Slow Wi-Fi at Home? 9 Fixes to Try Before You Call Your Broadband Provider
Simple ways to speed up slow or patchy home Wi-Fi: router placement, restarts, speed tests, mesh systems and when to contact your provider.
Slow Wi-Fi is one of the most common tech complaints in UK homes, and it isn't always your broadband provider's fault. Often the problem is between the router and your device. Work through these fixes in order.
1. Run a speed test first
Search "speed test" and use a reputable tester. Do one test standing next to the router and one where the Wi-Fi is bad. If speeds are fine next to the router but poor elsewhere, the problem is Wi-Fi coverage, not your broadband line. If speeds are poor everywhere, see step 9.
2. Restart your router properly
Switch the router off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on and give it a few minutes to reconnect. This clears temporary faults and is the first thing any provider will ask you to do.
3. Move the router
Wi-Fi signals hate walls, metal, water and cupboards. For the best coverage, put the router:
- out in the open, not inside a cabinet or behind the TV
- high up, such as on a shelf rather than the floor
- as central in the home as your phone socket or cable allows
- away from microwaves, baby monitors, fish tanks and mirrors
4. Use the right Wi-Fi band
Most routers broadcast two kinds of signal. 5 GHz is faster but doesn't travel as far; 2.4 GHz is slower but reaches further through walls. Many routers switch automatically. If yours shows two network names, use 5 GHz near the router and 2.4 GHz further away.
5. Check who's using your connection
Several people streaming in 4K, a games console downloading an update and cloud backups running all at once will slow everyone down. Your provider's app or the router's settings page usually lists connected devices. If you see something you don't recognise, change your Wi-Fi password.
6. Plug in where you can
An Ethernet cable gives a faster, more stable connection than Wi-Fi. It's ideal for a TV, games console or desktop PC that sits near the router.
7. Update and secure the router
Routers from UK providers usually update themselves, but if you bought your own, check the maker's app for firmware updates. Make sure Wi-Fi uses WPA2 or WPA3 security with a strong password. See our password guide.
8. Fix dead zones with mesh Wi-Fi
In larger homes, extensions or homes with thick walls, a single router often can't reach everywhere. A mesh system uses two or three units placed around the home to create one strong network, and usually works much better than a cheap plug-in booster. Many UK providers offer Wi-Fi discs or boosters as an add-on, so ask yours first.
9. When to contact your provider
If speeds are slow even with a cable plugged straight into the router, the problem is probably the line itself. Make a note of several speed test results at different times of day before you call; this helps the provider diagnose the fault. Ask what speed your package guarantees as a minimum; if you're regularly below it, you may be entitled to a fix, a cheaper deal or to leave without a penalty.