How Do I Improve Wifi Reliability On My Mobile ?

[CW1]

Hi,

Have a Samsung Galaxy J6 (yes, old). I'm using it more out on my travels now (running errands for people) but the wifi is extremely unreliable. How can I improve it ?

I have data usage switched on but that rarely works. Occasionally I can log in to BTWifi but as I drive down the road that logs me out & I have to stop to log back in.

Do I need a new phone ?

[Buenchico]

Wifi is only ever going to work when you're close to a router that provides a suitable signal for it.

BT Wifi works (for those who use BT for their broadband connection at home or for those who otherwise subscribe to it) by providing two signals from all BT home hubs (unless the user has disabled the 'public' one). One signal is for use by the owner of the home hub and the other is available for use by any other subscriber to the system who happens to be nearby. So, when you log into BT Wifi, you're using a short-range signal that's coming from someone's home (or business); as soon as you move away from their property, the signal will drop.

Otherwise, when you're away from your own home (or office) wifi, you'll need to find a free wifi signal, such as that available in larger supermarkets and (during normal times) in most pubs, fast food restaurants and coffee chains.

You simply can't expect wifi to work in the same way that the signals from phone masts do. Mobile phone signals are designed to cover wide areas, hopefully without any gaps. Wifi signals use low-powered transmitters (within routers) that aren't intended to carry for more than about 50 metres at the very most.

You don't need a new phone. You simply need to accept that, when you're away from home (unless you're staying in one place for a while, like a pub), you'll need to get your data through the mobile phone networ, rather than via wifi.

Consequently, if you're already using a lot of data, possibly at great expense, with your current mobile phone provider, you might need to look for a better deal elsewhere.

[TheChair]

Pretty comprehensive answer from Chris, but I would just add that, as phones will always give priority to a WiFi connection when available, if you are travelling, you'd be better off turning off the WiFi, to prevent it connecting and disconnecting as you pass available WiFi routers. That way, your data connection should become much more reliable.

[CW1]

Ahh, ok, thanks. Never thought to switch wi-fi off while usimg data usage, will give that a try.

The provider did tell me they'd let me have free unlimited data if I downloaded their app (which I have, no sign of free data anywhere), they said that'd improve the network signal despite me having plenty of paid for data left. Can't see how that works … but will definitely turn off wi-fi in future, see what difference that makes.

[CW1]

Well, I've given that a good try, hasn't made any noticeable difference. In fact I've noticed, when I'm at home, if I don't have the data usage tab on (as well as wifi), I can't read e-mails (or is extremely slow), seems to be quicker with both on.

I've also started using Mobile Hotspot & Tethering when I'm out. Seems better but still not greatly reliable & I end up switching between the 2.

What would be the optimum to use, at home & out 'n' about ? I can't say any one option is noticeably more reliable than another.