One of the first things you should check when facing internet issues is your internet speed. A quick way to assess your internet speed test is by using the Ookla Speed Test or Fast.com. This tools allows you to measure your download and upload speeds, helping you understand whether your internet service is functioning properly. Wi-Fi is an essential part of modern life, powering everything from online work and gaming to streaming movies and video calls. But when your Wi-Fi speed slows down, it can be frustrating. If you’re experiencing slow Wi-Fi speeds at home, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through simple troubleshooting steps to boost your connection and get your internet back up to speed.
Also check How to Troubleshoot Your Home Wi-Fi Router: Step-by-Step Guide and How to Fix “Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet” on Any Device
1. Check Your Internet Plan
Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s important to make sure your internet plan is capable of supporting the speeds you want.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Open the browser on your device and navigate to your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) website (for example, Airtel, Jio, or BSNL).
- Step 2: Log in to your account using your username and password. If you haven’t created an account online, you can use the credentials provided when you set up the service.
- Step 3: Once logged in, go to the Account or Plan section. Here, you’ll find your current internet plan details.
- Step 4: Look at the plan’s download and upload speed at Ookla Speed Test, here or at Fast.com. These numbers are usually listed in Mbps (Megabits per second). If the speeds seem lower than expected, it could be the cause of your slow Wi-Fi.
- Step 5: To verify your actual speeds, run a internet speed test using a website like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Compare the download and upload speeds with the values in your plan.
- Step 6: If the speeds you are getting from the test are much lower than promised by your ISP, this could indicate an issue with your provider. Contact your ISP to either troubleshoot the issue or inquire about a better plan.
- Step 7: If you regularly have a large number of devices connected or require high-speed usage (e.g., for streaming or gaming), consider upgrading your plan to a higher speed tier.
What to do next: If the speeds are significantly lower than your plan promises, reach out to your ISP for further assistance or to discuss upgrading your plan.
2. Restart Your Router
A quick router reboot is a simple yet effective solution to many Wi-Fi issues, as it refreshes the connection and clears temporary glitches.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Locate your router’s power cable and unplug it from the socket. Make sure to physically disconnect it and avoid just pressing the power button.
- Step 2: Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This pause allows the router to reset and clear any memory overloads that might be affecting performance.
- Step 3: After waiting, plug the power cable back into the router. You should see the lights on your router start blinking, indicating that it’s rebooting.
- Step 4: Wait for 1-2 minutes as the router fully reboots. This allows the router to reconnect to your ISP and re-establish a stable internet connection.
- Step 5: Once rebooted, check the Wi-Fi speed again on your device (phone or laptop). This can often fix minor issues like a slow connection.
- Step 6: If the connection improves, the issue was likely just a temporary glitch in the router. If speeds are still slow, continue with the next steps.
What to do next: If restarting the router doesn’t improve your speeds, move on to troubleshooting other potential causes like router placement or the number of connected devices.
3. Check Your Wi-Fi Router’s Placement
The location of your router plays a major role in Wi-Fi performance. If it’s poorly placed, the signal could be weak or blocked.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Physically inspect the location of your router. Is it placed in a central area of your home or off to one side? Ideally, it should be near the center to ensure an even distribution of the Wi-Fi signal throughout the space.
- Step 2: Avoid placing the router near thick walls or large metal objects (like refrigerators, washing machines, or mirrors). These can block or interfere with the signal. Try moving the router to an open space.
- Step 3: Elevate the router on a table, shelf, or higher surface. Wi-Fi signals tend to spread better when they’re not blocked by furniture or obstacles.
- Step 4: Place the router in a location where you’ll typically need the most internet access. If you have a home office, living room, or a study area where you use Wi-Fi the most, place the router close to that area.
- Step 5: Ensure the router is away from any electronic devices like microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices. These can cause interference, especially on the 2.4GHz band.
- Step 6: If possible, use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to cover larger areas or homes with multiple floors. These devices help maintain a strong signal in areas that are far from the router.
What to do next: After repositioning the router, check the Wi-Fi speed in different rooms. A better placement should improve the signal strength.
4. Limit the Number of Devices Connected
Too many devices using the same Wi-Fi network at once can cause it to slow down. Here’s how you can manage the devices connected to your network.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Log in to your router’s admin interface by entering the router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your browser’s address bar.
