The slow internet is a recipe for frustration. A bad gateway is undeniably irritating and significantly impacts the user’s productivity. This article addresses the critical issue faced by users who may be wondering, “Why is my WiFi so slow?” There could be multiple reasons contributing to this problem, serving as the root cause of various technical issues. In this article, you will learn about the triggers of sluggish internet speed. Fixing these problems, which are responsible for slow wi fi, can enhance work efficiency. Sometimes, connectivity crises like DNS probe finished no Internet in Android are also caused by bad Wi-Fi and can be rectified by changing your IP address.
Slow wi-fi is a real struggle. However, it is not a critical issue and can be resolved with effective and convenient methods that improve your online experience. When the WiFi is slow, everything around seems to crawl, and this is not an exaggeration. If you are curious about what constitutes good internet speed, it entirely depends on your work requirements.
- 30 Mbps is considered good internet speed for moderate usage
- 50Mbps to 100 Mbps is considered good internet speed for enthusiast gamers
If your internet speed is below 25Mbps, it can be frustrating and cause anxiety.
Concerning slow internet, common yelling that arise include:
- Why is my wifi so slow all of a sudden?
- Why my phone is slow on wifi?
- What’s wrong with my wifi?
- Why my internet is lagging?
- Why my wifi so bad?
And the list goes on…
So, let’s begin exploring the causes and solutions for slow Wi-Fi.
Potential Reasons for Slow WiFi and How Can You Fix It
Slow internet is like watching a snail trying to run a race! This struggle often prompts the user to exclaim, “Why my WiFi is so slow?”. To address this common concern, we have compiled valuable information to help you understand your bad Wi-Fi.
Let’s explore the potential triggers that can lead to sluggish Wi-Fi:
- Bad network management
- Congested network
- Data cap exceeded
- Weak Wi-Fi signals
- High latency
- Outdated router
- Slow or outdated devices
- Connection throttled
- Full browser history
- The network is set to Public mode
- Bad router placement
- Router overheating
- Furniture blocking signals
- Bandwidth is insufficient for a large home setup
- System is infected
- Internet setup issues
- Outage in your area
Potential Fixes to Resolve Slow WiFi Problems
What can be more frustrating than experiencing connectivity hiccups, bottlenecks, lagging streaming, and sluggish downloading while working online? If you are also a victim of these problems, then don’t worry; the below-mentioned workarounds can help you get rid of the slow Wi-Fi crisis.
1- Assess Your Bandwidth
It is the primary aspect to consider when facing constant internet speed issues. When your phone is slow on wifi, it can affect both your social and official life.
Here is how you can fix it:
- Prefer fiber over cable connections
- Upgrade your plan
- Consider switching to an ISP offering a satisfying deal
- Hire a technician to detect and correct internal setup issues
2- Power Cycle Your Router
Just like your PC, the router also needs to be power cycled to eliminate connectivity issues.
Here is how you can do it:
- Unplug the router
- Wait for 20 to 30 seconds
- Now, restart the router
Rebooting your router can resolve issues such as:
- Slow internet speed
- Bottlenecks
- Connectivity glitches
If rebooting your router didn’t work, resetting it might help resolve the issue. It is important to note that resetting your router will remove any customized configurations you’ve implemented. To be on the safe side, make sure to have a copy of your configuration settings before resetting the router.
Here is how you can reset your router:
- Find the reset button on your router
- Engage the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds
3- Check Your Router’s Location
When Wifi slow on phone, it often indicates that your router is not positioned correctly.
Here is how you can fix it:
- Relocate your router
- Invest in a Wi-Fi extender to enhance the Wi-Fi range
- Minimize router clutter
4- Use a Mesh Network for Multiple Devices
A centralized internet hub is a necessary facility to acquire for larger properties or fancy home offices. A single router can never be a practical scenario in this situation. Considering a mesh network is a significantly important approach to avoid internet connectivity problems.
Why do you need a mess network to compensate connectivity crisis?
