Ofcom broadband and mobile checker app

Ofcom has developed a free app to help you get the best from your internet connection, whether you’re at home or on the move.

It’s a one-stop shop which will show you your broadband and mobile coverage, test your connections and suggest tips for improving performance.

The app runs on smartphones and tablets, is available in English and Welsh and can be downloaded from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Download from the Google Play Store

Download from the Apple App Store

Alternatively, the app is available with reduced functionality via their website.

How does it work?

If you want to check your home broadband, start the app on a device that’s connected to your Wi-Fi network. It will then run a series of tests to check how well your Wi-Fi is performing.

To get a complete view, we recommend running tests in different places, at different times, and on different devices.

If the app finds a problem, it will let you know whether it’s due to your Wi-Fi or your broadband connection. It will also provide tips to help fix any problems.

For example, to tackle a problem with your Wi-Fi, it may suggest you:

• place your Wi-Fi router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor.
• keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical devices as well as those which emit wireless signals such as Bluetooth speakers, baby monitors etc.
• check the router instructions to see if it allows you to manually to select a less busy Wi-Fi channel.

The app will also suggest tips to improve your broadband connection and will let you know if there are faster services available in your area.

The app’s mobile checker shows voice, 3G or 4G coverage from all the major providers, both indoors and outdoors, wherever you are in the UK, and also provides tips on improving your mobile coverage.