Setting up a WiFi extender in a two-storey house seems simple at first. You plug it in, connect it to your main router, and expect strong coverage everywhere. But many people still face slow speeds, weak signals in certain corners, or sudden connection drops. This usually happens because the extender is not placed in the right spot. In a double-storey home, placement matters more than the extender itself. Let’s walk through how to choose the best place so your Wi-Fi feels smooth and reliable on both floors.
Why Placement Matters
Every extender works by picking up your router’s Wi-Fi signal and repeating it. This means the extender needs a good connection with the router before it can give you good coverage. The first mistake people make is installing the extender too far away from the router. If the extender receives a weak signal, it will repeat that same weak signal. So the goal is not to place it in the room where Wi-Fi is bad.
Recommended Starting Location
Instead, you place it in between-somewhere that still receives at least 50% signal strength from the router. In a two-storey house, the best starting point is usually the staircase or an open hallway area. These spots allow the signal to travel more freely between floors because they don’t have thick walls around them. If your router is on the ground floor, putting the extender on the stairs or the landing area often gives both floors a balanced connection. You want the extender to “see” the router with very little obstruction.
Factors to Consider Before Placement
The structure of the home plays a huge role too. Older houses may have thick concrete walls or metal inside the construction that weakens the signal. Modern homes often have open layouts, making placement easier. Walk around your home with your phone and check where the signal drops. You can even use your phone’s Wi-Fi indicator to see where the bars go down. The idea is to find a mid-point where the router’s Wi-Fi is still strong enough for the extender to repeat it.
Placement Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid hiding the extender behind furniture. Many people tuck the device behind a couch, near curtains, or inside a corner outlet. WiFi signals are easily absorbed by wood, fabric, and metal. Keeping the extender out in the open on a wall outlet gives it the best chance to perform.
Height & Orientation Matters
The height of the extender also matters. For two-storey homes, placing the extender at a mid-height level-about waist to chest height-helps the signal reach upstairs and downstairs more evenly. Avoid placing the extender at floor level or up near the ceiling unless you have no other option.
Avoid Sources of Interference
Another thing to consider is interference. Wi-Fi and household electronics share similar frequency ranges. If the extender sits near a microwave, cordless phone base, Bluetooth speaker, or even a thick TV unit, the signal may weaken. Keep the extender away from these items as much as possible.
Dual-Band Extender Considerations
If you use a dual-band extender that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, placement becomes even more important. The 2.4GHz band travels further and handles walls better, while the 5GHz band gives faster speeds but has shorter range. A good extender placement lets both bands travel properly. For example, placing the extender too far away may make the 5GHz band nearly useless because it can’t reach that distance.
When You Might Need More Than One Extender
One common question is whether you need one extender per floor. Usually, one well-placed extender is enough for a standard two-storey home. But if you have many rooms, thick walls, or a very large layout, using two extenders can help. If you go for two, make sure they don’t sit too close to each other. Keep enough space so they don’t overlap too much and fight for signals.
How to Finalize Placement – A Simple Test
A good placement test is simple: Connect your phone or laptop to the extender’s network and walk around your home. If you notice sudden drops or slow loading, slightly shift the extender and test again. Small changes in placement can make a big difference.
Quick Checklist for Best Placement
A quick checklist to find the best spot:
- Keep the extender halfway between the router and the weak zone.
- Place it in an open area like a hallway or staircase landing.
- Avoid corners, thick walls, or hidden spots.
- Keep it away from microwaves, TVs, and Bluetooth devices.
- Ensure at least 50% signal from the router.
- Try different heights for best coverage across both floors.
- Test by walking around with your device before finalizing placement.
With the right placement, your My WiFi extender can give smooth coverage across both floors without interruptions. It takes a bit of testing, but once you find the perfect spot, the difference in speed and stability is instantly noticeable.
