Why is my Wi-Fi slow? Nine fixes that actually help
Wi-Fi gets slower with distance, walls and interference. The fixes that help most are moving the router, using the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band, and running a cable to anything that stays in one place. To diagnose it, run a speed test next to the router and again in the room where it is slow.
First, find out whether Wi-Fi is the problem
- Stand next to the router and run the SpeedUp test on your phone or laptop.
- Walk to the room where the connection is slow and run it again.
- If you can, connect a laptop to the router with a cable and test once more.
If the result next to the router is already low, even on a cable, the limit is your plan, your modem or your router, not the Wi-Fi signal. See why your internet is slower than you pay for. If the result is good next to the router and poor in the slow room, the signal is the problem and the fixes below will help.
Nine fixes, from easiest
- Restart the router and modem. Switch them off for about 30 seconds and back on. It clears many temporary faults.
- Move the router. A central, open, raised position is best. Avoid cupboards, the floor, and spots next to metal, mirrors, microwave ovens or large water tanks.
- Use the right band. See the table below.
- Change the channel. In apartment buildings, many networks share the same channels. Most routers can pick the least crowded channel automatically. Check that the setting is on, or choose another channel and test.
- Update firmware and software. Update the router's firmware and your device's system and Wi-Fi drivers.
- Reduce what is running. Automatic updates, cloud backups and many streaming devices share the same Wi-Fi. Pause them while you test.
- Use a cable for fixed devices. TVs, game consoles and desktops stay in one place. Connecting them with a cable is the most reliable fix, and it frees Wi-Fi for everything else.
- Add an access point or a mesh system. For a larger home, a second unit connected back to the router by a cable works best. Wireless-only extenders reuse the same radio and often cut the speed noticeably.
- Replace old equipment. A router or device that only supports older Wi-Fi standards limits what a good plan can deliver.
Which Wi-Fi band to use
| Band | Range | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Longest | Slowest, and often crowded | Far rooms, simple smart-home devices |
| 5 GHz | Medium | Fast | Most phones and laptops in the same or next room |
| 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E and newer) | Shortest | Fastest, least crowded | Compatible devices near the router |
Set realistic expectations
Wi-Fi is a shared medium. All your devices take turns, and real-world speeds are lower than the number printed on the router's box, which is a theoretical figure. A weak signal also causes retries, which is why Wi-Fi problems often show up as jitter and lag as well as low speed.