Why is my Wi-Fi signal strength so poor outside?

Why Your Wi-Fi Signal May Be Weak Outside

If your charger is struggling to connect to your Wi-Fi when it’s outside, don’t worry — this is quite common and usually has a simple explanation.

1. Walls and other barriers weaken the signal
Wi-Fi signals have a hard time travelling through solid objects like brick, concrete, or metal. The more walls (or thicker walls) between your router and your charger, the weaker the signal will be outdoors.

2. Different antennas make a difference
Phones and tablets have omnidirectional antennas, which are designed to pick up Wi-Fi from all directions, making them more forgiving in weaker areas. The charger’s antenna is more focused, so it may not pick up a signal as easily if it’s far away or partially blocked.

3. Other interference can disrupt the signal
Nearby electronic devices, cordless phones, microwaves, and even other Wi-Fi networks can interfere with your signal and reduce strength outdoors.

Tips to improve outdoor Wi-Fi:

  • Try moving your router or Wi-Fi node closer to where the charger is installed.
  • Add a Wi-Fi extender or mesh node nearer to the outside area.
  • Make sure your router is not placed behind thick walls or metal objects.

With a few small adjustments, you can often improve the signal and get your charger connected reliably.