverage improved.
Pros
- Free and quick to try
- Targets weak zones
- No special tools needed
Cons
- Not the prettiest solution
- Effectiveness depends on placement
- Won’t fix serious hardware or interference issues
Bottom Line
It’s not magic, but aluminium foil behind your router can give a noticeable boost in stubborn dead zones. A few minutes of tinkering could mean stronger streaming, smoother video calls, and fewer Wi-Fi headaches—without spending a cent.
