Why Is My Internet So Slow?

Step 1: The Baseline Test

Before fixing anything, you need to know your actual speed vs. what you pay for.

1. Stop all downloads/streams on all devices.
2. Go near your router (or plug in via Ethernet).
3. Run a speed test.

Result: If the speed matches your plan, the issue isn't your line—it's likely Wi-Fi range or device overload.

Step 2: Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet

Wi-Fi is convenient but unstable. Walls, microwaves, and neighbors' Wi-Fi can slow you down.

• Test: Plug a laptop directly into the router via LAN cable.
• Analysis: If wired internet is fast but Wi-Fi is slow, your ISP connection is fine. You likely need a better router, a Wi-Fi extender, or to switch channels.

Step 3: Check for Bandwidth Hogs

A single device downloading a game update (Steam, PlayStation) or backing up photos (iCloud, Google Photos) can choke the entire network.

• Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see network usage.
• Disconnect smart TVs or consoles temporarily.

Step 4: Is it DNS?

Sometimes your speed is fine, but websites take forever to start loading. This is a latency or DNS issue.

Try changing your DNS settings to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

Step 5: Router Hardware

If your router is supplied by your ISP and is more than 3 years old, it might simply be too slow for modern web demands. ISP routers are notoriously cheap. Buying your own modern Wi-Fi 6 router can often double your wireless speeds.