Before you start
- Access to your router
- A device for speed tests
Method 1 Find out where the problem is
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Step 1: Run a speed test
Go to speedtest.net or fast.com on a device next to the router. Compare the download speed with what your plan promises.
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Step 2: Test with a cable
If you can, plug a laptop into the router with an Ethernet cable and test again. Fast wired but slow Wi-Fi means it’s a Wi-Fi problem; slow wired means it’s the line or your plan.
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Step 3: Test at different times
Slow only in the evening? Your provider’s network may be congested at peak hours.
Method 2 Quick wins
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Step 1: Restart the modem and router
Unplug both, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, then the router. It clears memory and can connect you to a less busy line.
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Step 2: Move the router
Put it in a central, open, raised position. Not in a cupboard, behind the TV, near a microwave or on the floor.
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Step 3: Use 5 GHz
Connect nearby devices to the 5 GHz network (often named with “5G”). It’s much faster than 2.4 GHz at short range.
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Step 4: Plug in what you can
Use Ethernet for TVs, consoles and desktop PCs. It’s faster and frees Wi-Fi for phones.
Method 3 Stop bandwidth hogs
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Step 1: Check what’s using the connection
Big game downloads, cloud photo backups, system updates and several 4K streams can max out a connection. Pause them or schedule them overnight.
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Step 2: Remove unknown devices
Log in to your router (or its app) and check the device list. Change the Wi-Fi password if you see devices you don’t recognise.
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Step 3: Use QoS
Many routers have QoS settings to prioritise video calls or gaming over downloads.
Method 4 Upgrade when tweaks aren’t enough
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Step 1: Update router firmware
Check the router’s admin page or app for updates.
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Step 2: Replace an old router
Routers older than about 5 years (Wi-Fi 4/5) can’t keep up with today’s plans. A Wi-Fi 6 or 7 router helps a lot.
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Step 3: Add mesh Wi-Fi
For large or multi-storey homes, a mesh system covers every room evenly.
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Step 4: Upgrade your plan
If wired speed already matches your plan but it isn’t enough for your household, ask about a faster plan or fibre.
Troubleshooting
Speed is fine near the router but bad elsewhere
That’s coverage: move the router, add a mesh node or an access point, or use a powerline adapter.
Only one device is slow
Restart it, update its Wi-Fi driver or OS, forget and rejoin the network, and check for background downloads.
Internet keeps dropping
See our guide on frequent disconnections: check cables, line quality and router logs, and contact your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What speed do I need?
About 25 Mbps per 4K stream, 5–10 Mbps per HD video call, and more for large households. 100–300 Mbps suits most families.
Mbps vs MB/s?
Internet speed is in megabits (Mbps). Download managers show megabytes (MB/s). 100 Mbps ≈ 12.5 MB/s.
Summary
Test wired and wireless speed to find the bottleneck, restart and reposition your router, use 5 GHz or Ethernet, and pause heavy downloads. If wired speed is still below your plan, it’s time to call your provider.
