Why is my internet slow?

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If the download speed you’re experiencing is slower than expected, there could be a number of causes. Once you’ve ruled out things like a problem with the device you’re using or the website you’re visiting, the issue could be down to the performance of your Wi-Fi connection.

This is different to the speed of the connection between your router and the internet, which is measured based on the speed you can achieve when your device is connected to your router using an Ethernet cable.

To check the speed being delivered to your router, connect your device to the router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. The accuracy of speed tests can vary, but it should display a speed within around 10 per cent of the average speed of your package.

If there’s a big difference between the speed you get when connected with an Ethernet cable and the speed you experience when connecting through Wi-Fi, then the problem is likely to be caused by one of the following:

Your package speed
Perhaps your internet package is not fast enough for your home’s needs. If you have a lower-speed plan, it may not provide enough bandwidth for activities like streaming movies, playing online games, or connecting multiple devices at once.

To improve your package speed, contact us to discuss the options. A higher-speed package can help to ensure a smoother and faster internet experience for everyone in your household.

Older Devices
Another reason your internet might be slow is because of older devices. Older computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles might not be able to take full advantage of current high-speed internet or WiFi. These devices often have outdated hardware that can’t handle faster speeds, resulting in slower performance.

It’s important to recognise that this limitation is due to the equipment, not the internet itself. Knowing this can help you understand why your connection might be slow and guide you in finding the best possible performance with your existing devices.

The strength of your Wi-Fi signal
The speed of your Wi-Fi connection is affected by the distance of your router to the device you’re using, any obstacles that are in the way – such as walls and ceilings – and electronic interference caused by appliances such as fairy lights and microwave ovens and other wireless devices including baby monitors and cordless phones.

For the strongest Wi-Fi signal make sure your router is positioned in a central location, away from anything presenting an obstruction or interference, and off the floor. If your home is large, or has particularly thick walls, you can boost your Wi-Fi signal with Wi-Fi Extenders.

WiFi interference from devices in your home or your neighbours’ homes can slow down your internet connection. Appliances like microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronic devices can disrupt your WiFi signal, causing a weaker and slower connection. To improve this, try moving your router to a central location, away from other electronic devices, and ensure it’s elevated off the floor for the best signal strength.

The number of devices connected
The more devices connected to the internet at the same time, the slower your Wi-Fi speed will be. That’s because all devices are using their share of the Wi-Fi signal. That’s why we recommend faster packages for busier households and households with lots of devices such as security, smart lighting and so on. If your internet speed slows down when other members of the household are connected, this is likely to be the problem.

The good news is it can be addressed with a faster package – just get in touch with us on 01482 247365 (option 2).

Background Applications
One common reason your home internet might be slow is that background applications on your devices are using up bandwidth. Apps and programs like software updates on your computer, cloud syncing services like Google Drive or Dropbox on your phone, and automatic backups on tablets can quietly consume a lot of your internet speed. Even smart home devices, such as security cameras and voice assistants, can add to the slowdown without you noticing.

To speed things up, try closing apps you don’t need or checking your device settings to see what’s using your bandwidth. By managing these background activities on all your devices, you can free up more bandwidth for the things you really want to do online.

Viruses and Malware
Sometimes, slow internet can be caused by malware or viruses on your devices. These are bad programs that can secretly use up your internet speed and make everything slower. If you’re worried about this, there are some simple steps you can take.

First, make sure you have antivirus software on all your devices. This software helps find and remove any bad programs. You should also keep your devices and apps updated, as updates often fix security issues. Running a scan with your antivirus software can help catch any problems.

By following these steps, you can help keep your devices safe and your internet running smoothly.

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