Repurpose an old Android phone as a free Wi-Fi extender to eliminate dead zones

ZDNET’s guide demonstrates a practical, zero-cost way to fix Wi-Fi dead zones using an old Android phone. The trick relies on the phone’s built-in hotspot feature, which can rebroadcast your existing home Wi-Fi network—no mobile data required. Simply connect the phone to your Wi-Fi as usual, then enable “Wi-Fi hotspot” under Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering (on Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot). You can set a custom network name and password, making it easy for other devices to join.

Performance caveats: the phone acts as a basic extender, so speeds may be slower than a dedicated mesh system or Wi-Fi extender. The author tested with a Pixel phone and recommends placing the device between the router and the problem area to minimize signal loss. Keeping the phone plugged in is essential since hotspot mode drains the battery quickly. This hack is ideal for temporary fixes or budget-conscious users who have a spare Android device gathering dust.