Samsung Smart Wearable Devices Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, Gear Fit
IN PHOTO: New Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone (L), Gear 2 smartwatch (C) and Gear Fit fitness band are displayed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona February 23, 2014. Samsung Electronics unveiled a new smart watch and fitness band along with the latest version of its flagship Galaxy smartphone on Monday, demonstrating how the battleground for innovation is shifting from the hand to the wrist. Picture taken on February 23. REUTERS/Albert Gea Reuters

One of the issues Android users report often involves Wi-Fi signal strength. Some users report poor signal after updating their phones to the latest version of Android available. Others just want to improve the quality of their connection overall. The following tips will help boost Wi-Fi signal on Android, giving users improved browsing experience on mobile.

Close Background Online Apps

Apps and processes that are not used actively but still use up internet connection will compete with the bandwidth and slow down a user's browsing speed. It's possible that this could be causing the slow speed and not a bad Wi-Fi signal necessarily. Tech PP suggests browsing through the Applications settings of the Android device and see which background apps are hoarding the bandwidth, and close or force-stop these apps immediately.

Turn On the "Avoid Poor Connections" Option

When the Android device scans for available connections, it may be harder to find and maximize the signal of good connections with poor connections also competing for the sensor's attention. Avoid this by turning on the Avoid Poor Connections option under the Wi-Fi settings. Navigate towards the Wi-Fi settings menu, click on Advanced Wi-Fi settings, and check the box that says "Avoid Poor Connections" to activate.

Use a Wi-Fi Booster App

Wi-Fi booster apps help improve the Android device's reception of Wi-Fi signals. A wide variety of both free and paid apps are available on Google Play Store. Misonicon's WiFi Booster and the Network 3G WiFi Booster are two examples that have good reviews on Google Play now. Note that their effectiveness varies on the connection and the device used, and that Wi-Fi booster apps only refresh the connection regularly to ensure consistent speed while the user is online.

Use a Makeshift Antenna

In cases where you can't move closer to the router (which is the easiest way to boost Wi-fi signal), users may try a makeshift antenna. Placing the Android unit close to or inside a metal bowl will help increase the Wi-Fi reception according to AndroidPIT. Alternatively, use a used soda can: cut off the top and bottom, and then cut the cylinder from top to bottom to create a makeshift antenna dish.