Start with the devices and apps slowing you down
Before you call your internet provider or buy new equipment, look at what is actually running on your network right now. A single device streaming video in high definition, uploading large files, or running background updates can cut your speed in half. Open the settings on each device you use — your computer, phone, tablet, smart TV — and check what is downloading or uploading in the background.
On Windows, open Task Manager (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc), click the Performance tab, then select Network to see which programs are using your connection. On Mac, open Activity Monitor, click the Network tab, and sort by Sent Bytes to see what is sending data. Close any app you do not need running right now. Streaming services, cloud backup programs, and software updates are the most common culprits.
Also check how many people are on your network. If you have roommates, family members, or guests connected to your Wi-Fi, each one reduces the speed available to you. Ask them to disconnect temporarily while you test, or ask them to pause heavy activities like gaming or video calls.
Key Takeaways
- Close background apps and pause cloud backups before testing, because they consume bandwidth even when you are not actively using them.
- Move your router to a central, elevated location away from walls and metal objects, which can improve Wi-Fi signal strength by 20 to 30 percent.
- Restart your modem and router by unplugging both for 30 seconds, then plugging the modem in first and waiting two minutes before plugging in the router.
- Change your Wi-Fi channel in your router settings if you live in an apartment or dense area, because neighboring networks may be using the same channel and causing interference.
- Contact your internet provider to confirm you are receiving the speed you are paying for, because line problems or equipment issues on their end are common.
Move your router to a better location
The physical placement of your router matters more than most people realize. A router sitting in a corner, inside a cabinet, or on the floor will deliver slower speeds than one placed in the center of your home at chest height or higher. Walls, especially those with metal studs or pipes, block Wi-Fi signals. So do microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
If you can, place your router on a shelf or mount it on a wall in a central location — ideally somewhere you spend the most time. Keep it away from the kitchen and away from other electronics. If your router is currently in a closet or under a desk because of cable length, run an ethernet cable from your modem to a more open area and place the router there instead. This single change often produces noticeable improvement.
If you have a large home and Wi-Fi does not reach certain rooms, moving the router is the cheapest first step before considering a mesh system or Wi-Fi extender.
Restart your modem and router the right way
Restarting your modem and router clears temporary memory and reconnects you to your internet provider's network. Most people do this wrong — they unplug both at once, wait a few seconds, and plug both back in simultaneously. This can cause connection problems because the modem needs to establish a connection to your provider before the router can distribute that connection to your devices.
The correct order is: unplug your modem and router. Wait 30 seconds. Plug in your modem only and wait two full minutes for all the lights to stabilize — you will see lights change from orange or red to green. Then plug in your router and wait another two minutes. This gives each device time to start up and communicate properly.
Do this once a month as routine maintenance, or whenever you notice your speed has dropped suddenly. Many people find that a monthly restart prevents slow-speed problems from developing in the first place.
Change your Wi-Fi channel if you live near other networks
Wi-Fi routers broadcast on channels, similar to how radio stations use different frequencies. If your router is on the same channel as your neighbor's router, the two signals interfere with each other and both slow down. This is especially common in apartments, townhouses, and dense neighborhoods where many routers are operating in a small area.
Log into your router's settings by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on the router itself. Look for Wi-Fi settings or Wireless settings. You will see a Channel option, usually set to Auto. On the 2.4 GHz band, use channels 1, 6, or 11 only — these do not overlap with each other. On the 5 GHz band, you have more options and overlap matters less.
To find which channels neighbors are using, read a free Wi-Fi analyzer app like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or iStumbler (Mac). Run it and look at the graph showing nearby networks. Choose a channel where your network has the most space around it. Save your changes and restart the router.
Check that your internet plan matches your actual speed
Your internet provider sells you a certain speed — commonly 25, 50, 100, or 200 megabits per second (Mbps). If you are not receiving close to that speed, the problem may be on their end, not yours. Line problems, old equipment at the street, or network congestion in your area can all reduce your speed.
Run a speed test using a site like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Do this on a device connected by ethernet cable to your modem if possible — Wi-Fi speed tests are less reliable. Run the test at different times of day. If you consistently get less than 80 percent of the speed you are paying for, contact your provider and tell them your results. They can check the line from the street to your home and may replace your modem if it is old.
When you call, have your account number ready and be specific: say "I am paying for 100 Mbps but consistently getting 60 Mbps" rather than "my internet is slow." Providers respond faster to specific numbers.
Upgrade your router if it is more than five years old
Routers wear out and become outdated. A router older than five years may not support newer Wi-Fi standards, may have weak antennas, or may straightforward have degraded over time. If you have tried the steps above and your speed is still low, and your provider confirms you are receiving the speed you are paying for, a new router is worth considering.
Look for a router that supports Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) if your devices support it, or at minimum Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). These newer standards are faster and handle multiple devices better than older routers. Mid-range routers from established brands cost between $80 and $200 and will last five to seven years. You do not need the most expensive model — a solid mid-range option outperforms an old expensive one.
If you rent your modem from your provider, also ask whether you can buy your own. Rented modems are often older and slower than current models you can purchase. Buying a modem usually pays for itself within a year in rental savings.
Use ethernet when speed matters most
Wi-Fi is convenient but slower and less stable than a direct ethernet cable connection. If you do video calls, online gaming, or large file uploads, plug an ethernet cable directly from your router to your device. You will see an when ready speed increase and more stable connection.
Ethernet cables are cheap — a 25-foot cable costs $10 to $15. Run it along baseboards or under rugs if you need to reach another room. For devices that cannot use ethernet, like phones and tablets, stay within 15 feet of your router and away from walls for the best Wi-Fi signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much faster will my internet be if I move my router?
Moving a router from a corner or enclosed space to a central, elevated location typically improves Wi-Fi speed by 20 to 30 percent. The exact improvement depends on your home layout and how many walls the signal has to pass through. Test your speed before and after moving to see the difference.
Will restarting my modem and router fix slow internet permanently?
A restart clears temporary problems and usually improves speed for a while, but it is not a permanent fix if the underlying cause is an old modem, an outdated router, or a problem with your provider's line. If speed drops again within days, the issue is likely something else that needs addressing.
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
The 2.4 GHz band travels farther through walls but is slower and more crowded because many devices use it. The 5 GHz band is faster and less crowded but does not travel as far. Most modern routers broadcast both bands simultaneously, so your devices can choose. Use 5 GHz when you are close to the router and need speed; use 2.4 GHz when you need range.
Should I buy a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh system?
A mesh system (multiple units working together) is better than a Wi-Fi extender if you need to cover a large home, because extenders reduce speed by half. However, if you have already moved your router to a better location and changed channels, you may not need either. Test your speed in the rooms where you use the internet before spending money on additional equipment.
Can too many devices on my Wi-Fi slow it down?
Yes. Each device shares the available bandwidth. If you have 20 devices connected and 10 are actively using the network, your speed is divided among them. Disconnect devices you are not using, and ask other people on your network to pause heavy activities like video streaming or gaming if you need speed for something important.