- Mesh routers allow faster loading which is the biggest relief
- Plus, Mesh networks are capable of handling simultaneous connections reliably and efficiently
- When you are a gaming enthusiast, and an internet glitch can spoil your fun
- When you require a high-performance connection to meet streaming needs
- Additionally, when you need reliable internet to run resource-consuming applications
- Investing in a mesh network is a worthwhile investment, and you should give it a try
5- Check Your Internet Wiring
You need to be extra vigilant about internet wiring because a slight oversight can lead to connectivity drop-offs. The wiring of the router is connected to:
- Power switch
- Phone jack
- PC
Here are proactive precautionary measures to avoid wiring issues in the future:
- Replace old wires ADSL and Ethernet wires
- Inspect and replace switches
- Be mindful of your pets, as they can chew wires
- Use bitter apple spray or a deterrent to keep pets away
- Crimping damaged wires is also an effective method
- Secure internet wiring under protective shielding or wrapping to preserve your cables
6- Hunt Internet Hijackers
Oftentimes, you may feel that your bandwidth is being consumed more than your actual usage. Alert your radars, someone or multiple users might be hijacking your internet, leaving limited bandwidth for your use. That’s why you are experiencing problems with your online activities.
Why do internet hijackers target your internet connection?
- You haven’t created your own password and are using the randomized password printed on your router
- Alternatively, you may have changed the password to something extremely easy to guess, such as mobile number or date of birth
- You might be using an insecure protocol
- Your Wi-Fi hotspot is open
How to prevent this internet theft?
- Secure your connection by locking it
- Change your password to a strong, undetectable one
- Access your router’s settings, either through a Google search or from the router’s configuration page, and boot out all unauthorized users
What to do if your wireless security is weak?
- Visit your router address
- Navigate to security settings
- Switch the router to a more secure protocol
- The most preferred and protective protocol is Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 2 or 3
7- Choose Less Congested Channels
Switching to less crowded channels might help resolve slow internet issues. If you are not familiar with Wi-Fi channels, don’t worry. Wi-Fi channels refer to data-sending and receiving gateways. Bottlenecks may occur when your router has too many connections, causing a drop in your bandwidth.
How to fix it?
- Both Android and iOS users can use supportive apps that are specifically designed to analyze your Wi-Fi channels
- These apps are easy to use and are smart enough to track and reveal all devices attached to your network
- Shut down all unnecessary apps on your smartphones and PCs
- Resource-consuming apps not only stress out your system but also consume your bandwidth
How to switch to less crowded channels?
- Sign in to your router’s configuration page
- You will see multiple channel options
- Choose the preferred channel
- Restart your router to implement the changes you have made
8- Verify VPN Server
A VPN is used to safely, precisely, and swiftly access corporate resources. However, sometimes users experience connectivity issues while using a VPN. So, there might be a possibility that the VPN is creating issues and making your devices sluggish.
How to resolve the VPN server issue?
- Try a different server
- Consider using a premium VPN service and reap the benefits of being a paying customer
- Free VPNs may lead to connectivity problems, compromising their purpose
9- Performing a Malware Scan
Sometimes, the issue does not lie with the ISP or your hardware; in reality, your system may be infected. Your computer might be corrupted with malware, such as nuisance or adware. You can fix this issue by running an anti-virus program.
How to know whether your system is infected or not?
Your system behaves suspiciously. For instance,
- Displays unwanted too many pop-up ads
- Experience unusual changes in your default search engine
- Redirects you to unknown websites
10- Other Ways to Speed Up Your Internet Connection
- You can also connect a router to a LAN cable to experience a seamless browsing experience. It is significant to note, that LAN support accommodates only one PC in one room
- Upgrading your internet plan is also a functional and feasible option to eliminate slow Wi-Fi annoyance
- An older router poses more security and connectivity risks
- Replace your old router with a new model, as an aging device can cause Wi-Fi lag
Final Words
In today’s digital world, maximizing your online presence is only possible with a fast-paced internet. This article serves as a helpful guide, offering users multiple solutions to address lagging Wi-Fi issues. Whether you are using mobile devices, laptops, or PCs if your internet speed falls below 25 Mbps, your online experience becomes a constant struggle. Fixing the sluggish Wi-Fi issue involves methods like relocating and rebooting your router, hunting for internet hijackers, checking wiring, and more.
At TECHBYTEX, we provide the best strategies to overcome technical or connectivity issues. Despite offering some of the best methods to fix slow internet issues, your ISP may be guilty of bandwidth throttling in reality.
