Turn an Old Android Phone into a Wi-Fi Extender
If the Wi-Fi signal is weak or completely unavailable in a particular corner or room of your home—a so-called dead zone—there may be no need to buy a new router, mesh system or extender. An old, unused Android smartphone lying in a drawer can solve the problem. Without installing any additional app or requiring complicated technical knowledge, the phone can be turned into a Wi-Fi extender or repeater simply by using its built-in settings and a power outlet.
How the System Works
A commercial Wi-Fi extender typically costs around $50. However, an Android phone can perform a similar function completely free of charge. The phone remains connected to the main Wi-Fi router, receives its signal and then broadcasts that connection through a separate hotspot network of its own.
As a result, laptops, tablets or smart TVs can connect to the phone’s hotspot instead of directly connecting to the main router and access the internet. Although it does not perform like a mesh network, it can provide a quick solution in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals.
Simple Setup Process
- First, fully charge the old phone and update it if necessary, then connect it to your home’s main Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > Hotspot and Tethering on the phone and turn on the Wi-Fi Hotspot option.
- Change the hotspot name to one of your choice and set a strong password.
- If the phone supports it, you can select the 5GHz band, which provides better speeds for nearby devices. For longer distances, however, 2.4GHz is generally more effective.
- Place the phone roughly halfway between the main router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. Keep it plugged into a power outlet, as continuously running a hotspot can drain the battery quickly.//DBTech/BMT/OR//
