Why Is My Wi-Fi Slow?

A systematic checklist for diagnosing slow Wi-Fi.

Slow Wi-Fi can come from the internet connection, the wireless link, congestion, interference, router placement, device limitations or a remote service. Isolating the layer is faster than changing settings randomly.

Compare paths

Test near the router, then farther away. If possible compare Wi-Fi with Ethernet.

Check contention

Pause large downloads, cloud backups and uploads. Re-test latency and throughput.

Inspect placement

Keep the access point elevated and open, not hidden behind dense walls, metal furniture or appliances.

Know the browser limit

This website cannot read your Wi-Fi channel, WPA mode or access-point signal strength on iPhone Safari.

Run the NetVitals diagnostic →