To check wifi strength accurately, you need to see the exact signal number in dBm (decibels relative to milliwatts), not just the bars on your screen. The quickest way to check Wi-Fi strength is to use your device's built-in settings, which reveal the precise RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value. This number, expressed as a negative value like -50 dBm, tells you exactly how strong your connection is, helping you decide whether to move closer to the router, change channels, or upgrade your equipment. Below are the step-by-step methods for every major platform, followed by a simple guide to interpreting the results.
How to check wifi strength on any device
Signal strength is universally measured in dBm, where values closer to zero (like -30) are excellent, and values further from zero (like -80) are weak. While signal bars give a rough idea, they vary between devices and don't show interference. The methods below reveal the actual dBm value on your specific device, no guesswork needed.
Check wifi strength on a Mac
- Hold down the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard.
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right menu bar (near the date and time).
- Look for RSSI in the drop-down list. This is your signal strength in dBm (e.g., -55 dBm).
Check wifi strength on an iPhone or iPad
- Download AirPort Utility from the App Store (free, made by Apple).
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad.
- Scroll down and tap AirPort Utility.
- Toggle on Wi-Fi Scanner.
- Open the AirPort Utility app and tap Wi-Fi Scan in the top-right corner.
- Your network will appear with a dBm value (e.g., -60 dBm). This also shows nearby networks and their channels.
Check wifi strength on an Android phone
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet (or "Connections" on Samsung devices).
- Tap Internet (or "Wi-Fi").
- Tap the name of the network you're connected to.
- Look for Signal strength or Signal quality. Android shows this as a rating: Excellent, Good, Fair, or Weak.
- For the exact dBm value, you'll need a third-party app like WiFi Analyzer (open-source) or NetSpot.
Check wifi strength on Windows
- Open Command Prompt (press
Win + R, typecmd, and press Enter). - Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show interfaces - Look for Signal in the output. This shows a percentage (e.g., 80%).
- For a dBm value, look for Signal in the same output, it will show something like "Signal: 80%. For dBm, you'll need to use a tool like WiFi Analyzer from the Microsoft Store.
- Alternatively, click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar to see bars, but this is less precise.
What your wifi strength numbers mean
Here's how to interpret the dBm values you see, along with what you can realistically do with that connection:
| dBm Range | Rating | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| -30 dBm to -50 dBm | Excellent | Streaming 4K video, online gaming, large file downloads, and video calls all work flawlessly. |
| -50 dBm to -60 dBm | Good | HD streaming, video conferencing, and general browsing are smooth. Slight delays possible in heavy uploads. |
| -60 dBm to -70 dBm | Fair | Web browsing and email work, but streaming may buffer, and gaming may have noticeable lag. Move closer to the router if possible. |
| -70 dBm to -80 dBm | Weak | Basic web pages may load slowly, and video calls will likely freeze. Expect frequent disconnects. Consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. |
| Below -80 dBm | Very Weak | Connection is nearly unusable. Only background sync may occur. Move closer to the router or check for interference sources. |
For most activities, anything above -70 dBm is acceptable, but aim for -60 dBm or better for a consistently reliable connection. If your signal falls below -70 dBm, try moving to a different room, removing physical obstructions, or switching your router to a less congested channel.
