Rainy season hits differently here. Jeepneys splash water onto sidewalks, traffic slows to a crawl, and somewhere between the thunder and the power flickers, the WiFi gives up on you.
Whether you’re in the middle of a Zoom meeting, binge-watching a K-drama, or rushing to submit a deadline, the last thing you want is a signal that disappears with the downpour.
While writing this piece, I found myself stumbling into tech tips I honestly didn’t know existed. Things like mini UPS units for modems or how switching WiFi bands could actually help during a storm. So if you’re like me and thought a brownout automatically meant the internet was hopeless, you’re not alone.
Here are smart and practical ways to stay connected even when the skies go dark and the WiFi starts acting up.
Enable mobile hotspot as your emergency backup
When fiber fails, your phone can save the day. Keep a prepaid SIM with active data promos on standby. GOMO’s no-expiry data or Smart’s Unli 5G (if you’re lucky enough to have it in your area) can serve as backup internet through personal hotspot.
Make sure your hotspot password is set ahead of time. You don’t want to be figuring that out mid-brownout.
Place your router somewhere with fewer barriers
WiFi signal can struggle during storms, especially if your router is buried behind furniture or sitting low on the floor. Place it in an open, elevated space. Away from thick walls, metal appliances, and moisture-prone areas like windows or air vents.
If you live in a multi-level home, the second floor usually offers better signal spread. And yes, sometimes the fix is as simple as lifting your router five inches off the floor.
Keep your modem on with a mini UPS
Brownouts don’t have to mean instant signal loss. A mini UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can keep your modem and router running for at least 1 to 2 hours, depending on the unit. Think of it as a tiny power bank, but for your internet.
While CD-R King might no longer be around for budget tech finds, you can score these online for under ₱1,000 or check local shops like Octagon or online platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Make sure to match the voltage of your modem to the UPS output, and always check reviews.
Change your WiFi band when the signal drops
Rain can affect wireless signal quality, especially if you’re far from your router. If your device is connected to a dual-band router, switching between 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz can make a difference.
2.4GHz travels farther and goes through walls better. Fitting if your router is in another room. 5GHz is faster but shorter in range and more sensitive to interference (like, say, a thunderstorm overhead).
During a storm, 2.4 GHz might be your safer bet if walls and distance are a problem. Switching bands can sometimes bring your internet back to life when it starts lagging.
Disconnect devices you’re not using
Your internet is already working overtime. Help it out by reducing background activity. Turn off auto-updates, pause file syncing (like Google Drive or Dropbox), and disconnect smart devices you’re not using.
Every megabyte counts when your WiFi is crawling at bagyo speed.
Know what your modem is telling you
Modem lights are more than just blinking decorations. A red or blinking light usually signals a problem with the line. If your optical light is off, your provider might be facing an outage in your area.
Call your provider’s hotline or send a report through their mobile app. Most ISPs now offer faster ticketing services, just be sure to take a photo of the modem and log the time of the issue.
Prepare a signal survival kit
No need to break the bank. A few tools go a long way:
- Extra LAN cables
- Power strip with surge protection
- Electrical tape
- Silica gel packs or a dry cloth for moisture
- Waterproof pouch for your pocket WiFi or router in case you need to move it outdoors temporarily (yes, this is a thing)
Use signal apps or browser tools to spot trouble
Free apps like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Mac/PC) can help you identify dead zones in your house. You can also check for ISP outages using your telco’s app or crowd-sourced outage maps. Knowing if it’s your equipment or your provider can save you hours of frustration.
Prepare for intermittent speeds after reconnection
Sometimes, the storm doesn’t end when the rain stops. After power comes back, ISPs can take time to stabilize network loads in your area. It’s normal for your internet to dip in and out during this window. The skies may clear, but the signals take their time catching up.
The bottom lineThe weather is out of your hands. Your internet stability isn’t. With a little prep and the right gear, you can stay online even when the skies go dark and the lights flicker.
Here, the real test comes after the storm. It comes in the form of when you’re trying to reconnect everything that went dark.
You don’t have to buy every gadget or download every app to be storm-ready. Start with the tips that make sense for your setup, budget, and living situation.
Even small adjustments like moving your router or switching WiFi bands can mean the difference between buffering and breezing through your next meeting or movie night.
Stay dry, stay connected! And may your signal be stronger than the storm.
