Troubleshooting guides

Why is my Wi-Fi slow?

First: is it the Wi-Fi or the Internet?

These feel identical but need different fixes. To tell them apart:

1. Plug a laptop or PC into the router with an Ethernet cable and run our test.
2. Run the same test on Wi-Fi, from the room where it's slow.

If the cable result is good and the Wi-Fi result isn't, the problem is Wi-Fi. If both are slow, the problem is more likely your Internet connection or provider. See why is my Internet slow.

No cable handy? Run the test on your phone standing right next to the router, then in the slow room. A big drop between the two points to Wi-Fi coverage.

Common causes

Distance, walls and floors

Wi-Fi weakens with every wall and floor, especially brick, concrete, metal, mirrors and water (fish tanks, even radiators). A router in a basement corner or inside a cabinet may barely reach the other end of the house.

The 2.4 GHz band

Most routers broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz (longer range, slower, crowded) and 5 GHz (faster, shorter range). Devices sometimes stick to 2.4 GHz even when 5 GHz would be much faster.

Interference from neighbors

In apartments especially, dozens of networks can share the same channels. Interference causes short dropouts and lost data, which feel like lag and stalls.

Too many devices, or an older router

Every connected device shares the Wi-Fi's airtime. Older routers struggle with many devices, and a single old device can slow things for others.

The device

An old Wi-Fi adapter, power-saving settings or an outdated driver can make one device slow while others are fine.

Fixes, easiest first

1. Move the router. Central, high up, in the open: not in a cabinet, behind the TV or on the floor.
2. Connect to the 5 GHz network on devices near the router. It's often named with "5G".
3. Restart the router.
4. Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings, or let it pick automatically, if neighbors' networks are crowding yours.
5. Use Ethernet for devices that don't move, like a TV, console or desktop.
6. Add coverage if the house is large: a mesh Wi-Fi system or a powerline adapter brings a strong connection closer to where you need it.
7. Update the router's firmware, and the Wi-Fi driver on computers.

Questions people ask

Why is my Wi-Fi slow in one room only?

That room is probably too far from the router or behind walls that block the signal. Moving the router, or adding a mesh point or powerline adapter near that room, usually fixes it.

Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

Use 5 GHz when you're reasonably close to the router; it's usually much faster. 2.4 GHz reaches farther and through more walls, so it can be better for distant rooms and simple devices.

Will a new router fix slow Wi-Fi?

It can, if your router is old or the house is large. But try moving the router and switching to 5 GHz first. If your Internet is slow even over a cable, a new router won't help.

Last updated October 17, 2026.