Old Android Phone Turns Into $0 Wi-Fi Extender for Home Dead Spots

2 articles · Updated · ZDNet · May 31

An old Android phone with hotspot support can be repurposed as a no-cost Wi-Fi extender, rebroadcasting a home Wi-Fi connection into weak-signal areas.
The setup uses the phone's Wi-Fi hotspot feature rather than mobile data, with the device connected to the home network, hotspot enabled, and mobile data switched off to avoid cellular charges.
Placement is critical: the phone should sit between the router and the dead zone, not inside the weak spot, and stay plugged in because hotspot use drains the battery quickly.
Speed is the trade-off. The workaround improves coverage but can run slower than the main router, making it better for basic browsing, streaming, and work than for high-performance whole-home networking.
For one problem room, the phone trick may be enough; for faster, more reliable coverage across a home, a dedicated extender or mesh system remains the better option.

Is turning an old phone into a Wi-Fi extender a clever hack or a hidden security risk for your home network?

Why can your old Android phone boost your Wi-Fi signal, but your much newer iPhone can't perform the same trick?