- Step 2: Enter your admin username and password. These are often written on a sticker on the back of the router or can be found in the router’s manual.
- Step 3: Once logged in, go to the Device List or Connected Devices section in your router settings. This will show you a list of all devices currently using your Wi-Fi.
- Step 4: Review the devices on the list. Disconnect any that don’t need to be connected at the moment, such as smart speakers, streaming devices, or unused laptops.
- Step 5: If you notice any unknown devices, this might indicate someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission. In such cases, immediately change your Wi-Fi password to something more secure.
- Step 6: Once you’ve cleared out unnecessary devices, try reconnecting only the essential devices (like your laptop or smartphone) to see if it improves speed.
- Step 7: Consider setting up a Guest Network for visitors or devices that don’t need to be on your main Wi-Fi network. This keeps your primary network less congested.
What to do next: After limiting connected devices, check your internet speed again to see if performance improves.
5. Update Your Router’s Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause poor performance. Here’s how to update it.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Log into your router’s settings page by typing the router’s IP address in your browser (see previous steps).
- Step 2: Enter your admin credentials to access the router’s settings.
- Step 3: Look for the Firmware Update option, usually under the System, Maintenance, or Advanced Settings tab.
- Step 4: Check if there’s a newer version of the firmware available. Your router’s manufacturer will usually list a version number and date.
- Step 5: If a new version is available, click on the Update button. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update. The router may restart during this process.
- Step 6: Once the update is complete, test your Wi-Fi speed again at Ookla Speed Test, here or at Fast.com, here. A firmware update can resolve bugs and improve performance.
- Step 7: If your router automatically updates its firmware, check the router’s manual to see how often updates occur and when you need to manually initiate the process.
What to do next: After updating the firmware, check for improvements in Wi-Fi speed. If it doesn’t help, try other troubleshooting steps like changing channels.
6. Change Wi-Fi Channel or Bandwidth Settings
Interference from neighboring networks can slow down your Wi-Fi. This can be fixed by changing your Wi-Fi channel or adjusting the bandwidth settings.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Open a browser and go to your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Step 2: Log in to the router’s admin panel using your username and password (usually found on the router label or in the manual).
- Step 3: Once logged in, find the Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings tab.
- Step 4: Look for a setting related to Wi-Fi Channel or Channel Selection. Most routers automatically select the channel, but you can manually change it.
- Step 5: Select a less crowded channel. Wi-Fi channels range from 1 to 11 (or 1 to 13, depending on the region). You can use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer (for Android) or NetSpot (for Mac/Windows) to scan for the least congested channels in your area.
- Step 6: If your router supports dual-band Wi-Fi, switch between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 5GHz band is usually faster and less prone to interference but has a shorter range. The 2.4GHz band, on the other hand, provides better coverage but can get crowded.
- Step 7: Check the Bandwidth setting. Many routers allow you to set this to 20MHz, 40MHz, or 80MHz. A 20MHz bandwidth is less crowded but slower, while 40MHz and 80MHz provide faster speeds but can suffer from more interference.
- Step 8: If you’re using the 2.4GHz band and interference is a problem, try switching to the 5GHz band if your devices support it.
- Step 9: Save the changes and reboot your router if needed.
- Step 10: Test your Wi-Fi speeds to see if changing the channel or bandwidth improved your connection. If there’s no improvement, try switching back to the default settings or experiment with different channels.
What to do next: If changing the channel or bandwidth improves your speeds, keep the settings. If not, continue troubleshooting with other solutions, such as upgrading your router.
7. Reset Your Router to Factory Settings
If all else fails, performing a factory reset on your router can resolve persistent issues, restoring it to its original state. This step should be used only when all other solutions have failed.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Locate the reset button on your router. This is usually a small hole or button that requires a pin or paperclip to press. It’s often found on the back or bottom of the device.
- Step 2: Press and hold the reset button for 10-30 seconds (depending on the router model) until the router’s lights blink or turn off and on again.
- Step 3: After releasing the reset button, wait for the router to reboot. It may take a few minutes.
- Step 4: Once the router has restarted, it will be restored to its factory settings. You’ll need to set it up again from scratch.
