Slow Wi-Fi is frustrating. Videos buffer, calls freeze and pages crawl. Before you call your internet provider or buy new equipment, work through this checklist. Most Wi-Fi problems come from a handful of common causes that you can fix in minutes.
1. Check whether it is Wi-Fi or the internet
Plug a laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. If the wired speed is also slow, the problem is your internet connection or provider. If wired is fast but Wi-Fi is slow, keep reading.
2. Restart the router
Switch it off, wait 30 seconds and switch it on again. Routers run constantly and can build up glitches. A restart clears them and fixes a surprising number of problems.
3. Move the router
Wi-Fi works best from a central, raised spot in the open. Avoid placing it inside a cupboard, behind a television or on the floor. Thick walls, metal and mirrors weaken the signal.
4. Move closer or use the 5 GHz band
Many routers offer two bands. The 2.4 GHz band reaches farther but is slower and more crowded. The 5 GHz band is faster over short distances. Use 5 GHz for devices in the same room or nearby, and 2.4 GHz for devices far away.
5. Check what else is using the connection
Other people streaming, gaming or downloading large updates can slow everything down. Pause big downloads, and check for cloud backups or automatic updates running in the background.
6. Reduce interference
Microwaves, cordless phones and baby monitors can interfere with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. In apartment buildings, neighbours' networks add to the crowd. In your router settings, try switching to a less busy channel. On 2.4 GHz, channels 1, 6 and 11 are the usual choices.
7. Update the router firmware
Manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and security problems. Check your router's admin page or app for updates.
8. Update or restart your device
Old network drivers and long uptimes can cause trouble. Restart the phone or laptop, forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.
9. Add a mesh system or extender
If a large home has dead spots, a mesh Wi-Fi system usually works better than a simple extender because it uses several linked units for coverage.
10. Contact your provider
If wired speeds are far below what you pay for, contact your provider. Give them your speed test results and the times you saw problems.
What speed do you need?
- Browsing and email: 5 Mbps
- HD video streaming: about 5 to 10 Mbps per stream
- Online gaming: 10 to 25 Mbps with a low ping
- 4K streaming: about 25 Mbps per stream
One thing that confuses many people: internet speeds are quoted in megabits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are in megabytes. Divide the speed by 8 to get megabytes per second. A 100 Mbps connection downloads at most about 12.5 MB per second, so a 1 GB file takes roughly 80 seconds at best.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Wi-Fi slow only in the evening?
Many households use the internet at the same time, and shared networks can slow down at peak hours.
Does a new router help?
If yours is several years old, a newer model can improve speed and range, but fix the simple things first.
This guide is for general information only. See our disclaimer.