Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi: a practical checklist

Check the scope

Try two devices in the same room and one device near the router. Note whether the issue affects one website, one device, one room, or everything. Check your internet provider's outage page using cellular data.

Compare wired and wireless

If possible, connect a computer directly to the router with Ethernet and run the same task. Wired works but Wi-Fi fails? Focus on wireless coverage or interference. Both fail? Look at the modem, router, provider, or service plan.

Restart in the right order

1. Save work and shut down the modem and router.
2. Wait about 30 seconds.
3. Power on the modem and wait until its connection lights stabilize.
4. Power on the router and wait several minutes.
5. Reconnect one device and test.

If modem and router are one unit, restart that one device. Do not press the recessed factory-reset button.

Improve the signal

• Place the router in an open, central, elevated location.
• Keep it away from metal cabinets, thick masonry, microwaves, and cordless-phone bases.
• Use 5 or 6 GHz near access points for speed; 2.4 GHz reaches farther but is often crowded.
• For larger spaces, use wired access points or a properly placed mesh system.

Secure and maintain it

Change default administrator credentials, use WPA2 or WPA3, disable WPS if practical, install current firmware, and create a separate guest network for visitors and untrusted smart devices.