If you're wondering, "Why is my internet so slow?" you're not alone. There are many causes of slow internet, from outdated devices to network congestion. But the good news is that most of those causes can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Below, we’ll go over seven common reasons your internet is slow and explain how to fix your internet connection problems.
1. Your modem and router are old
Just like any other technology, modems and routers can eventually get outdated. If your equipment is several years old, it might not be able to handle the speeds you need. Older routers may also struggle to support multiple devices at once, making your internet sluggish if everyone in your house is online at once.
What to do about an old router or modem
There are several ways to fix slow internet from an old router, including:
- Check the age of your modem and router. If they’re more than five years old, consider replacing them.
- Upgrade to a newer model. Look for a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6).
- Restart your modem and router. Unplug them for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This can refresh your connection.
2. Your Wi-Fi signal is too weak
If your phone or computer is too far from your router, your Wi-Fi signal might be weak. This can cause a slow internet connection, especially if you're in another room. Wi-Fi signals can travel a good distance, but they can be interrupted by walls, other appliances, or other devices.
How to fix weak Wi-Fi
The easiest way to fix a weak Wi-Fi signal is to move your router to a more central spot in your house. That way, all your devices can receive Wi-Fi signals easily. However, you can also:
- Move closer to the router with your device. If you’re using a laptop or phone, sit in the same room as your router.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender. This helps boost the signal in hard-to-reach areas.
3. Your Ethernet cables are damaged
If you’re using a wired connection and your internet is slow, the problem could be a damaged or outdated Ethernet cable. This physical connection between your router and device usually gives faster and more reliable access to the internet, but a worn-out cable can slow down speeds or even cause disconnections.
How to fix slow internet from Ethernet cables
Test your Ethernet cable with a few different devices to see if that cable is the cause of slow internet. If each of those devices has slow downloads and uploads, you can take a few steps to get your internet back up to speed:
- Check for frayed or bent cables. If your Ethernet cable looks damaged, replace it.
- Use the right type of cable. Cat5 cables are older and slower. Upgrade to a Cat6 or Cat7 cable for better speeds. If you’re not sure what you’re currently using, it should be printed along the side of the cable. The newer, better cables tend to be thicker and less flexible than the older models.
- Secure the connections. Make sure the cable is plugged in tightly at both ends, with one end in your router and the other in your device.
4. Your devices need updates
Old software can slow down your internet. If your phone, laptop, or tablet is running an outdated operating system or has too many background apps running, it can make your connection feel sluggish, even if everything else is fine.
How to update your devices
Your first step should be to update your software. Check for updates on your computer, phone, or tablet and install them. This can normally be done on your device’s “Settings” page. If that doesn’t work:
- Restart your device. A simple reboot can help clear up connection issues and automatically apply updates that might be waiting.
- Close unused apps. Too many open apps can use up your internet speed if they require you to be online, as well as prevent updates from occurring due to bandwidth use.
5. Your computer has a virus
Viruses and malware can secretly use up your internet bandwidth, making everything else feel slow. If your internet suddenly slows down for no reason, a virus could be the issue.
How to fix computer viruses
Taking care of a virus is good for your internet speed and the overall health of your device. A few good ways to get rid of computer viruses include:
- Run a virus scan. Use an antivirus program to check for malware.
- Remove suspicious programs. If you see apps you don’t recognize, uninstall them.
- Keep your security software updated. This helps protect against new threats that older firewalls may not recognize.
- Use monitoring and security apps. If your internet provider has a security app for your Wi-Fi network, use it to monitor traffic and block harmful content from the devices in your household.
6. Your provider is throttling your speed
Some internet providers throttle or slow down your speed if you’ve used too much data. This can happen with unlimited plans that have hidden data limits.
How to stop internet throttling
There are a few ways to fix internet throttling. For example:
- Check your internet plan. Look at your provider’s policy to see if they slow down speeds after a certain data limit.
- Use a VPN. Some providers slow down certain activities (like streaming). A VPN can sometimes help bypass this by masking your IP address.
- Call your provider. Ask if they are slowing your speeds and see if upgrading your plan will help.
However, some providers always throttle internet speeds after a certain point, usually if you use a set amount of data in a month. Better providers don’t ever throttle speeds.
If your internet provider is throttling your speed, it could be time to switch. Look for providers in northeast NC with policies that help your internet stay speedy instead of slowing you down. Fybe’s home internet packages, for instance, don’t ever have throttling and guarantee symmetrical upload and download speeds.
7. There’s network congestion
If too many people are using the internet at the same time – like in the evening when everyone’s streaming Netflix – your slow internet speed might be due to congestion. Network congestion happens when lots of devices try to use the same internet gateways at once. If there isn’t enough bandwidth to go around, everyone has to slow down and wait their turn.
You might experience congestion in your household if everyone has their own online device. But some rural areas may be congested if everyone nearby uses the same internet service at once. Even if you’re the only one online in your home, your speeds might still be slow if your neighborhood network congestion is high.
How to fix network congestion
You can solve network congestion with several steps:
- Use the internet during off-peak hours. Try downloading big files early in the morning or late at night when most other users have gone offline.
- Limit devices using the network. Disconnect devices you’re not using, like your work computer over the weekend.
- Upgrade your plan. If your family has many devices connected at once, a faster plan might help.
Switching to another kind of internet can also be a good idea. For example, if everyone in your area uses satellite internet, switching to home fiber internet could give you access to a fast, lag-free connection.
Get fast internet you can count on
If you’ve tried everything and your internet is slow no matter what, switching providers might be a great idea. Some internet companies offer better speeds, more reliable connections, and no throttling.
That’s the kind of service we offer at Fybe. From gigabit internet with no data caps or throttle speeds to straightforward pricing, we’re all about bringing you the fast fiber internet you deserve. Take a look at our plans today and be among the first to get fiber-optic internet in your community! Check our service locations page to find out if Fybe is available at your address. And if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us here, and we’ll help you get connected.