Your WiFi router is in the WRONG place during heatwaves – three tips to avoid internet connection chaos

YOUR WiFi and other devices could be down due to Friday’s scorching heat.

Britain is set to bake at higher temperatures than the Sahara tomorrow, with forecasts of up to 34C in some parts.

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Not only do you need to protect yourself, you also need to be careful with your devices.

Your WLAN router is particularly sensitive to heat.

And you may have it in the wrong place.

Here are some expert tips from USwitch.com to help you avoid internet problems due to high temperatures.

Keep your router out of direct sunlight

It goes without saying that your router should not be exposed to the sun on an average day, let alone during a heat wave.

That means avoiding window sills in the warmer months.

The best place would be in a central part of the house where it is likely to be much cooler.

In general, it’s a good idea anyway because it means the WiFi signal can be spread evenly in all directions.

Choose a ventilated area

WiFi routers might not be the prettiest of things, but it’s not a good idea to tuck them behind furniture or tall objects.

This can impede airflow, thereby affecting broadband strength.

Even on a normal day, it’s best not to bother your router too much.

“Laptops, computers, cellphones, tablets, game consoles, and Wi-Fi routers all need ventilation to dissipate excess heat. So make sure they have enough room to breathe and avoid using them excessively in direct sunlight,” said Catherine Hiley, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com.

“Many of us often place broadband routers near windows or hidden in corners.

“But if your device is feeling warm, try moving the hub to a cooler location with less sunlight and more ventilation.”

Disconnect unused devices

Turn off Wi-Fi on devices you’re not using — even if they’re in a drawer.

They can burden your bandwidth unnecessarily.

Don’t forget about other gadgets

Everything from your cell phone to your laptop will also feel the heat.

Your iPhone can even display an alert that will temporarily stop it from being exposed to the sun.

To prevent this, try to keep usage to a minimum.

Turn off background app updates to reduce the load.

Also remove any additional layers, such as leather cases, silicone cases, or other cases that may cause additional heat.

“If your device overheats regularly and isn’t due to hot weather, it could indicate signs of an underlying problem, especially if the device is older,” Hiley warned.

“If this is the case with your router, it may be worth speaking to your provider about a repair or replacement.”

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