Speed Up a Slow Wi-Fi Connection

Slow Wi-Fi usually comes down to distance, interference, or one device hogging all the bandwidth. A few simple tweaks fix most cases.

Run a quick speed test before and after each change so you can see what actually helped.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Move closer to the router and test again. If speeds jump, the problem is range — see the weak-signal steps.
2. Pause large downloads, uploads, streaming on other devices, and backups, then retest.
3. Restart your router: unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to reconnect.
4. Place your router somewhere central, up high, and out in the open — not on the floor or inside a cabinet.
5. If slow speeds only happen in one room, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system for even coverage.

Helpful tips

• Speed tests are most accurate when run near the router and repeated a couple of times.
• Older devices can drag a whole network down — check whether the slowness follows one device.
• Your provider’s plan sets the ceiling: if a wired test is also slow, the limit isn’t your Wi-Fi.