10 fixes for slow broadband
Before you switch provider or pay for an upgrade, try these steps in order — most 'slow broadband' complaints turn out to be Wi-Fi bottlenecks that cost nothing to fix.
The short answer
Slow broadband is usually a Wi-Fi problem, not a line problem. Move the router, switch channel, use 5GHz or Ethernet, and reboot before assuming your line is at fault.
1. Test on a wired connection first
Plug a laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. If wired is fast but Wi-Fi is slow, you have a Wi-Fi problem, not a broadband problem.
2. Move the router
Put it out in the open, not in a cupboard or behind the TV. Higher and central beats hidden and low every time.
3. Use the 5GHz band
Most modern routers broadcast a 2.4GHz and a 5GHz network. 5GHz is much faster over short distances. Connect nearby devices to the 5GHz SSID.
4. Reboot the router
Unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in. Fixes about a third of speed complaints.
5. Check who's on your Wi-Fi
A hidden torrent client, an auto-updating games console or a rogue neighbour can chew through your bandwidth. Check the connected-devices list in the router admin.
6. Update your router firmware
Older firmware has known bugs and security holes. Most ISP-supplied routers auto-update, but check anyway.
7. Try a different DNS
Slow name lookups make everything feel sluggish. Try 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) instead of your ISP default.
8. Replace old cables
A cheap or damaged microfilter or Ethernet cable can bottleneck a fast line. Swap them out.
9. Consider a mesh Wi-Fi kit
If your house is large or has thick walls, a single router will never cover it. A three-node mesh kit is transformative.
10. If nothing works, upgrade to full fibre
If your line is on FTTC, you're capped at ~80Mbps. Check if FTTP is available at your postcode — the difference is night and day.
FAQs
Next step
Find out what's available at your address, or talk to a human about your setup.