Kerry Wan/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Uses your existing Wi-Fi, not mobile data, to extend coverage.It extends coverage, but may result in slower speeds than your router.Place the phone between the router and dead zone for best results.I have a Pixel phone that usually sits in a drawer. I mostly use it to test new Android features for work, but sometimes I find creative ways to use or repurpose it. My latest experiment is fixing Wi-Fi dead zones.Also: 4 Android Auto developer settings that make driving so much easier - how to enable themYou know... that one room or corner of your home where everything buffers, drops, or refuses to load. Most people fix this by buying a dedicated Wi-Fi extender or upgrading to a mesh system. But there's another option if you're like me and have an old Android phone lying around. You can turn it into a Wi-Fi extender, and it works well enough to deliver a usable connection in problem areas. The best part is it doesn't cost a thing to try. How to fix spotty home Wi-Fi with an Android phone What you'll need: All you'll need is an old Android phone with hotspot support, access to your home Wi-Fi network, and a charger to keep the device powered on while in use. 1. Connect your Android phone to your Wi-Fi network Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET 2. Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot Next, enable Android's Wi-Fi hotspot feature. This creates a new Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to, but the phone essentially rebroadcasts your existing connection and serves as a basic Wi-Fi extender.On most Android phones, go to Settings > Network and internet > Hotspot and tethering, then enable Wi-Fi hotspot.On Samsung devices, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering, then enable Mobile Hotspot.Also: How I use Samsung's secret Wi-Fi menu to seriously improve my connectivity