Start with the devices and connections you control

The fastest way to see improvement is to fix what's between your router and the device you're using. Move closer to your router — walls, distance, and interference slow wireless signals more than most people realize. If you're in a back bedroom and your router is in the front hallway, moving to the same room often adds 20 to 40 percent to your speed.

Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears out temporary memory buildup that slows performance over time. Most people should do this once a month. If you restart it and your speed jumps noticeably, you've found a pattern worth repeating weekly.

Check how many devices are connected and actively using the network. Streaming video, downloads, and online games on other devices pull bandwidth away from what you're testing. Turn off or disconnect devices you're not using — phones on WiFi, tablets, smart speakers, security cameras. This is the single easiest way to see faster speeds on the device in front of you right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Move your device closer to the router and restart the router monthly to remove the slowdown that builds up over time.
  • Disconnect devices you're not actively using, because each one pulls bandwidth away from your main device.
  • Switch to a wired connection with an Ethernet cable if your device supports it — it's faster and more stable than WiFi.
  • Change your WiFi channel in the router settings if neighbors' networks are crowding yours, which is common in apartments and dense neighborhoods.
  • Contact your internet provider if speeds stay slow after these steps, because the problem may be on their side or your plan may not match what you're trying to do.

Use a wired connection when speed matters most

WiFi is convenient but slower and less stable than a direct cable connection. If you have a desktop computer, a gaming console, or a streaming device that stays in one place, plug an Ethernet cable directly from your router to that device. You'll see faster speeds and fewer interruptions, especially if you're downloading large files or streaming video.

Ethernet cables are cheap — under $10 for a 25-foot cable at any electronics store. Run it along the baseboard or under a rug if it's in the way. The speed difference is often noticeable within seconds of connecting.

Change your WiFi channel to avoid interference from neighbors

WiFi routers broadcast on channels, and when your neighbors' networks use the same channel, they interfere with each other. This is especially common in apartments, townhouses, and neighborhoods where houses are close together. You can see which channels neighbors are using and switch to a less crowded one.

On Windows, open Command Prompt and type netsh wlan show networks mode=Bssid, then press Enter. Look for the "Channel" number next to each network name. On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the top right, then look at "Channel". Write down which channels neighbors are using.

Log into your router by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address — usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, often something like 192.168.1.1. Look for WiFi settings or "Channel" and change it to one that neighbors aren't using. Channels 1, 6, and 11 don't overlap, so pick whichever one is least crowded. Save and restart the router.

Update your router's software and check its age

Router manufacturers release updates that fix slowdowns and security problems. Log into your router the same way you did for the channel change, look for "Firmware" or "Software Update", and install any available updates. This takes a few minutes and often improves speed noticeably.

If your router is more than five years old, it may straightforward be outdated. Older routers don't support newer, faster WiFi standards that newer devices use. If you've tried everything else and speeds are still slow, replacing the router is often cheaper than paying for a faster internet plan.

Check what your internet plan actually includes

Your internet provider sells different speed tiers — 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and higher. If you're paying for 100 Mbps but trying to stream 4K video on three devices at once, the plan itself is the bottleneck, not your router. Check your bill or call your provider to see what speed tier you're paying for.

Match your plan to what you actually do. Streaming one video needs about 5 to 25 Mbps depending on quality. Video calls need 2 to 4 Mbps. Online gaming needs 5 to 10 Mbps. If you're doing multiple things at once, add those numbers together. If your plan is slower than that total, upgrading the plan will help more than any router adjustment.

Contact your provider if nothing else works

If you've moved closer to the router, restarted it, disconnected other devices, switched to Ethernet, changed the WiFi channel, and updated the firmware — and speeds are still much slower than what you're paying for — the problem is likely on your provider's side. Call them and tell them your speeds are consistently below what your plan includes.

Providers can run a line test from their end to see if there's a problem with the connection coming into your house. They may also send a technician to check the modem, the cables, or the signal strength. This is free under most service agreements. Don't accept "that's just how it is" — if you're paying for a certain speed, you should get close to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my WiFi slower upstairs than downstairs?

WiFi signals weaken as they travel through walls and floors. The farther you are from the router, the slower the speed. Moving closer, using a wired connection, or placing the router in a more central location helps. Some people add a WiFi extender or mesh system to reach distant rooms, though this splits bandwidth.

Does closing browser tabs actually make the internet faster?

Closing tabs frees up memory on your device, which can make your computer feel faster overall, but it doesn't change your internet speed. What matters is whether those tabs are actively downloading or streaming. If they're just sitting open and not loading anything, they don't slow your connection.

Will a WiFi extender or mesh system really improve my speed?

A WiFi extender reaches farther but splits your bandwidth in half — you get coverage in more rooms but slower speeds in each one. A mesh system is better; it uses multiple units that work together without splitting as much bandwidth. Both help if the problem is distance from the router, but they won't fix a slow internet plan.

Is my internet provider throttling my speed?

Some providers slow certain activities like streaming or torrenting during peak hours. If your speed test shows normal speeds but streaming is slow, throttling may be happening. Run a speed test at different times of day. If speeds vary wildly, contact your provider and ask whether they're managing traffic on your line.

How often should I restart my router?

Once a month is a good routine for most homes. If you notice speed dropping noticeably after a week or two, restart it weekly. If you're doing heavy streaming or gaming, restarting every two weeks prevents slowdown buildup.