Optimization and design of mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) must assure adequate spatial coverage of the site. The spatial coverage optimization aims to enrich discoverability of MWSN by specifying mobile sensors geographical locations in order to maximize their coverage. In this paper, an enhanced metaheuristic algorithm called “firefly algorithm with crossover and detection phases” is introduced for optimizing the area coverage percentage of MWSN. The proposed algorithm is tested on many datasets with different criterions and compared with other algorithms including differential evolution, whale optimization algorithm, and flower pollination algorithm. The experimental results are analysed with one‐way ANOVA test. In addition, the proposed algorithm is compared with particle swarm optimization, and the results are analysed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The overall analysis results prove the prosperity and efficient exploration of the proposed algorithm.