Before changing anything, run a speed test to get a baseline. Then work through these steps and re-test to see what helped.
Test wired vs Wi-Fi
Plug a device into the router with Ethernet and test. If wired is much faster, the bottleneck is your Wi-Fi, not your plan.
Reposition your router
Place it central, elevated, and out in the open — away from walls, metal, and microwaves. Distance and obstacles kill Wi-Fi.
Use the 5 GHz band
5 GHz is faster over short ranges; 2.4 GHz reaches further but is slower and more congested. Connect close devices to 5 GHz.
Restart and update
Reboot the router, and keep its firmware updated. This alone resolves many slowdowns.
Cut the clutter
Pause big background downloads and disconnect idle devices that quietly consume bandwidth.
Consider mesh / extenders
For larger homes, a mesh system removes dead zones far better than a single router.
When it's not your Wi-Fi
If a wired test still falls well short of your plan, the issue is likely the line or provider. Compare your result against the typical speed for your country, confirm what you're paying for, and contact your ISP with your test results in hand. Not sure how much you need? See our speed requirements guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my internet so slow?
Common causes are Wi-Fi distance and interference, an old router, too many devices, background downloads, peak-time congestion, or an underlying plan/line issue. Testing wired vs Wi-Fi quickly isolates whether it is your network or your connection.
How can I make my Wi-Fi faster?
Move closer to the router or relocate the router centrally and high up, switch to the 5 GHz band, reduce interference, update firmware, and consider a mesh system for larger homes. A wired Ethernet connection is always fastest.
Does restarting my router help?
Often yes. Restarting clears memory, re-establishes the connection, and can resolve temporary slowdowns. If problems persist after a restart and a wired test, contact your provider.
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