Slow Wi-Fi is one of the most common problems we help with. Most of the time the cause is simple. Work through these fixes in order. Stop as soon as things are fast again.
1. Test the speed first
Open a speed test such as speed.cloudflare.com on the device that feels slow. Then try it on a phone in the same room. If both are slow, the problem is probably the router or the internet line. If only one device is slow, the problem is that device.
2. Restart the router and modem
Unplug the modem and the router (sometimes they are one box). Wait 30 seconds. Plug the modem in first, wait until its lights settle, then plug in the router. This clears out a lot of problems.
3. Move closer, or move the router
Wi-Fi does not pass well through walls, floors, mirrors, fish tanks, or metal cabinets. A router on the floor behind a TV in a corner will struggle. Put it up high, out in the open, near the middle of the home.
4. Pick the right band
Many routers broadcast two networks, often with names ending in 2.4 and 5 (or 5G). The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range. The 2.4 GHz network is slower but reaches farther. If you are close to the router, use 5 GHz.
5. Find what is using the bandwidth
A game download, a cloud backup, or a security camera uploading video can slow down everyone else. Pause big downloads and backups and test again.
6. Restart the slow device
Restarting a laptop or phone clears stuck network connections. On a computer, also check for updates. An old network driver can cut speeds a lot.
7. Forget the network and join again
On the slow device, open Wi-Fi settings, choose Forget on your network, and join it again with the password. This fixes connections that have gone stale.
8. Check for a plan or line problem
If the speed is slow even with a computer plugged straight into the modem with a cable, the problem is likely your internet provider. Call them and ask if there is an outage, or if your modem needs to be replaced.
Still slow?
Sometimes the fix is a router setting, an old router that needs replacing, or a mesh system for a larger home. A technician can share your screen, look at the router settings with you, and tell you exactly what will help, with no guessing. Get help with your Wi-Fi or call 1-888-711-9954.