How to run a WiFi walk test
- Make sure your phone is on WiFi and turn off mobile data.
- Stand next to your router and tap Start at router. Hold still for 5 seconds.
- Walk slowly with the phone held flat in front of you.
- In each room, type its name and tap Mark this spot.
- Tap Finish for a room-by-room report.
How it works
Several times a second your phone sends a tiny message to our server and times the reply. Every few seconds it also runs a short download. As you move away from the router, weak signal shows up as slower replies, uneven timing (jitter), lost messages and lower speed. These roll up into one 0 to 100 score.
Your phone's motion sensor counts steps and its compass gives your direction, so each reading is placed on your path. Step counting is an estimate and can drift on long walks, but the room-by-room scores stay accurate.
Does the walk test work on iPhone?
Yes. Safari asks for motion access the first time; tap Allow so the test can count your steps and direction. Nothing leaves your device.
How much data does it use?
With speed bursts on, a few megabytes per burst over WiFi. You can switch bursts off in the settings for a lighter, latency-only test.