Want to know how to fix slow WiFi in your home or office? Tired of turning your wi-fi router off and on? Download the HAILaGEEK app, sign on at www.hailageek.com, or call (844) 4DA-GEEK for one of our certified mobile techs!
“ Can everyone hear me? “
“ Hey, your camera froze. “
“ Your audio cut out. “
“ Sorry, my wifi is being weird.
Ugh, why is my wifi so slow? “
Bad Internet connections are one of the biggest tech issues across the United States - worse than robocalls. While a robocall might annoy you, slow internet speed hinders your ability to do your job, learn, or watch your favorite show for the 100th time.
There are plenty of causes of sluggish wifi. From the strength of your wireless signal to the wired network it attaches to, it’s not always easy to figure out how to fix slow wifi. When you need to pinpoint the problem, how do you know you’re right?
Thankfully, there’s always a solution. When your wifi slows down, our experts are here to help.
Here’s one thing most electronics stores won’t say: Don’t rush to buy new equipment or internet service.
At least, hold off for a moment. While it’s true that different gear or a new plan might help, there are some tests to help you find the real problem. In some cases, it’s as easy as moving your equipment.
In the guide below, we look at some of the most common issues and fixes. When one doesn’t help, try the next. If you still have trouble by the end (or get tired of that DIY tech support), have one of our trusted technicians head your way!
Before you dig out your network equipment from whatever dusty corner it sits in, let's look at your devices. With a closer look at your phone, tablet, or laptop, you might discover you have a different problem on your hands.
Think about it this way: Do certain devices have more trouble with wifi than others? That’s a sign that a weak wifi signal isn’t the issue at all.
Unfortunately, some devices weren’t built for the level of Internet use we require today. For instance, a video application like Zoom is far more intense than you might realize. An older device might not have the horsepower necessary to keep up.
Here are a couple of thoughts on how to fix slow wifi when the device is the issue.
When it comes to slow wi-fi, here’s one of the biggest puzzle pieces. Is the problem with your wi-fi network, your wired network, or your Internet service provider?
Occasionally, people conflate these three. However, they are three very different things. Moreover, they are each temperamental -- in very different ways.
Your Internet connection comes from a provider. It is your link between the modem and the rest of the world.
On the other hand, your wired and wireless networks are specific to your home or office. Your wireless network uses a router or access point to broadcast the wireless signal. Some of these have visible antennas; some keep their antennas hidden inside.
In many cases, Americans rent their modem and/or router from whoever provides their Internet connection. (Occasionally, the modem, router and access point actually come packaged in one device, and it’s often referred to simply as “the broadband wireless router.”) Others buy their own devices, which gives them more control and ultimately saves some money vs renting indefinitely.
Alright, so here’s the test.
Run through this a couple of times to see if the numbers change drastically.
Next, head over to the area where you experience the slow wifi. Start at step 4 and then run the test again, making notes of the numbers. What do you see?
If you notice that the speeds are drastically lower when you move away from the problem, that’s an issue with your network. In some cases, buildings have a “dead zone,” which is an area wifi signals can’t reach reliably.
If the results of the test are roughly the same in both areas (and not great), that often points to a problem with your ISP.
Unfortunately, more often than not, the problem lies with your wifi network. When you have a large, long, or oddly shaped home or building, dead zones are fairly common. Additionally, building materials have the potential to cause slow wifi.
Older homes occasionally have materials that act like kryptonite for your wifi signal. Think about your wifi signal as music that comes out of a speaker. When you sit close to the source, it’s easy to hear. However, with a wall between you, it sounds muffled.
Most of the time, for typical home internet service, all three are contained in one box and referred to as “the router.” For the rest of this article, we’ll frequently just call it “the router.”
Not everyone loves the look of their router. Oftentimes, people try to hide them behind a TV or in a closet. Unfortunately, that makes it more difficult for the signal to reach your devices.
When you pull the router out of its tomb, it often makes a world of difference. It’s also important to keep it away from obstacles that contain metal or water, including a cluster of people, since people are 60% water. These tend to block your wifi signal.
On a shelf tends to work better than on a floor.
Additionally, the upstairs is better than tossing it into a basement. If you absolutely can’t stand looking at it, throw a lampshade over it.
Some older routers run two wireless networks simultaneously. While one runs at 2.4 GHz, the other runs at 5 GHz. Typically, you can see those numbers at the end of the network name.
That 2.4 network is your slow lane. It tends to travel further but doesn’t run as fast. On the other hand, the 5 network is fast but better for short distances. Your 2.4 network is more than fast enough for Zoom calls, as long as too many people aren’t using it at one time.
With a newer router, it automatically switches you to the network that works best for where you are. However, the older ones require you to make that call. As you search for how to fix slow wifi, try switching from your “5” network to your “2.4” network and see if things improve.
Are you struggling with how to fix slow wifi? Don’t give up hope just yet! With HAILaGEEK, a trusty IT technician can help you figure out how to optimize your wifi network. Download the HAILaGEEK app, sign on at www.hailageek.com, or call (844) 4DA-GEEK for a geek today!
If you stand right next to your router and STILL can’t get a good signal, there’s likely a problem with your service provider. In some cases, a technical glitch just requires a call to their service dept. In other cases, you might just not be getting near what you’re paying for.
If you’ve spent time dealing with your ISP’s reps before, you know what the first step is. Before you contact them, try unplugging your modem from the power. Wait about 10 seconds and plug it back in.
When a modem runs for a long time, it just needs a fresh start to clear its memory. After all, there’s a reason behind resets. In other cases, while contacting your ISP might feel like a chore, it's necessary for some connection problems.
If you pay for white water rapids and get stuck with a babbling brook, it might just be the router or modem. When you buy your own modem or router, be sure it has the power to operate at the speeds you pay for.
Over the years, there have been major improvements to both modems and routers. Your ISP should be able to tell you whether an upgraded modem and/or router will improve your slow wifi.
No one wants to be a Karen, but hey, you need to know how to fix slow wifi, and we’re here to help.
At times, an ISP simply can’t serve a neighborhood well. While large ISPs usually claim that their networks hold up to the increase in work from home employees, sometimes connections get overwhelmed and simply cut out.
Some ISPs use technology that spreads a single resource across a large section of their customer base. That means that when you and your neighbors all run a Zoom conference, everyone’s connection suffers.
Look for a recent internet bill or login to your account. Look for information about the Internet speeds your ISP promises. Oftentimes, they use vague language like “up to X Mbps.”
However, even when you pay for “up to” 25 Mbps and only get 3… you have plenty of reason to complain. Squeaky wheels get faster internet than silent ones.
As you try to figure out how to fix slow wifi, it’s normal to feel some frustration. Above, we covered some common issues with slow wifi. However, there are still plenty of other issues and solutions.
If you have trouble resolving your issue, call on a trusted tech from HAILaGEEK! Our mobile support technicians work hard to help you understand and solve the real problem behind your slow wifi.
Whether you need to move your router to a better place or map out a more fortified network, you can trust in the experience and expertise of our geeks. Download the app today, sign on at www.hailageek.com, or call (844) 4DA-GEEK to have a geek at your door ASAP!
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Difference
vendor, HAILaGEEKTM engages 3 skilled techs to review disputed jobs and assess the quality of the work