YOU may have noticed a tiny number next to the Wi-Fi icon on your mobile and wondered what it actually means.
Well, understanding the figure could make a huge difference to the networks you choose to connect to – and can even be a sign that you’re due a router upgrade.
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The digit next to the Wi-Fi symbol appears on some Android smartphones, displayed in the top right corner.
And the number actually stands for the generation of Wi-Fi technology your router is at.
So what is a good number and what is a bad number?
Currently, most Wi-Fi routers offering a decent enough connection should be at Wi-Fi 6.
This was adopted in 2021 and is found on most recent routers.
More recently, there have been a flurry of Wi-Fi 7 routers released, having only been adopted in 2024 as the newest standard.
Although your broadband speed package itself it a big factor for fast connections, the generation of the router is important for the smoothness, especially when households have so many internet-connected devices these days.
So, if you’re connected to a hub and a 7 appears next to the Wi-Fi icon you’re in the best possible shape.
If you’re seeing a 6, that’s also good – just not as good as 7.
But if you’re seeing a 5 or below you might want to seriously consider your options.
Wi-Fi 5 was released way back in 2013 and while it’ll do the job, it won’t perform anywhere near as well as it should.
This standard of Wi-Fi has a weaker signal and shorter range, as its relies on just one high-frequency band.
Wi-Fi 6 supports two frequency bands, and Wi-Fi 7 supports three, meaning there’s a lot less congestion for all the devices competing for Wi-Fi signal.
If you have anything below Wi-Fi 6, you should consider upgrading your router.
Understanding the Wi-Fi number can be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi too if you have multiple options available, as you can workout which is most likely to provide you with a stable connection.
Little-known objects that can disrupt your Wi-Fi
People don’t realise how many objects around the home can impact their Wi-Fi signal and slow things down. Here are some you may have missed.
- Microwaves (when they’re running)
- Baby monitors
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Bluetooth devices
- Cordless phones
Image credit: Getty / The Sun
