Why is my Wi-Fi slow? 10 fixes to try first
Short answer: Start by running a speed test on a wired device and on Wi-Fi. If both are slow, the problem is your plan or provider. If only Wi-Fi is slow, restart the router, update its firmware, move it to a central spot, and use 5 GHz. TP-Link says 2.4 GHz delivers roughly 30-50% of link speed.
Is it my Wi-Fi or my internet?
Find out first, because the fixes differ. Run a speed test on a device plugged into the router with an Ethernet cable. Then run the same test over Wi-Fi in the same room.
| Result | Likely cause | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Wired and Wi-Fi both slow | Plan, modem, or provider | Fixes 1, 2, and 10 |
| Wired fast, Wi-Fi slow | Wi-Fi signal or router | Fixes 3 to 9 |
| Slow only in some rooms | Coverage | Fixes 4 and 9 |
The FCC recommends a speed test app or website that reports download and upload speed in Mbps. If speeds stay slow, it suggests contacting your provider about troubleshooting or outages.
1. Restart the modem and router
The FCC lists rebooting the router as a basic first step. A common approach is to unplug both, wait a short time, and plug in the modem first. Plug in the router once the modem is back online.
2. Check your plan speed
Your Wi-Fi cannot beat the speed you pay for. The FCC suggests confirming that your plan meets your household’s needs. Compare the wired speed test result with the plan speed on your bill.
3. Update the router firmware
TP-Link says that if every device is equally slow at the same spot, make sure the router runs the latest firmware. Many routers can do this from their app or admin page.
4. Move the router to a central spot
The FCC recommends placing the router in a central location. TP-Link notes that each wall or ceiling affects the signal, especially solid metal. As a rule of thumb, keep it out of closed cabinets. See where to place your Wi-Fi router.
TP-Link also suggests angling external antennas at 45 degrees or straight out, parallel to the floor, rather than straight up.
5. Use 5 GHz for close-range devices
The FCC calls 5 GHz faster and less crowded. It suggests saving it for important uses like work or school. TP-Link notes that 2.4 GHz is more congested than 5 GHz.
TP-Link gives these rough ratios of real download speed to the link speed your device reports:
| Band | Download as share of link speed | Per 100 Mbps of link speed |
|---|---|---|
| 5 GHz | About 50% | About 50 Mbps |
| 2.4 GHz | About 30-50% | About 30-50 Mbps |
Formula: expected download ≈ link speed × ratio. For example, a 5 GHz link of 600 Mbps gives about 600 × 0.5 = 300 Mbps. The tradeoff: 5 GHz usually covers a shorter distance through walls, so 2.4 GHz may still work better far from the router.
6. Change the Wi-Fi channel
TP-Link says crowded channels perform worse and suggests trying a different channel. It also notes that channel width (bandwidth) matters. In apartments, neighbors’ networks add to the crowding.
Microwave ovens, which run near 2.45 GHz, can also interfere with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi while running.
7. Cut down on connected devices
Every stream, camera, and download shares the same bandwidth. The FCC suggests managing connected devices or changing your Wi-Fi password to drop non-essential ones. It also suggests spreading heavy use across the day.
8. Plug in what you can
The FCC recommends connecting devices directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. For a laptop without a port, it suggests a USB Ethernet adapter. Wiring a TV or game console also frees up Wi-Fi for everything else.
9. Check for an old router or software slowing things down
The FCC suggests checking whether your router supports your plan’s speed. If it does not, upgrade or replace it.
On computers, TP-Link says some antivirus software can greatly reduce download speed. If you test by pausing it, turn it back on afterward.
10. Add mesh or an extender for dead zones
If some rooms stay slow after the steps above, you likely have a coverage problem. The FCC lists range extenders and mesh networks as options. Compare them in mesh Wi-Fi vs. extender.
If none of this helps and wired speeds are also low, call your provider. The problem may be outside your home.
Quick answers
Why is my Wi-Fi slow but my internet is fine? If a wired device gets full speed, the issue is your Wi-Fi. Common causes are distance, walls, a crowded channel, or an old router.
Is 5 GHz faster than 2.4 GHz? Usually, at close range. The FCC calls 5 GHz faster and less crowded, but 2.4 GHz reaches farther through walls.
How many devices slow down Wi-Fi? There is no single number. It depends on your plan and what each device is doing. A few 4K streams or large downloads at once can fill a modest plan.
When should I replace my router? The FCC suggests replacing or upgrading if your router cannot support your plan’s speed.