How to speed up slow Wi-Fi

A large share of "the internet is slow" complaints are really about Wi-Fi rather than about the internet. The speed coming down the line is enough, but the signal doesn't reach the room in good shape. There is a simple way to tell the two apart: connect the computer to the router with a cable and measure the speed. If the speed over the cable is normal, the problem is on the Wi-Fi side.

Most of the steps below don't cost anything. Trying them before buying a device makes enough of a difference in most homes.

Where the router stands

In most homes the router sits by the front door, next to the shoe cabinet, inside a cupboard. That is one of the worst places for the signal. Concrete walls, metal surfaces, objects full of water (an aquarium, a combi boiler) and large white goods weaken the signal directly.

5 GHz and 2.4 GHz

Modern routers broadcast two networks. 5 GHz is faster but has trouble getting through walls; 2.4 GHz is slower but reaches further. Connecting the devices near the router to 5 GHz and the distant ones to 2.4 GHz is the right way to use them.

1. Isolate the problem first Connect the computer to the router with a cable and run a speed test. If the speed is normal over the cable but low over wireless, the problem is in the Wi-Fi. If both are low, the problem is with your line or your service provider.
2. Move the router to the middle and up high Place it close to the center of the home, somewhere open and high off the floor. Inside a cupboard, behind the television and on the floor are the worst places. 💡 The signal spreads downwards; putting the router on the floor wastes half of its range.
3. Move it away from sources of interference Microwave ovens, cordless phones, large metal surfaces and objects full of water weaken the signal. Make sure none of them stand between the router and the room you use most.
4. Use the right band Connect the devices close to the router to the 5 GHz network and the ones in distant rooms to the 2.4 GHz network. The two networks usually have the same name, possibly with 5G added at the end.
5. Restart the router Pull out the plug, wait thirty seconds, plug it back in. It looks simple, but on routers that have been on for a long time it really does help. 💡 Doing it once a month can be turned into a habit.
6. Encrypt your network If your Wi-Fi is open with no password or with an old encryption method, the neighbors may be using it too. Choose WPA2 or WPA3 and set a strong password.
7. Go over the number of devices How many devices are connected at the same time? A computer downloading an update in the background or a phone running a backup can use up the whole line.
8. If it is still slow If the home is large, a single router may not be enough. A range extender or a mesh system may be needed. Think about that after you have tried everything above — in most homes it isn't necessary.

⚠ This guide is general information. Yudum cannot be held responsible for the outcome of following it; for official procedures always rely on the institution's own statement. Steps and fees change over time.

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