In today’s digitally driven world, consumers use the internet for everything from working and learning to keeping up with friends, streaming entertainment and watching the latest cat video. No matter what someone is doing online, slow speeds, buffering and dropped connections are universally frustrating.
Fortunately, getting an internet connection back up to speed does not always require specialized technical help. Sometimes, the solution is surprisingly quick and simple.
When connection speeds become an issue, consumers can check for these six common causes of slow internet, many of which can be corrected in a matter of minutes.
What Causes Slow Internet and How Can It Be Fixed?
- A loose or damaged Ethernet cable: Many home internet connections enter through a gateway or modem before being distributed by a router over Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables may also connect computers, televisions, gaming systems and other devices directly to the network. A loose, damaged or outdated cable can cause an unreliable connection or limit wired speeds. Check that each cable is firmly connected and free of visible damage. Unplugging and securely reconnecting both ends may solve the problem. If the connection remains slow, test it with another cable that supports the needed speed.
- The modem, gateway or router needs to be restarted: It might seem like a simple fix, but restarting network equipment can resolve temporary software errors, dropped connections and other performance problems. Unplug the equipment’s power cord, wait about 30 seconds and then reconnect it. Allow several minutes for the network to come back online before testing the connection again. If the home uses separate modem and router units, power up the modem first and wait for it to reconnect before restarting the router. Avoid pressing a recessed “Reset” button unless instructed to do so, as that may erase saved network settings. Once the equipment restarts, check whether internet upload and download speeds have returned to normal.
- Too many devices or activities are competing for bandwidth: Computers and smartphones are no longer the only devices using a home internet connection. Televisions, tablets, gaming systems, video doorbells, security cameras, smart speakers, thermostats and appliances may all share the network. Several high-bandwidth activities happening at once — such as 4K streaming, large downloads, cloud backups, video calls and online gaming — can create an internet traffic jam. Pause unnecessary downloads, close unused streaming apps and disconnect devices that are actively consuming bandwidth. If slowdowns regularly occur when everyone is online, the household may need an upgraded internet plan with more speed.
- A device, application or network component is outdated: Sometimes the internet connection is working properly, but an older computer, smartphone or smart device cannot take full advantage of the available speed. Outdated operating systems, browsers, network drivers and Wi-Fi hardware can limit performance. Applications running updates, cloud backups or other background processes can also consume bandwidth without being obvious. Restart the slow device, install available software and driver updates, and close unnecessary applications. If only one device is experiencing problems while others work normally, that device — rather than the internet service — is likely the source of the slowdown. Older routers and gateways may also need to be replaced if they cannot support current Wi-Fi standards or the speed of the internet plan.
- The Wi-Fi signal is weak or experiencing interference: Router placement has a major effect on Wi-Fi performance. Distance, multiple floors and materials such as concrete, brick, tile, metal and masonry can weaken the signal. Microwave ovens, baby monitors, Bluetooth equipment and nearby Wi-Fi networks can also create interference, particularly on the 2.4 GHz band. Place the router in a central, elevated and open location rather than inside a cabinet, behind a television or near large metal objects. For larger homes or complicated floor plans, a professionally placed mesh Wi-Fi system can extend coverage more effectively than a basic repeater. Wi-Fi extenders can help in some situations, but because they repeat an existing wireless signal, they may reduce available throughput.
- Malware or unwanted software is using device resources: Malware, adware and other unwanted programs can use a device’s memory, processor and internet connection, causing websites and applications to respond slowly. Warning signs may include excessive pop-up advertisements, unfamiliar applications, unauthorized browser changes or redirects to unexpected websites. Run a scan using reputable, up-to-date security software and remove any detected threats. Keep operating systems, browsers and applications updated, and avoid downloading files or opening links from untrusted sources. Because malware may affect only one device, compare performance on multiple devices before assuming the entire internet connection is slow.
If these steps do not resolve the slowdown, the household may have outgrown its current internet plan or need improved Wi-Fi coverage. Run tests on multiple devices and, when possible, compare Wi-Fi performance with a wired Ethernet connection. This can help determine whether the problem involves the internet service, the home’s Wi-Fi network or a particular device.
To explore available FTC Internet plans, visit ftc.net or call 888-218-5050. Customers who are unsure how much speed their connected homes need can also use FTC’s free internet speed calculator to receive a recommendation based on their devices and online activities.
