WiFi too slow? 7 tips for faster internet

Tip 1: WiFi Problem or Internet Too Slow?

First, you should narrow down where exactly the problem lies. Is the WiFi slow, despite a good connection? If so, it may simply be that your entire internet is too slow. Before you struggle with further investigation, you should rule out this possibility first.

To do this, connect a PC to the router via Ethernet cable and test your internet connection, for example with the devolo Speedtest. If you measure a (significantly) low bandwidth, that is likely the cause of your internet problem. However, if the numbers are fine – and browsing via cable appears fast and responsive overall – you can indeed assume that there is a poor WiFi connection.

Tip 2: Measure WiFi Signal Strength

If the Internet is too slow over WiFi, you should repeatedly test how good the signal is using the following tips. A mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is best suited for this. You can do this in different rooms to see how the WiFi signal weakens with distance from the router.

On Android devices, open the settings, navigate to the WiFi menu, and tap on the network you are currently connected to. Here you will receive information about the connection quality and WiFi speed. On iOS devices, you will need an app for this, such as Apple's AirPort Utility. Alternatively, you can also use the devolo Speedtest here.

Tipp 3: Optimal Positioning of the Router

WiFi routers theoretically have ranges of several hundred meters – but only under optimal conditions. In living spaces, there are numerous interference factors that can impair reception and lead to a poor WiFi connection – such as electrical devices, reflective surfaces, and thick walls and ceilings.

To counteract this, you should place your router freely standing and centrally, so that the distance to most devices is as short as possible. An elevated position also helps, allowing the signal to overcome furniture and other potential obstacles more easily. Additionally, proximity to water – such as from houseplants, water pipes, and underfloor heating – should be avoided.

Too complicated? If you want to position your router more freely without worrying about WiFi coverage at greater distances, you can extend the signal to remote living areas using a WiFi extender . This is especially useful if you want to provide WiFi for a large apartment or even an entire house.

Tip 4: Identify, Optimize, and Remove Devices on Your WiFi

The more devices simultaneously access your WiFi, the more it becomes overloaded. One thing we want to rule out first: Have you ever shared your WiFi password with a neighbor? They could now knowingly or even completely unintentionally be burdening your WiFi. It is also possible, though less likely, that an unknown person has logged in without your knowledge and is misusing your network.

In your router's menu (or a companion app), you can view devices connected to the WiFi and disconnect them. You should also consider whether there are devices in your home network that may be consuming disproportionately large amounts of bandwidth. You can remove these devices from the WiFi as well.

Would you like to continue using the devices? With WiFi extenders from devolo, you can not only improve your WiFi reception but also utilize features like Airtime Fairness . These ensure a more efficient WiFi distribution in the network, preventing modern devices from being slowed down by older ones.

Tipp 5: WiFi Frequency Change

Modern routers can operate on different frequency bands – usually in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The difference? The 2.4 GHz frequency is the most commonly used, as it offers a high range with solid speed. However, since it is heavily utilized (especially in densely populated residential areas), it is prone to congestion. The 5 GHz frequency, on the other hand, is significantly less crowded and faster – but it has a shorter range.

If the WiFi is too slow, it is worthwhile to move devices that are not too far from the router, but have high data demands, to the 5 GHz band. This could be a smart TV used for 4K streaming or a gaming console. By allowing these devices to operate on the 5 GHz frequency, you relieve the 2.4 GHz band – which in turn benefits other devices.

Did you know? Current WiFi extenders from devolo use Band Steering – automatically ensuring optimal frequency allocation.

Tip 6: WiFi or LAN? Relief through Ethernet

Sure, WiFi is wonderfully convenient. But are you perhaps using devices that you could alternatively connect to the router via Ethernet cable ? For certain, typically data-intensive applications – such as streaming, gaming, etc. – this can not only relieve the WiFi network but also provide real speed advantages, as data transmission via cable is generally faster and more stable.

Don't want to deal with annoying cables throughout your home? With Magic Powerline you have Ethernet ports available at every outlet where you connect a devolo adapter. Additionally, with WiFi 6 the efficiency of the WiFi network increases drastically. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Tip 7: WiFi Signal Strengthening – Simple and Effective

The most common cause of a poor WiFi connection is the distance to the router, which is further complicated by thick walls and other obstacles. A short-term solution is, of course, to keep this distance as small as possible. But let's be honest: Restricting yourself so much is no fun – and it's unnecessary!

Why not tackle the problem at its root and bridge the distance between the router and the device? WiFi solutions from devolo bring the WiFi signal everywhere – to the adjacent room or to the other end of the house. You have two effective options available for this purpose.

WiFi Strengthening via Power Outlet

WiFi Strengthening via Repeater