- Step 5: Reconnect to the router using the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. You can find this information on the label on your router.
- Step 6: Open your browser and go to the router’s admin panel using the default IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
- Step 7: Log in using the default username and password (usually found on the router’s label).
- Step 8: Reconfigure the router, including setting up your Wi-Fi name (SSID), password, security settings, and other preferences.
- Step 9: If necessary, update the router’s firmware (as explained earlier in this guide) to the latest version.
- Step 10: Reconnect your devices to the Wi-Fi network. Test your internet speeds to see if the reset has fixed your issues.
What to do next: If the reset improves your speeds, great! If not, you might need to look at potential hardware issues or replace the router.
8. Check for External Interference
Other electronics and devices in your home may interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Here’s how to minimize interference:
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Identify the devices that could be causing interference. Common culprits include microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and even neon lights.
- Step 2: Move these devices away from your router and Wi-Fi-enabled devices. For example, move your microwave at least 5 feet away from the router.
- Step 3: If possible, turn off the interfering devices temporarily (especially microwaves and baby monitors) and check whether your Wi-Fi improves.
- Step 4: Try changing your Wi-Fi band from 2.4GHz to 5GHz (or vice versa) to avoid interference from other networks. The 5GHz band tends to suffer less interference.
- Step 5: Switch your router’s position. If it’s placed near a metal object (like a refrigerator), move it to a more open area with fewer obstructions.
- Step 6: Consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network. These devices help extend the Wi-Fi signal and reduce dead zones in your home, minimizing the impact of interference.
- Step 7: If your router is in a crowded area (like an apartment complex), try changing the Wi-Fi channel to a less crowded one (as discussed earlier in the guide).
- Step 8: Keep all devices in the home that require Wi-Fi (e.g., smart TVs, smartphones) away from potential interference sources, ideally placing them at least 5 feet from routers and microwave ovens.
What to do next: After addressing interference, check your internet speeds again. If there’s still no improvement, continue with advanced steps, such as contacting your ISP.
9. Update Device Network Drivers
Outdated drivers on your laptop, smartphone, or desktop can cause connectivity issues, even if your router is working fine.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: On your Windows laptop/PC, press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand the Network Adapters section to see a list of your devices.
- Step 3: Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update Driver.
- Step 4: Choose the Search automatically for updated driver software option. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it if available.
- Step 5: If no updates are found, go to the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and look for the latest drivers for your Wi-Fi card.
- Step 6: Download and install the driver manually by following the on-screen instructions.
- Step 7: Once updated, restart your computer and check if the Wi-Fi speeds have improved.
- Step 8: For Mac users, open System Preferences, go to Software Update, and install any available updates. This ensures that your system drivers are up-to-date.
- Step 9: Test the Wi-Fi connection after updating your drivers to see if performance has improved.
- Step 10: If the update doesn’t help, you can try uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it or rolling back to a previous version if the issue started after a recent update.
What to do next: If updating the drivers improves your Wi-Fi connection, you’re good to go! If not, continue with further troubleshooting like checking for hardware issues.
10. Contact Your ISP
If none of the above steps work, there may be an issue on your ISP’s side. Here’s what to do:
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Gather information about your current plan and internet speed from your ISP account (as mentioned earlier).
- Step 2: Run a internet speed test at Ookla Speed Test or at Fast.com again and note the results.
- Step 3: Call your ISP’s customer support and explain your issue in detail, including the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot.
- Step 4: Provide them with the internet speed test results and ask if there’s a known outage or maintenance work in your area.
- Step 5: If the support team identifies an issue, they may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or schedule a technician visit.
- Step 6: If there’s no solution, ask if there’s any way to upgrade your plan or if they recommend upgrading your router to resolve the issue.
- Step 7: If the problem persists even after their intervention, consider switching ISPs if possible. Some ISPs have poor coverage in certain areas, so another provider might offer better speeds.
What to do next: If the issue is resolved by your ISP, you should see a significant improvement in speeds. If not, you may need to invest in new equipment or explore more advanced fixes.
