If your Wi-Fi feels slower than expected, there are a few simple checks you can try to help improve your connection. This guide will walk you through each step, from checking your speed to improving your Wi-Fi signal around your home.
Before you start
Wi-Fi speeds can be affected by things like where your router is placed, how far away you are from it, how many devices are connected, and whether anything nearby is interfering with the signal. This means your Wi-Fi speed may be different from the speed you get through a wired connection.
- Try to complete the checks in order.
- Use the same device when testing, so it is easier to compare results.
- Stand close to your router when running a Wi-Fi speed test.
- If possible, test with an Ethernet cable as well as over Wi-Fi.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Check your internet speed
- Use our speed test tool: https://zzoomm.com/help/technical/test-your-broadband-speed
- You can run the test in a web browser, or download the app for Android or iPhone.
- For the most accurate Wi-Fi result, stand close to your router while running the test.
- Please remember that Wi-Fi speed tests are usually slower than tests completed using a wired Ethernet connection.
Step 2: Restart your router
- Unplug your router from the power socket.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Allow a few minutes for the connection to fully restart, then try using your Wi-Fi again.
Step 3: Check how many devices are connected
- Wi-Fi speeds are shared between all connected devices in your home.
- If lots of devices are online at the same time, this can slow things down.
- Try disconnecting devices you are not using, or pause activities such as streaming, gaming, video calls, or large downloads.
Step 4: Move closer to your router
- Wi-Fi signal can get weaker the further away you are from your router.
- Move closer to the router and check whether your speed improves.
- If the speed is better nearby, the issue may be linked to Wi-Fi coverage in that part of your home.
Step 5: Try a different Wi-Fi band
- If your device is connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, try switching to 5 GHz if your router and device support it.
- 5 GHz can often give faster speeds when you are close to the router.
- 2.4 GHz may work better if you are further away or have thicker walls between your device and router.
Step 6: Reduce anything that may affect your Wi-Fi signal
- Everyday items such as microwaves, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, and thick walls can affect your Wi-Fi signal.
- Where possible, place your router in a central, open space and away from other electronics.
- Try to keep the router off the floor and avoid hiding it in cupboards or behind furniture.
Step 7: Check your device
- Restart the device you are using, such as your phone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV.
- Check whether other devices in your home are also slow, or if the issue is only happening on one device.
- If it is only one device, make sure its software is up to date and close any apps or downloads running in the background.
Step 8: Test with a wired connection
- If you can, connect a device directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.
- Run another speed test while connected by cable.
- If your wired speed is good but your Wi-Fi is still slow, the issue is likely linked to the Wi-Fi signal rather than your Fibre connection.
Step 9: Pause background activity
- Some apps and devices can use your connection in the background without you noticing.
- Check for cloud backups, software updates, downloads, streaming, or gaming running in the background.
- Pause anything you do not need and test your Wi-Fi again.
Step 10: Reset your router only if needed
- If you have tried the steps above and your Wi-Fi is still slow, you may need to reset your router to factory settings.
- Please only do this as a final step, as it may remove any personalised settings you have added.
- If you are unsure, contact us first and we will be happy to help.
When to contact us
If you have tried the steps above and your Wi-Fi is still slow, please contact us. Our friendly team will be happy to help check what is happening and guide you through the next steps.