Slow WiFi is one of the most complained-about tech problems — and one of the most fixable. Before you call your internet provider and wait on hold for an hour, try these steps. Most WiFi problems at home come down to a handful of common causes.
Step 1: Restart Your Router (The Right Way)
This sounds too simple, but it works more often than people expect. The key is doing it properly:
- Unplug your router from the wall
- Wait a full 60 seconds — not 5, not 10
- Plug it back in and wait 2 minutes for it to fully restart
Routers are basically small computers. They get bogged down with old connections and memory issues over time, and a full restart clears all of that out.
Step 2: Check Where Your Router Is
WiFi signals don't travel well through walls, floors, and large appliances. If your router is in a corner of a back bedroom, devices on the other side of your house will struggle.
Best locations for your router:
- As central as possible in your home
- Up off the floor — a shelf or table is better than the ground
- Away from microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones (they all interfere)
- Out in the open, not inside a cabinet or closet
Quick test: Move your laptop or phone to be right next to the router. If speeds improve dramatically, it's a placement or range issue — not your internet plan.
Step 3: Check How Many Devices Are Connected
Every device using your WiFi takes a share of your bandwidth. Smart TVs, tablets, phones, smart speakers, security cameras — it adds up fast. If someone in your house is streaming 4K video while you're on a video call, you'll feel it.
You can usually see connected devices by logging into your router's admin panel (typically at 192.168.1.1 in your browser).
Step 4: Use the 5GHz Band If Your Router Supports It
Most modern routers broadcast two networks: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. You might see them as "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork_5G" in your WiFi settings.
- 2.4GHz — longer range, slower, more congested
- 5GHz — shorter range, much faster
If you're close to your router, connect to the 5GHz network. If you're far away, 2.4GHz is more reliable.
Step 5: Run a Speed Test
Go to fast.com or speedtest.net and run a test. Compare the result to what your internet plan is supposed to deliver (it's on your bill).
If you're getting roughly what you're paying for but things still feel slow, the problem might be your devices, not your internet. If you're getting much less than expected, that's when it's worth calling your ISP.
When to Consider a WiFi Extender or Mesh System
If your home is large or has thick walls, a single router may not cover everything well. Options include:
- WiFi extender ($30–$60) — extends your existing signal, easy to set up
- Mesh system ($150–$300) — multiple nodes that work together, much better for large homes. Google Nest WiFi and Eero are popular options.
Still having trouble? Reach out and we can help diagnose it remotely — often we can identify the issue in just a few minutes.