11. Optimize Your Device’s Connection Settings
Sometimes, the settings on your device can affect how it connects to your Wi-Fi network. Here are some tips to ensure that your device is optimized for the best performance.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: On Windows, open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. Click on Change adapter settings on the left.
- Step 2: Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties.
- Step 3: Click on Configure and go to the Advanced tab.
- Step 4: Look for options like Roaming Aggressiveness, Transmit Power, or Wireless Mode.
- Set Roaming Aggressiveness to Medium or Low to avoid your device from frequently switching between networks.
- Transmit Power should be set to Highest to improve signal strength.
- Set Wireless Mode to Auto or select the latest Wi-Fi protocol (e.g., 802.11ac for 5GHz networks).
- Step 5: On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi. Click Advanced and reorder your preferred networks to prioritize your home Wi-Fi.
- Step 6: On smartphones, make sure that Wi-Fi Assist (on iOS) or Smart Network Switch (on Android) is turned off. These features automatically switch to mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak, which could be causing connectivity problems.
- Step 7: On Android, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced. Enable Wi-Fi frequency band to force the device to use the 5GHz band if possible. This can help avoid congestion on the 2.4GHz band.
- Step 8: For laptops and desktops, ensure that your network adapter driver is up to date. This will allow your device to connect more efficiently to the Wi-Fi network.
What to do next: After optimizing these settings, test your connection again. If speeds improve, then the device settings were a factor. If the problem persists, move on to other solutions.
12. Check for Background Apps Consuming Bandwidth
Background apps on your devices may be using up your internet bandwidth, slowing down your Wi-Fi for other tasks. Here’s how to identify and manage these apps:
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Step 2: Go to the Processes tab and click on the Network column to sort apps by network usage.
- Step 3: Identify apps using significant bandwidth, such as streaming services, cloud backups, or large downloads.
- Step 4: Right-click on the app and select End Task to stop it from consuming your Wi-Fi bandwidth. Alternatively, go to the app’s settings and disable any auto-update or background syncing features.
- Step 5: On Mac, open Activity Monitor (found in Applications > Utilities).
- Step 6: Go to the Network tab to view apps using your internet connection.
- Step 7: Force quit any bandwidth-heavy apps by selecting them and clicking the X button at the top left of the window.
- Step 8: For smartphones, go to Settings > Data Usage to see apps using excessive data in the background. Disable background data for apps that don’t require constant internet access.
- Step 9: Consider using data-saving modes on your device, which can limit data usage by apps in the background.
What to do next: Once you have managed or closed apps using excessive bandwidth, check your internet speed again. If your Wi-Fi speeds improve, then background apps were the issue. If not, continue troubleshooting.
13. Test Wi-Fi on Different Devices
Sometimes, the issue could be with a specific device rather than your entire Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to narrow down whether the problem is device-specific.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Take another device (smartphone, laptop, tablet) and try connecting to your Wi-Fi network.
- Step 2: If the second device connects fine and gets faster speeds, the issue is likely with your original device.
- Step 3: On your device, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi. This can sometimes solve the issue if your device hasn’t properly negotiated a connection with the router.
- Step 4: Restart the device you’re having trouble with. A simple reboot can resolve many connectivity issues.
- Step 5: On smartphones, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting from scratch. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap your network, and choose Forget. Then, reconnect and enter the password.
- Step 6: For Windows PCs, try Network Reset by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and clicking on Network Reset.
- Step 7: For Mac users, navigate to System Preferences > Network, select Wi-Fi, and click Advanced. Remove any saved networks and reconnect to your home Wi-Fi network.
- Step 8: If the issue is isolated to one device, check if it has any malware or adware that might be affecting network performance. Run an antivirus or anti-malware scan to rule out potential problems.
What to do next: If only one device is having issues, it may be a device-specific problem that you can solve by troubleshooting that device. If multiple devices are slow, the issue is likely with your Wi-Fi network or ISP.
15. Install a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Network
If your home is large or has thick walls, your Wi-Fi signal may not reach every corner effectively. In such cases, using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network can improve coverage.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Choose a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network based on your needs. A Wi-Fi extender amplifies your existing signal, while a mesh network provides seamless coverage across multiple nodes.
- Step 2: Plug the Wi-Fi extender into an electrical outlet in a location where your current Wi-Fi signal is still strong.
