Wi-Fi Troubleshooting: Fix Slow or Dropping Internet

Start with the basics

1. Restart the equipment in order: unplug the modem and router, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem in first and wait until it's fully online, then the router.
2. Check whether it's one device or all of them. If only one device has trouble, the problem is probably that device. If everything is slow, look at the router or internet connection.
3. Check for an outage: your internet provider's app or website often shows outages in your area.

Test your speed the right way

Run a speed test on a device connected with an Ethernet cable directly to the router, if possible, then again on Wi-Fi in the same room, then in the room where you have problems.

• Slow even on a cable: the problem is likely the internet line, modem or provider. Contact your provider.
• Fast on cable, slow on Wi-Fi nearby: the router's Wi-Fi or settings may need attention.
• Fast near the router, slow far away: it's a coverage problem.

Router placement matters

• Place the router centrally and in the open, ideally up high, not on the floor or inside a cabinet.
• Keep it away from thick walls, metal objects, mirrors, aquariums and microwaves.
• Concrete, brick and floors between levels weaken the signal a lot.

2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz (and 6 GHz)

Most routers broadcast on more than one band:

• 2.4 GHz: longer range and better through walls, but slower and more crowded.
• 5 GHz: much faster, but shorter range.
• 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7): very fast and uncrowded, with the shortest range, and only on newer devices.

If your device is close to the router, 5 GHz is usually better. Smart home gadgets often only support 2.4 GHz.

Fixing dead zones

• Mesh Wi-Fi systems use several units around the home that work as one network. They're usually the best fix for larger homes.
• Wired access points, connected by Ethernet, give the most reliable coverage, especially in offices.
• Range extenders are cheap but often halve speeds; use them as a last resort.

Other common causes

• Outdated firmware: check the router's app or admin page for updates.
• Old equipment: a router that's many years old may not handle today's number of devices.
• Too many devices or heavy use: large downloads, cloud backups or 4K streaming can slow everyone down.
• Interference: in apartment buildings, neighbouring networks can crowd channels. Most routers can pick a channel automatically; restarting can help.
• Device issues: forget the network and reconnect, update the device, or update its Wi-Fi drivers.