Why is my Wi-Fi slow? 10 fixes to try before you pay for anything

Most slow Wi-Fi is caused by where the router is, what is near it, or one device hogging the connection. Work through these fixes in order.

When people say “my broadband is slow”, the problem is very often the Wi-Fi inside the house, not the line coming into it. That is good news, because Wi-Fi problems are usually cheap or free to fix.

Work through these in order. Stop when things improve.

First, find out where the problem is

Run a speed test on a device plugged into the router with a cable, if you can. Many laptops need a cheap USB network adapter for this. Then run the same test over Wi-Fi, standing next to the router, and again in the room where it is slow.

• Slow even on a cable? The problem is the line or the provider. Skip to fix 9.
• Fast on a cable, slow over Wi-Fi? It is a Wi-Fi problem. Carry on.

The fixes

1. Restart the router properly

Turn it off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Give it five minutes. It sounds obvious, but it clears a lot of problems.

2. Move the router out of the cupboard

Routers work best out in the open, off the floor, and near the middle of the home. A router in a cupboard, behind the TV or on the floor in the hallway loses a lot of signal.

3. Keep it away from things that block or interfere

Thick walls, mirrors, fish tanks, metal and radiators all weaken Wi-Fi. Microwaves, baby monitors and some cordless phones can interfere with it.

4. Use the right band

Most routers broadcast two kinds of Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz reaches further but is slower; 5GHz is faster but does not travel as far through walls. Newer routers may also have 6GHz. If your router shows them as separate networks, connect nearby devices to 5GHz.

5. Check what else is using the connection

A games console downloading an update, or a phone backing up photos, can make everything else crawl. Most router apps show which devices are busiest.

6. Update the router and your devices

Router software updates fix bugs and security holes. Most update automatically, but a restart can prompt it.

7. Forget old devices

If dozens of old phones, plugs and gadgets are connected, removing the ones you no longer use tidies things up and can help.

8. Try a different Wi-Fi channel

If you live in a flat or terrace, neighbours’ Wi-Fi can crowd yours. Most routers pick a channel automatically. Restarting often makes them choose a quieter one.

9. Check for a fault on the line

If speeds are slow even on a cable, contact your provider. Ask them to run a line test. If they find a fault and it is not fixed within two working days, you may be owed automatic compensation.

10. Extend the Wi-Fi, if the house is the problem

If the router is in a good spot and far rooms are still slow, the house is simply too big or too solid for one router. That is where mesh Wi-Fi, extenders or powerline adapters come in. Our guide to mesh vs extenders vs powerline explains which to choose.

Before buying kit, ask your provider. Some offer Wi-Fi boosters or mesh discs free or cheaply, especially on higher-tier packages.