Article

Test Wi-Fi Signal at Your Door

Updated October 11, 2026

Bars lie; dBm does not

Phone signal bars are smoothed, averaged marketing. Smart locks disconnect around -70 dBm and need -65 dBm or better for reliable remote access. Measure the real number before buying.

How to measure at the door

1. Stand at the lock with the door closed.
2. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (or the router’s client list) to read dBm for the 2.4 GHz band — most locks ignore 5 GHz.
3. Test morning and evening; neighbor networks and microwaves move the number.
4. Enter distance, walls, and lock count into the signal checker to confirm hub versus direct-connect.

Fixes in order of cost

• Move the router — one room closer beats any purchase.
• Lock to 2.4 GHz — separate SSIDs or band steering off.
• Add a hub or border router on the same floor, not two floors away.
• Mesh node near the entry — last resort, and keep it off the floor.