- Step 3: Follow the setup instructions provided with the extender. Typically, you’ll need to connect it to your router via the Wi-Fi settings or using a web interface.
- Step 4: If setting up a mesh network, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to place the mesh nodes in different areas of your home.
- Step 5: Once the extender or mesh system is set up, test the Wi-Fi signal in previously weak areas to ensure better coverage.
- Step 6: You can also adjust the placement of your mesh nodes or extender if the signal is not strong enough in certain areas.
What to do next: If you notice improved coverage and faster speeds in previously weak areas, then the extender or mesh network is working effectively. If not, check for setup errors or consider different products.
18. Change DNS Settings
Sometimes, slow DNS (Domain Name System) servers can cause web pages to load slowly. Switching to a faster DNS service might improve your browsing experience.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: On Windows, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Step 2: Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
- Step 3: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
- Step 4: In the new window, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Step 5: Enter a faster DNS service. You can use:
- Google DNS:
- Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS:
- Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
- Google DNS:
- Step 6: Click OK to save your changes, then restart your device.
- Step 7: On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > DNS. Add the same DNS addresses (Google or Cloudflare) here.
- Step 8: Restart your browser and test your Wi-Fi speed again.
What to do next: If the issue was with DNS, your web browsing should now feel snappier, and you should see an improvement in internet speed. If not, continue troubleshooting with other solutions.
Check How to Flush DNS Cache on Any Device: A Complete Guide to Resolving DNS Issues
19. Disable Power Saving Settings on Your Device
Some devices have power-saving settings that can disable or reduce the strength of your Wi-Fi connection to save battery. Disable these settings to ensure your device maintains a strong connection.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: On Windows, open Control Panel > Power Options.
- Step 2: Select High Performance to ensure that your device isn’t limiting Wi-Fi performance.
- Step 3: Click Change plan settings next to your selected plan, then Change advanced power settings.
- Step 4: Scroll down to Wireless Adapter Settings, and set it to Maximum Performance.
- Step 5: On Mac, open System Preferences > Energy Saver, and ensure that Automatic graphics switching is unchecked (for MacBooks).
- Step 6: On smartphones, go to Settings > Battery and disable Battery Saver mode. Some Android devices also allow you to choose Performance Mode or High Power Mode.
- Step 7: Restart your device and test your Wi-Fi connection again.
What to do next: By disabling power-saving modes, your device will maintain optimal Wi-Fi performance. If the issue persists, continue with further troubleshooting steps.
20. Use Quality of Service (QoS) Settings on Your Router
Some routers allow you to configure Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize certain types of traffic, like video streaming or gaming, over others. This can improve the performance of high-priority activities.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Log into your router’s admin panel (typically by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser).
- Step 2: Enter the admin credentials (check your router’s manual if you don’t have them).
- Step 3: Locate the QoS settings under Advanced Settings or Traffic Control.
- Step 4: Enable QoS and set priorities for specific devices or types of traffic (e.g., set your laptop or gaming console to High Priority).
- Step 5: For bandwidth-heavy applications (like streaming), assign a higher priority to ensure a smoother experience.
- Step 6: Apply the settings and reboot the router if needed.
- Step 7: Test the devices that require more bandwidth (like streaming or gaming devices) to see if the performance improves.
What to do next: By prioritizing critical applications, your Wi-Fi experience should be more stable for high-priority tasks. If not, revisit previous troubleshooting steps.
21. Check for Malware on Your Devices
Malware or viruses on your device can consume bandwidth and slow down your internet connection. Running regular scans can help identify and remove malicious software.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Install and update your antivirus or anti-malware software (such as Windows Defender, Avast, or Malwarebytes).
- Step 2: Run a full system scan to check for any potential malware.
- Step 3: If malware is found, follow the on-screen prompts to quarantine or remove the malicious software.
- Step 4: After removing malware, restart your device.
- Step 5: Use your Wi-Fi and check whether the speed has improved.
- Step 6: Consider using an additional malware cleaner tool to perform a deep clean.
What to do next: Once the malware is removed, your device should perform better on your network, and you should notice faster internet speeds. If problems persist, continue troubleshooting further.
Check out our blog on How to Remove Malware from Your Computer?