Why is my internet slow?

Understanding internet speed issues

Slow internet can be frustrating, especially when you need it most. The good news is that most internet speed problems can be solved with some simple troubleshooting steps. Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand that internet speed issues can stem from multiple sources:

• Your devices (computer, phone, tablet).
• Your local network (router, WiFi, cables).
• Your internet service provider (ISP).
• The websites or services you're trying to access.
• External factors (network congestion, weather).

This guide will help you systematically identify and fix the most common causes of slow internet, starting with the easiest solutions first.

1. Restart your devices

The classic "turn it off and on again" solution works because it clears temporary files, refreshes network connections, and resolves software conflicts that might be slowing down your internet.

Restart process (do in this order):

1. Restart your computer/device. Close all programs, restart your computer, and test your internet speed again.
2. Restart your router. Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 2–3 minutes for it to fully boot up.
3. Restart your modem. If you have a separate modem, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait 2 minutes, then restart your router.

2. Check all cables

Damaged, loose, or old cables can significantly impact your internet speed. Even if your connection works, degraded cables can cause packet loss and speed reduction.

1. Check Ethernet cables — look for kinks, bends, or damage. Try a different Ethernet cable if available.
2. Inspect power connections — ensure your modem and router power adapters are firmly connected and not loose.
3. Examine coax/fibre connections — check where the internet line enters your home. Connections should be tight and weather-protected.

3. Fix WiFi interference

WiFi interference is one of the most common causes of slow internet speeds. Your wireless signal can be disrupted by other devices, physical obstacles, and neighbouring networks.

1. Move closer to your router — test your speed in the same room as your router to see if distance is the issue.
2. Switch to 5GHz network — if your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, connect to the 5GHz network for less congestion.
3. Remove physical obstacles — WiFi signals weaken when passing through walls, furniture, and metal objects.

4. Close background apps and updates

Many programs and apps consume internet bandwidth in the background without you realising it. This is especially problematic if you have a limited internet plan or slower connection.

1. Check for software updates — pause any automatic updates for Windows, Mac, apps, or games that might be downloading.
2. Close streaming apps — completely close (not just minimise) Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and other media apps.
3. Check cloud sync services — pause uploads/downloads in Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, and backup services.

5. Optimise your router location

Router placement has a huge impact on WiFi performance. The ideal location maximises signal strength throughout your home while minimising interference.

1. Central location — place your router in the centre of your home, not in a corner or closet.
2. Elevated position — put the router on a shelf or table, not on the floor. Higher is generally better.
3. Away from electronics — keep it away from TVs, microwaves, baby monitors, and other electronic devices.
4. Antenna positioning — if your router has external antennas, position them perpendicular to each other.

6. Identify bandwidth hoggers

Some devices or applications can consume excessive bandwidth, leaving little for other activities. Identifying these "bandwidth hoggers" is crucial for optimal performance.

*Note: Gaming uses low bandwidth but requires low latency. High ping can make games unplayable even with good speeds.

7. Change your DNS servers

DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate website names into IP addresses. Slow or unreliable DNS servers can make websites load slowly, even if your internet speed is good. Try our DNS lookup tool to see how fast your current DNS responds.

How to change DNS (Windows):

1. Right-click the network icon → "Open Network & Internet settings".
2. Click "Change adapter options" → right-click your connection → "Properties".
3. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4" → "Properties" → "Use the following DNS servers".
4. Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.1 → click "OK" to save.

11. Use Ethernet connection

WiFi is convenient, but wired Ethernet connections are always faster and more reliable. If you're experiencing slow speeds on WiFi, testing with an Ethernet cable can help determine if wireless interference is the problem.

1. Connect directly to router — use an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to your router.
2. Test speed comparison — run speed tests on both WiFi and Ethernet to compare performance.
3. Check cable quality — use Cat 5e or better cables. Cat 6 cables support gigabit speeds.

13. Check for ISP throttling

Internet Service Provider (ISP) throttling occurs when your provider intentionally slows down your internet speed, often after you've used a certain amount of data or during peak usage times.

How to test for throttling:

1. Run multiple speed tests at different times of day and compare to your plan's advertised speeds.
2. Test specific services — use Netflix's Fast.com or YouTube's speed test to check video streaming speeds.
3. Try VPN testing — use a reputable VPN service and test speeds. Significant improvement may indicate throttling.

15. Contact your ISP

If you've tried all the previous solutions and your internet is still slow, it's time to contact your ISP. Before calling, gather information to help them diagnose the problem quickly.

1. Document speed test results — take screenshots of multiple speed tests showing dates, times, and speeds achieved.
2. Note your equipment details — write down your modem and router models, and when the problems started.
3. List troubleshooting steps tried — tell them what you've already attempted so they don't repeat steps.
4. Ask about service issues — inquire if there are known outages or maintenance in your area.

When to upgrade your internet plan

Sometimes slow internet isn't due to technical problems but because your current plan doesn't meet your household's needs. Consider upgrading if:

• Multiple people work from home and need reliable video conferencing.
• You have many connected devices (smart TVs, phones, tablets, IoT devices).
• You frequently stream 4K content on multiple devices simultaneously.
• You upload large files regularly for work or content creation.
• You're paying for speeds you're not getting despite troubleshooting.

Remember: internet troubleshooting is often a process of elimination. Work through these solutions methodically, testing your speed after each change to identify what works for your specific situation.

Related reading: Network diagnostics — professional troubleshooting · Ping test guide · High ping while gaming