Why is my Wi-Fi slow? Start with these checks

Start with the pattern

Slow Wi-Fi is easier to understand when you look for a pattern. Ask whether the problem happens on one device, in one room, at one time of day or across the whole home.

A pattern does not prove the cause, but it gives you a safer place to start.

Check one device, then another

If only one device is slow, restart that device and check whether other apps or websites are also slow. The problem may be that device, its software or the particular service you are using.

If several devices are slow, the problem is more likely to be the Wi-Fi signal, the router, heavy household use or the internet service.

Move closer to the router

Try the slow device near the router. If the connection improves, the Wi-Fi signal may be struggling to reach the original room.

Walls, distance, cupboards and some appliances can affect Wi-Fi. Before buying extra equipment, check whether the router is hidden away, low to the ground or surrounded by clutter.

Check what else is using the connection

Video streaming, large downloads, online games, cloud backups and video calls can all compete for the same connection.

If the slowdown happens when several people are online, the issue may be demand rather than a broken device.

Restart carefully

Restarting the router can clear some temporary problems. Turn it off, wait a short time, then turn it back on and give it a few minutes to reconnect.

Do not press a reset button unless your internet provider has told you to. A reset is different from a restart and may remove settings.

Check for an outage or provider issue

If every device is slow or offline, check your internet provider’s outage information. Your provider can confirm whether there is a known service problem or whether your plan, modem or router needs attention.

If the provider reports no issue and the problem continues, write down what you noticed. For example: "slow in the back room", "all devices slow at night" or "only the laptop is affected".