Overview
- Argentine outlets reported between May 23 and May 25 that short social‑media videos recommending coins, forks or spoons on routers have spread widely and prompted expert responses.
- Network engineers say there is no solid evidence that small metal objects improve WiFi and that a coin or cutlery piece is too small to act as an effective antenna for 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz signals.
- Experts warn metal near a router can unpredictably reflect or block radio waves and that placing items on equipment can restrict airflow, raise temperature, and harm long‑term performance.
- The trick spread because it costs nothing, is easy to try and can create a subjective sense of improvement that experts describe as a placebo effect rather than a measurable gain.
- Practical, proven ways to boost home WiFi include moving the router to a central elevated spot, changing channels or frequency bands, updating firmware, limiting electronic interference, or using mesh/extenders if needed.