People are just learning

A viral tweet has reignited interest in a quirky Wi-Fi hack involving aluminum foil. The idea is to wrap a sheet of foil, cut to about a foot in length and the height of your router, into a “C” shape and place it behind the router with the shiny side facing inward. This is meant to reflect Wi-Fi signals toward a specific area where you want better connectivity. The hack gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people were working from home and struggling with poor internet. Tech expert James McQuiggan supports the idea, saying the foil can help direct signals more efficiently.

Reader’s Digest contributor Brooke Nelson Alexander tested the method and found mixed results—it didn’t work for her, but she noted it might be more effective depending on room layout, obstructions, and internet plan. The concept is backed by a 2017 study from Dartmouth and Columbia universities, which found foil could create a “virtual wall” to guide signals. However, some warn the hack might worsen Wi-Fi performance in other rooms. Still, it could be worth trying before investing in more expensive solutions like Wi-Fi extenders.