Wi-Fi Speed Suddenly Slow? These Simple Fixes May Improve Your Speed

A slow Wi-Fi connection does not always mean your router is damaged. The signal can weaken with distance, walls and other obstacles. Many connected devices can also share the available internet speed.

Check the Router’s Location

Place the router in a fairly central and open area. Avoid keeping it inside a cabinet or another enclosed space.

Google says Wi-Fi performance can improve when fewer walls and obstacles are between the router and the device.

Check Your Distance From the Router

Wi-Fi signals can become weaker as you move farther from the router. Walls, furniture and other objects can also affect the signal.

If one room has slow Wi-Fi, check its distance from the router. Also check how many walls or other obstacles are between the two areas.

Reduce the Number of Active Devices

Several devices can use the same Wi-Fi connection at once. A TV may stream video while a laptop downloads a large file and another person plays an online game.

These activities share the available internet speed. If some devices are not needed, disconnecting them can help reduce the load on the network.

Try a 5 GHz Connection

Many modern routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Google says some devices may get faster speeds on a 5 GHz network than on 2.4 GHz.

The result depends on the router and the device. Some older devices may not support newer Wi-Fi technologies.

Keep Sources of Interference Away

Some electrical and wireless devices can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. ASUS says microwaves, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones and metal objects can cause interference.

For this reason, avoid placing the router directly beside such devices or objects.

Restart the Router

Restarting the router can be a simple step when a Wi-Fi connection becomes slow. Google recommends restarting the network as a basic way to address some connection problems.

Check for Firmware Updates

The router’s software, known as firmware, should also be checked for updates. ASUS recommends keeping its router firmware updated to the latest version.

The Internet Provider May Also Be Responsible

A slow connection is not always caused by the router. The internet service provider’s network or the speed of the subscribed plan can also affect performance.

Google says that a problem with the provider’s network can make the internet slow on all devices. If a speed test shows a lower speed than expected, users can contact their internet service provider.

Before buying a new router, check these basic factors first. The router’s location, signal path, connected devices and internet plan can all affect Wi-Fi speed.