Home Wi-Fi Dead-Zone Checklist

A Wi-Fi dead zone is easier to fix when you record what changes from room to room.

This checklist helps you separate:

• Internet-service problems
• Router-placement problems
• Weak coverage
• One-device problems
• Interference
• Band-selection problems

Download: Home Wi-Fi Dead-Zone Checklist (PDF)
Printable PDF, no email address required.

Before you start

Gather:

• One primary test device
• One second device
• Router and modem model numbers
• Wi-Fi password
• Notebook or printable checklist
• Ethernet cable, if already available
• Router or ISP app, if used
• Manufacturer manuals

Pause:

• Large downloads
• Game updates
• Cloud backups
• Unnecessary streaming
• VPN, if safe and permitted, for a comparison test

Do not expose passwords, public IP addresses, device serial numbers, or private network details in screenshots.

Part 1: Identify the network

• Router or gateway model: ______________________________
• Modem model, if separate: ______________________________
• Internet provider: ____________________________________
• Advertised plan speed: _________________________________
• Primary network name: _________________________________
• Test date: ____________________________________________
• Test device: __________________________________________
• Second device: ________________________________________

Do not write the Wi-Fi or administrator password on the public checklist.

Part 2: Establish the baseline

Stand beside the router.

Run three tests using the same service.

Test	Download	Upload	Latency	Band	Disconnect?
1
2
3

Middle or median result:

• Download: __________
• Upload: __________
• Latency: __________
• Band: __________

If performance is poor beside the router, use Why Is My Wi-Fi So Slow? before treating this as a dead zone.

Part 3: Check another device

At the same location:

• Second device connects
• Second device has similar performance
• Only the primary device is slow
• Both devices are slow
• One device cannot see the network
• One device supports only 2.4 GHz

Notes: ___________________________________________________

Part 4: Map important rooms

Use the same device and method at every location so before-and-after results remain comparable.

Use one row for each location.

Location	Connects?	Download	Upload	Latency	Band	Drops?	Obstacles
Router room
Living room
Home office
Main bedroom
Other bedroom
Kitchen
Basement
Garage
Other

Part 5: Record the router location

• Near the center of important rooms
• Out in the open
• Off the floor
• Not behind a television
• Not inside a closed cabinet
• Away from large metal objects
• Away from microwave
• Away from aquarium
• Adequately ventilated
• Power and Ethernet cables secure

Current location notes: ___________________________________

Part 6: Test free placement changes

For each change, retest the worst important room.

Change	Before	After	Better?	Keep?
Move toward center
Raise router
Remove enclosure
Move away from TV
Move away from metal/appliance
Test stairwell/hallway location
Change client position

Part 7: Test another band

• Tested 2.4 GHz
• Tested 5 GHz
• Tested 6 GHz, if supported
• Router uses one name for all bands
• Router uses separate names
• Device does not reveal band
• Manufacturer requires a specific band

Result: __________________________________________________

Part 8: Restart and update

• Restarted modem and router using supported instructions
• Checked router firmware
• Checked automatic-update setting
• Updated test device
• Updated computer Wi-Fi driver through official source
• Confirmed router still receives security support
• Did not factory-reset

Part 9: Separate Wi-Fi from internet service

• Tested by Ethernet
• Ethernet is healthy
• Ethernet is also slow
• Modem status lights normal
• ISP outage checked
• Every device affected
• Only distant rooms affected

Likely category:

• Device problem
• Wi-Fi coverage problem
• Router problem
• Modem or provider problem
• Interference or congestion
• Unclear; more observation needed

Part 10: Decide the next action

Keep testing free changes when:

• Moving the router improved the worst room
• Another band improved stability
• One device is the only problem
• An obstruction can still be removed
• Existing Ethernet can serve fixed devices

Contact the ISP when:

• Ethernet is also slow
• Every device loses internet together
• Modem lights show a fault
• Provider equipment cannot update
• Repeated tests remain far below the plan

Consider additional hardware when:

• Important rooms remain weak after placement changes
• Building materials block the signal
• Router cannot be relocated
• Existing Ethernet could support an access point
• One access point cannot cover the required area

Final notes

Best current router location: ______________________________

Worst remaining room: ____________________________________

Most useful change: ______________________________________

Next action: _____________________________________________

Safety and privacy notes

• Keep passwords off the printed checklist.
• Do not photograph labels that expose default credentials or serial numbers.
• Do not disable WPA2 or WPA3 security.
• Do not use unknown firmware.
• Do not open network equipment.
• Do not place indoor equipment where it can get wet.
• Back up settings before major changes.

Related Wi-Fi guides

• Diagnose slow Wi-Fi
• Test a better router location
• Diagnose repeated disconnects
• Compare 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi
• Fix dead zones with free changes

Sources reviewed

Source notes

1. Wi-Fi and your home layoutMicrosoft Support
2. Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in WindowsMicrosoft Support
3. How to improve Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi or Google Wi-Fi speed and performanceGoogle Nest Help
4. Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access pointsApple Support
5. How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi NetworkFederal Trade Commission

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