Your video call drops in the bedroom, but the router belongs to the landlord and sits by the living-room modem. If you cannot run Ethernet through the walls, start by finding out whether the problem is the Wi-Fi signal in that room, interference nearby, or the internet connection itself. Then try the reversible fixes before buying hardware.
Find out whether it is the room or the internet service
Run the same speed test on the same device near the router and in the weak room. Repeat each test at a similar time. Note whether the device disconnects, whether the speed changes, and whether another device has the same problem. A strong connection beside the router and a weak one in one room points toward coverage or interference. Poor results beside the router suggest a different issue, such as the router, modem, service, or device.
If the router is shared or managed by your landlord, ask before changing settings or moving it. Do not reset it or change its Wi-Fi name and password without permission; that can disconnect other residents or devices.
Try placement changes that need no new wiring
If you are allowed to move the router, put it in an open, elevated location closer to the center of the area you use. The modem connection may limit your options, but even a small shift away from a cabinet, floor, or large obstruction can be worth testing. Google’s placement guide recommends open, elevated placement and explains that dense walls, furniture, and appliances can weaken the link between Wi-Fi points. The FCC likewise recommends a central location to improve coverage.
Notice what sits between the router and the weak room. Concrete, brick, metal surfaces, large appliances, and mirrors can interfere with or block signals. Apple’s interference guide lists metal and metal-reinforced concrete among strong obstructions and suggests moving devices away from common sources of interference. Test a new router position before changing several things at once, so you can tell what helped.
Make a mesh point or extender useful
An extender or mesh point needs a usable signal from the router. Place it partway between the router and the weak room, where its connection is still reliable. Putting it inside the dead zone can simply repeat a weak connection. Google recommends placing a mesh point closer to the router when its connection is weak, and testing the mesh link after moving it.
In an apartment building, nearby networks can compete for airtime. Apple recommends leaving channel selection on automatic when the router supports it; changing channels by guesswork may not help. A device close to the access point may perform better than one at the far edge of coverage. If the router is not yours, ask the owner or administrator to check its channel and firmware.
Choose one change at a time. After each move, test the same device in the same place. If an extender improves the signal but the connection still drops, verify that the extender is compatible with the router and that its location is not too far away. A mesh system can help cover several rooms, but a new kit may be unnecessary if a placement change fixes the problem.
Know when Wi-Fi is not the fix
If every room is slow, including the space beside the router, ask the internet provider or network owner to check the service and equipment. If only one phone or laptop struggles, update its software and compare it with another device. A full-speed result from a browser test does not guarantee stable video calls; note the time and whether calls, streaming, or downloads are affected when you report the issue.
For laptop users who rely on an external screen while working from home, check USB-C dock compatibility before replacing it. If you need a quiet place to take a call or study while the connection is repaired, check what your local library provides. A manager can use AI to organize meeting follow-ups after a call, provided the notes are safe to share with the chosen tool.