Work out whether the problem is your broadband or your Wi-Fi, then try ten free fixes: router placement, restarts, bands, channels, updates, interference and more.
Before paying for a faster package or a new router, it is worth finding out where the slowdown actually is. Often the broadband line is fine and the problem is Wi-Fi inside the home, which can usually be improved for free. Work through these steps in order.
First: is it the broadband or the Wi-Fi?
- Run a speed test next to the router, ideally on a computer connected by an Ethernet cable. Ofcom and many providers offer speed checkers.
- Run the same test in the room where it is slow.
- If speed is poor even by the router, the problem is likely your broadband line or package: contact your provider. If it is good by the router but poor elsewhere, it is a Wi-Fi coverage problem: the fixes below will help.
Test at different times of day too. Speeds that drop sharply in the evening suggest network congestion.
Ten free fixes
1. Restart the router
Turn it off at the plug, wait 30 seconds and turn it on again. It clears temporary faults. Don't press the reset pinhole unless you intend to restore factory settings.
2. Move the router
Place it centrally, raised off the floor, in the open, and away from thick walls, mirrors, metal and fish tanks. Routers hidden in cupboards or behind the TV often perform poorly. If your router must stay by the phone socket or master socket, a longer cable to the socket may be possible (ask your provider).
3. Keep it away from interference
Cordless phones, baby monitors, microwaves, Christmas lights and some speakers can interfere with Wi-Fi. Keep them away from the router.
4. Use the right frequency band
Most routers broadcast on 2.4GHz and 5GHz (and some on 6GHz). 5GHz and 6GHz are faster but have shorter range; 2.4GHz reaches further but is slower and more crowded. If your router lists them separately, connect nearby devices to 5GHz and distant ones to 2.4GHz.
5. Change the Wi-Fi channel
In busy areas, neighbouring networks can crowd the same channel. Many routers choose automatically; if yours doesn't, try a different channel in the router's settings.
6. Update the router and devices
Firmware updates fix bugs and security issues. Update phones, laptops and their Wi-Fi drivers too.
7. Find what is using the bandwidth
Large downloads, cloud backups, game updates and several HD or 4K streams at once can slow everything. Schedule updates for overnight, or check the router's device list.
8. Remove devices you don't recognise
If unknown devices are connected, change your Wi-Fi password. Use WPA2 or WPA3 security.
9. Use a cable where you can
For TVs, consoles and desktop computers near the router, an Ethernet cable is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
10. Check the old device
Older phones and laptops may only support older Wi-Fi standards. If one device is slow and others are fine, the device may be the problem.
Still slow? Next steps
- Talk to your provider: they can test your line and may send a replacement router if yours is old. If speeds are consistently below what you were promised, Ofcom's voluntary codes of practice on broadband speeds may give signed-up providers' customers the right to exit without penalty if problems are not fixed.
- Consider mesh Wi-Fi or powerline adapters for larger homes; see our guide comparing them.
- Consider a better package, such as full-fibre, if available at your address and your line is the bottleneck.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Wi-Fi fast for some apps and slow for others?
The service you are using may be the bottleneck, or your connection may struggle with live video calls, which need stable upload speed.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.