Wi-Fi Issues: Why Your Device Might Struggle to Connect (and How to Fix It)

If your Payaz device is having trouble connecting or staying connected to the internet in your location, then hopefully this article will help. Structure, layout, and even location can sometimes make Wi-Fi signals weaker or patchy.

This article explains some of the most common causes of Wi-Fi issues and offers practical steps to help you get your device back online.

Why Wi-Fi Can Be Tricky in Churches

Building Layout and Thick Walls

Many churches are built with solid stone or brick walls, which can make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals to travel from one area to another.

If your Wi-Fi router is tucked away in an office or vestry, and your Payaz device is out in the main hall or front of the church, the signal often has to pass through multiple thick walls — and that can seriously reduce its strength.

Even modern churches with open layouts can experience “dead zones” where Wi-Fi simply doesn’t reach as far as expected.

Distance and Signal Strength

Wi-Fi signals get weaker the further they travel.

If your device is 10–20 metres away from your router, or there are obstacles (pillars, furniture, or even metal objects), that signal can drop considerably.

It’s worth noting that devices like iPhones or iPads often appear to connect perfectly fine even in these conditions. That’s because they use high-end antennas and components designed to boost weak signals.

The tablets used inside Payaz devices are designed to be cost-effective and energy-efficient, so while they perform very well 98% of the time, they may not handle a weak signal quite as strongly as a premium smartphone.

Too Many Devices on the Same Network

If your church Wi-Fi is shared between multiple devices — such as office computers, security cameras, streaming equipment, or parish staff equipment — the connection can easily get overloaded.

Every connected device uses a share of your available bandwidth. When too many are connected at once, your Payaz device might lose connection or appear slower to update or load donation screens.

How to Improve Your Connection

✅ 1. Move the Device Closer to the Router

If possible, try moving your Payaz device a little closer to where your Wi-Fi hub is located.

You can test this by bringing the device temporarily into the same room as your router — if the connection improves instantly, then the issue is likely related to signal distance or blockage.

If the router is far away, consider relocating it to reduce the distance between it and your main collection point.

✅ 2. Use a Wi-Fi Extender

One of the simplest and most affordable solutions is to install a Wi-Fi extender or booster.

These small plug-in devices pick up your existing signal and rebroadcast it into the areas that need it most — such as your main church hall, foyer, or donation stand.

If your router is in an office, placing a Wi-Fi extender halfway between the office and your Payaz device can often solve the issue immediately.

✅ 3. Switch to a Multi-Network SIM

If Wi-Fi remains unreliable, you can bypass it completely with a Payaz Multi-Network SIM.

This special SIM automatically connects to the strongest available mobile signal (across networks like EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three), keeping your device online wherever you are.

It’s a great option for rural churches, travelling events, or anywhere with limited Wi-Fi access — and means your donations can still come through smoothly even if your router goes down.

✅ 4. Check Your Internet Speed

Sometimes it’s not the signal strength, but the internet speed itself that’s causing the problem.

You can check this by visiting www.speedtest.net on a laptop or phone connected to the same Wi-Fi.

If your upload speed is below 5 Mbps, you might find your Payaz device struggles to stay connected consistently.

In that case, you could contact your internet provider to discuss upgrading your plan or installing a new router.

Summary: Quick Tips at a Glance

• Thick walls and long distances can block or weaken Wi-Fi

• Older buildings or large spaces often have patchy coverage

• Phones and iPads handle weak signals better than tablets

• Try a Wi-Fi extender or a Payaz Multi-Network SIM for a quick fix

• Always test the connection closer to the router to narrow down the cause

If you’ve tried these steps and are still having issues, don’t worry — our support team is here to help.

Contact us via support@payaz.com or through your Payaz Dashboard, and we’ll walk you through the next steps to get your device fully connected again.