1. Restart the router
It may sound obvious, but restarting the router is still one of the quickest ways to clear small connection problems.
Unplug the router from the wall, wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Give it another 2 minutes to reconnect fully before testing your internet again.
⚠ Common Mistake
Turning the router off and straight back on is often not enough. Leave it unplugged for the full 30 seconds so it has time to reset properly.
2. Check your actual speed
Before blaming the Wi-Fi, check what speed you are actually receiving. Run a speed test in the room where the problem happens most often.
Compare:
- Speed close to the router
- Speed in the problem room
- Wired speed, if possible
If the speed is good near the router but poor elsewhere, your issue is probably Wi-Fi coverage, not broadband speed.
3. Move the router
Router placement has a major impact on signal strength. Wi-Fi normally works best when the router is:
- Raised off the floor
- In the open
- Near the centre of the home
- Away from thick walls and enclosed cupboards
Placing it behind a TV, under furniture, or inside a cabinet can make the connection worse.
💡 Pro Tip
A good router position is usually central, slightly elevated, and as open as possible. Even moving it by a few feet can noticeably improve coverage.
4. Check what is connected
Multiple devices sharing the same network can slow things down, especially if some are streaming, gaming, or downloading large files.
Check your router settings or app to see which devices are connected. If you notice anything unfamiliar, change your Wi-Fi password.
5. Switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Many routers offer two wireless bands:
- 2.4GHz reaches further and works better through walls
- 5GHz is often faster when you are closer to the router
If you are working far from the router, 2.4GHz may be more stable. If you are nearby, 5GHz may feel quicker.
6. Reduce interference
Wi-Fi can be affected by other electronics and obstacles, including:
- Microwaves
- Baby monitors
- Thick brick walls
- Metal objects
- Nearby wireless networks
If your internet feels worse in a certain area or at certain times of day, interference may be contributing to the problem.
7. When to call an engineer
It may be time to get support if:
- Wi-Fi drops repeatedly
- Some rooms never get a stable signal
- Speeds are slow throughout the home
- Restarting the router does not help
- You need mesh Wi-Fi or a better network layout