How to boost WiFi in the garden: six tips for stronger reception

WFG (working from the garden)? Lounging out in the sun? Streaming music for your al fresco drinks party? During the summer - if we’re lucky with the British weather and there’s no rain - life revolves around the garden. Having a reliable outdoor internet connection is, therefore, essential.

While outdoor-specific WiFi solutions exist, for most people, boosting your home WiFi remains the faster and more cost-effective option for getting the best possible WiFi reception in the garden. To help you do this, we’ve rounded up some practical tips and highlighted some of the best products on the market to lend a hand. Plus, we’ve also included some simple steps to help keep your garden WiFi network safe and secure.

Six tips for stronger reception

Follow these top tips to improve your WiFi in the garden, from repositioning your router to setting up an extra one, these suggestions are here to help.

1. Reposition your router

The easiest and quickest way to improve your WiFi connection in the garden is to relocate your router if this is an option for you. Some routers can only be located at fixed points in the house, but this isn’t always the case.

If you can, try moving it closer to your outside space, for example, near a large window facing the garden or by your backdoor. Remember, however, that moving the router towards the garden may impact the signal inside the house. Alternatively, you can position the router in your attic if you have one - the higher location and permeability of the roof construction can significantly enhance WiFi coverage in the garden.

2. Use your phone as a hotspot

A simple way to extend your WiFi range is by using your smartphone as a hotspot. Set this up where the WiFi reception is good near the house and save on investing in additional devices to boost the signal. If you have sufficient data and reception on your smartphone, you can also use your phone as a hotspot independently of the home WiFi.

3. Use a powerline adapter

Plugging in a powerline adapter and connecting it to the router via a LAN cable can be another effective option for optimising your WiFi connectivity in the garden. The adapter will use your domestic power grid for data transmission, and a second adapter in the same network can be placed in an outdoor plug socket (whether on your terrace or in your garden shed). This setup works as an access point with its own WiFi network. It’s worth noting that in older houses, data transmission can be slower due to the aged power grid.

4. Set up a second router as an access point

Connect a second router up to your main router via a network cable, and make sure it has its own power connection to improve your WiFi. Although a slightly more complex option to set up, this configuration will offer a data transfer rate similar to that of the WiFi router in your house.

5. Use a WiFi extender

A WiFi extender, available for indoor and outdoor use, can help amplify your WiFi signal in the garden. Either battery-powered or requiring a power socket for supply, turn on, and the extender will boost the range of connectivity. Depending on the distance to your main router, you may need a second extender inside your house along with the outdoor one to up the transmission rate. Check out our buyer’s guide on the best WiFi extenders to boost broadband signal in your home for some of our top recommendations.

6. Try a WiFi mesh network

A WiFi mesh network will improve the strength of WiFi reaching your garden, involving several routers feeding the network. The main router will transmit the signal wirelessly to multiple secondary routers, which are also connected wirelessly. This setup allows for quick signal transmission between devices without any loss of connection or transmission rate.

How to secure your WiFi in your garden

As you boost your WiFi performance in the garden, it’s essential to ensure your network is well-protected and secure against unauthorised access. Follow these tips to guarantee a safe internet experience.

1. Set a modern encryption standard, usually WPA2.
2. Choose a strong password - aim for a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
3. Mask the name of your network to prevent potential security breaches.
4. Place the devices as high as possible - as well as increasing the WiFi range, this also safeguards devices from unauthorised access.

Best products to improve WiFi in the garden

We’ve selected some of the best devices to help boost your WiFi connectivity outdoors. Here are our top picks:

Best powerline adapter: TP-Link TL-PA8010P V2 Powerline Adapter Kit, £64.99 from Currys

Boost WiFi in your garden with this powerline adapter, designed to connect your device to the internet using your home’s electrical wiring. Easy to set up, the first adapter is connected to your router, while the second powerline is ready to be plugged in outside and then into your device.

Best mesh system: TP-Link Deco E4 AC1200 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System, £89.99 from Argos

Upgrade your WiFi connectivity with this mesh system - a simple way to provide a strong signal across your home and garden. The Deco E4 ensures a fast and stable connection in no time, working with your internet service provider to boost connectivity across your space.

Best booster: TP-Link AC1750 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender and Booster, £44.99 from Argos

Get the most out of your WiFi with this handy extender and booster. Compatible with any WiFi router or wireless access point, the device will connect wirelessly and strengthen and expand the signal to the areas you need.

If you would like to read more expert-recommended round-ups, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more tech and home recommendations, including the best WiFi extenders, the best handheld vacuums, and the best video doorbells.