Diagnose the Problem First
Before attempting fixes, determine whether the slowdown affects all devices or just one, and whether it happens on WiFi only or also on a wired Ethernet connection. This narrows down whether the issue is your ISP, your router, your WiFi signal, or a specific device. Run a speed test at speedtest.net on both WiFi and Ethernet to establish a baseline.
8 Steps to Fix Slow Internet
- Restart your modem and router. This solves more problems than any other fix. Unplug your modem first, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all lights to stabilize (usually one to two minutes). Then do the same with your router. This clears memory leaks, resets connections to your ISP, and resolves temporary software glitches that accumulate over time.
- Check for bandwidth hogs. A single device running a large download, cloud backup, or software update can saturate your connection. Check all computers, phones, gaming consoles, and smart TVs for active downloads or updates. Pause or schedule large transfers for off-peak hours.
- Move closer to your router or reposition it. WiFi signal strength drops dramatically with distance and obstacles. If you are experiencing slow WiFi in a specific room, try moving closer to the router to test. Ideally, your router should be in a central, elevated location away from walls, metal objects, and appliances that cause interference.
- Switch WiFi bands. If your router supports dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), switch to the 5 GHz band for faster speeds when you are in the same room or one room away from the router. Use 2.4 GHz for devices farther away, as it has better range despite lower speeds.
- Update your router firmware. Outdated firmware causes performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility problems with newer devices. Log in to your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and check for firmware updates. Most modern routers can also update via their mobile app.
- Check for WiFi interference. Other wireless networks, Bluetooth devices, microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones all operate on similar frequencies and can interfere with your WiFi. Use a WiFi analyzer app (available free for both iOS and Android) to check which channels are congested, then switch your router to a less crowded channel in the wireless settings.
- Scan for malware. Malware on any device can consume bandwidth by sending data in the background, running cryptomining operations, or participating in botnets. Run a full antivirus scan on all computers connected to your network. Check your router admin panel for unknown connected devices that might indicate unauthorized access.
- Contact your ISP. If your speed test consistently shows results below 70 percent of your plan speed on a wired connection, the problem is likely on your ISP side. Call and report the issue. They can check for line problems, node congestion, or equipment failures. Ask them to run a line test remotely before scheduling a technician visit.
When to Upgrade Your Equipment
If your router is more than four to five years old, upgrading to a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router can significantly improve performance. Older routers may not support the speeds your ISP now provides, creating a bottleneck even when your internet connection is fine. Similarly, if you are using an ISP-provided modem-router combo, consider replacing it with a dedicated modem and a separate high-quality router for better performance and to eliminate the $10 to $15 monthly rental fee.
Long-Term Solutions
For persistent WiFi dead zones, consider a mesh WiFi system (brands like Eero, Google Nest WiFi, and TP-Link Deco provide whole-home coverage). For maximum speed on stationary devices, use Ethernet cables or powerline adapters. If your ISP consistently underperforms, use our availability checker to see if better providers serve your address.
Why is my internet slow only at night?
Evening slowdowns (typically 7 PM to 11 PM) are caused by network congestion as more people in your neighborhood go online simultaneously. This is most common on cable internet, which shares bandwidth within a node. If peak-hour speeds are consistently slow, consider switching to fiber (which does not share bandwidth) or asking your ISP about less congested nodes.
Will a new router make my internet faster?
A new router will not increase the speed from your ISP, but it can improve how efficiently that speed reaches your devices over WiFi. If your current router is outdated, a WiFi 6 upgrade can deliver 30 to 50 percent faster wireless speeds, better range, and improved handling of multiple simultaneous connections.
How do I know if my ISP is throttling my speed?
Test your speed with and without a VPN. If speeds are significantly faster through a VPN, your ISP may be throttling specific types of traffic (like streaming). You can also compare speeds at different times of day. Consistent throttling, especially after hitting a data cap, should be reported to your ISP and may be a reason to switch providers.