Why your Wi-Fi might be slow and how to fix it

Slow Wi-Fi can be a major inconvenience, affecting everything from video calls to streaming and online gaming. Common causes of sluggish internet include interference from other devices, long distances from the router, outdated hardware, and network congestion from too many connected devices.
Bandwidth-hogging applications and issues with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can also slow down your connection.Fortunately, there are several ways to address these issues, from repositioning your router and using the 5 GHz band to updating your equipment and checking with your ISP for any underlying problems.


Other electronic devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and even neighbouring Wi-Fi networks can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. This is common if you're using the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is more prone to congestion.

Wi-Fi signal strength decreases as you move farther from the router. Thick walls, floors, and ceilings can also weaken the signal, leading to slower speeds.

If multiple devices are connected to your network simultaneously, such as smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, they can consume a lot of bandwidth, causing your Wi-Fi to slow down.

Older routers or devices might not be capable of handling higher speeds offered by modern internet connections. Outdated firmware can also lead to performance issues.

Your Internet service Provider (ISP) may be experiencing outages, maintenance, or slowdowns in your area. Alternatively, you might have hit a data cap, causing throttling of speeds.

Certain applications like streaming HD videos, gaming, or downloading large files can consume large amounts of bandwidth, leaving little for other activities.


Move your router to a central location to minimise the distance between it and your devices. Ensure it’s elevated and away from walls or large metal objects that could interfere with the signal.

You can manually switch your router’s channel to avoid interference from neighbouring Wi-Fi networks. Most modern routers have an auto-select feature that chooses the least congested channel.

If your router supports dual-band frequencies, switch to the 5 GHz band. It’s less crowded and offers faster speeds, although it has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz.

Manage the number of connected devices or bandwidth-heavy applications. You can set up quality of service (QoS) on your router to prioritise traffic for specific devices or activities.

Regularly updating your router’s firmware can improve performance and security. If your router is outdated, consider upgrading to a modern model that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6.

If your house is large or has dead spots, using a Wi-Fi extender or upgrading to a mesh network system can help boost signal strength and coverage.

Run a speed test to check if you're getting the speeds you're paying for. If the speeds are consistently lower, contact your ISP to address any issues.
Also read: ChatGPT shortcuts and tips to maximise productivity