Internet Speed Slow? 10 Fixes to Try

Before you upgrade your internet plan, try these fixes. The problem is often closer to home.

1. Run a Speed Test

First, measure your actual speed:

Visit: fast.com or speedtest.net

Compare the result to what you’re paying for. If it’s close to your plan speed, the problem is likely with the site or service you’re using, not your connection.

2. Check Your Router

• Restart it — unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in, wait 2 minutes
• Check the lights — if the “Online” or “Internet” light is off, the modem may not be connected
• Move it — place it centrally, off the floor, away from walls and metal objects

3. Check for Bandwidth Hogs

One device can consume all your bandwidth:

Windows: Task Manager → Performance → Open Resource Monitor → Network
macOS:  Activity Monitor → Network tab

Look for devices or apps using more than 50% of your bandwidth. Common culprits:

• Streaming video (4K uses up to 25 Mbps per stream)
• Online gaming
• Large file downloads
• Cloud backups (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive)
• Windows/macOS system updates

4. Switch to 5GHz WiFi

Most modern routers broadcast two bands:

Connect your important devices to the 5GHz network. You may need to enable it in your router settings.

5. Use Ethernet Instead of WiFi

WiFi is convenient, but a cable is always faster and more reliable. If possible, connect your desktop, gaming console, or streaming device directly to the router.

6. Update Router Firmware

Router IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) → Administration → Firmware Update

Outdated firmware can cause slowdowns, disconnections, and security vulnerabilities.

7. Scan for Malware

Malware can use your internet connection without your knowledge:

• Windows — Run Windows Defender (built-in)
• macOS — Run Malwarebytes
• All devices — Check for unusual data usage in settings

8. Check Your Router’s Age

If your router is more than 3-4 years old, it may not support modern speeds or technologies:

If you’re on WiFi 5 and paying for gigabit internet, you’re bottlenecked by your router.

9. Check Your Plan Speed

What you pay for isn’t always what you get:

100 Mbps  = Good for 2-3 people (streaming, browsing)
300 Mbps  = Good for 4-5 people (streaming, gaming, WFH)
500 Mbps+ = Good for large families, heavy usage

Check your ISP’s advertised speed vs what you’re getting. If consistently below 80% of advertised speed, call your ISP.

10. When to Call Your ISP

Call if:

• Speed is consistently below 80% of your plan
• Internet drops out multiple times per day
• Only one device is slow (could be device-specific)
• You’ve tried everything above

What to ask:

1. “Are there outages in my area?”
2. “Can you check my line signal levels?”
3. “Do I need a new modem?”
4. “Is there a faster plan available?”

Related: Fix WiFi connection issues and improve home office setup.