Why is My Wi-Fi So Slow and What Can I Do About It?

We’ve all been there before. You come home from a long day at work and the last thing you want to do is go on a hunt for a WiFi network. Why is my WiFi so slow? It seems like every time we go to use our WiFi, it’s slower than usual. What might be going wrong?

There are quite a bit reasons that affecting your Wi-Fi speed such as:

  1. Many devices connected to your network saturating your bandwidth 
  2. Using slow  DNS servers
  3. Hardware issues like your modem or router
  4. Your cable line or splitters
  5. Low signal or interference 
  6. Your internet service provider (ISP)

But if nothing seems to work, it’s time to do some investigating of your own about what might be slowing your Wi-Fi down. This article will cover some of the most common causes of slow Wi-Fi and how to fix them so you have a fast internet connection again.

Some Tips For Improving Wi-Fi Are:

  1. Many devices connected to your network: A network is defined as a group of devices connected to each other. Network bandwidth is the maximum throughput capacity of a connection or link, typically measured in bits per second or bytes per second. If your network is saturated, it means that your bandwidth is at 100% due to all the devices connected to it.

To check if your internet is slow try different websites with different web browsers on multiple devices, like phones, tablets, smart TV, or other computers at home. If it is just with one website, it’s probably that website’s problem, not your internet. Rebooting your computer could help also.

2. Using slow  DNS servers: The Domain Name System(DNS) acting as an interface to converting human-readable names, like (website names) into computer language, (numerical IP addresses). If your internet service provider doesn’t have faster DNS servers this could slow down your connection.

As an alternative, you could switch to an OpenDNS or Google DNS to get better speed.

To switch to these faster DNS servers follow these simple steps.

In the “Settings Network Status” window, click the (Change adapter options) link.

Wifi Connection

In the (Network Connections) window, right-click the connection for which you want to change the DNS settings, and then click (Properties).

Wi-Fi Speed

Them select (Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4)) on the list, and then click the (Properties) button.

By default, this will be at (Obtain DNS server address automatically, but you are going to click ( Use the following DNS server address) option).  Next, type in the IP addresses for the preferred and alternate DNS servers you want to use.

Here are the IP addresses for Google DNS and Open DNS

Open DNSGoogle DNS


I’m using Google DNS in this article, but feel free to use whichever you like. When you’ve typed in the addresses, click the (OK) button.

You can check the speed one more time, from now on, you should experience quicker and more reliable DNS lookups. 

3. Hardware issues like your modem or router: Modems are not different from other electronic equipment, sometimes getting stuck in an overload state and slowed down all performance, speed also. If you never rebooted or haven’t rebooted for a while your modem, you should do it now. Just unplug the unit from the wall outlet and wait from 10 to 15 seconds to connect back.

If you are using two different units, for example, a modem and a router separated, just unplug both, wait 10 to 15 seconds and connect the modem first, and then the router. If the speed does not improve, consider replacing the modem and router. Buy a new router that has an excellent range and can support 300 or more devices.

4. Your cable line or splitters: The cable internet in most cases uses cable splitters on the line to connect your cable modem and other devices. These units could be slowing down your signal levels. If you have it, disconnect them to test your Internet connection. See how your Internet connection performs without and with splitters. If you have a much faster connection, problem solved.

5. Low signal or interference: Move your router to the most central area in the house. This will help it to provide WiFi to all parts of your home. Another option will be a WIFI extender or access point. But if you’re considering using a wifi repeater or extender, there are some things you should know about them before making your final decision.

A wifi extender is the simplest solution to improving the range of your wireless signal. It does this by receiving the original wireless signal and then rebroadcasting it to an area that previously had no connection. 

6. Your internet service provider: After trying everything you cannot fix the slow speed, maybe it is something beyond your power and you will need to contact your internet provider’s customer support.

Why You Should Care About Your Slow WiFi

People usually think that wireless connections are all the same and that they should be able to get fast internet any time, anywhere. Yet, this is not true. Think about your last visit to a coffee shop or restaurant – you might have found yourself struggling with slow internet or unable to connect at all.

What’s really happening is that many establishments still rely on older technologies and installation methods and as result, they offer slower WiFi for their customers. This problem can be solved by switching providers and finding out how to set up a high-quality wireless network in business and your home.

The Best Solutions for Your Slow WiFi Problem

If your internet service is ok and you are looking for the best solution for your slow WiFi problem, you should consider some of the following solutions.

–  The first solution is to upgrade your router. This is an obvious answer that will probably solve more than one problem at once. Newer routers offer better range and faster speeds, while also providing better security features.

– The second solution is to use a WiFi extender like a Google Wifi or Netgear Nighthawk (depending on your needs). This is an easy way to extend your WiFI signal without spending money on buying another router. It’s also an easy way to extend your range if you need it.

I hope this article can help you to improve your Wi-Fi and enjoy the speed.

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