Troubleshoot slow internet speeds with these simple steps before calling your provider.
Category: Internet & Networking | Read time: 3 min | By Midland Computers
First: Test Your Speed
Before troubleshooting, check your actual internet speed:
Go to **speedtest.net** in your web browser
Click **Go**
Note your download and upload speeds
Compare to what your plan provides
If your speed is significantly below what you're paying for, try these fixes before calling your provider.
Quick Fixes
Restart Your Router
This solves more problems than you'd expect:
Unplug your router from power
Wait **30 seconds** (not just 5!)
Plug it back in
Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully restart
Test your speed again
Check Who's Using the Network
Other devices and users can consume your bandwidth:
Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube) uses a lot of bandwidth
Large downloads or updates
Other family members on video calls
Smart home devices
Move Closer to the Router
Wi-Fi signal weakens with distance and obstacles:
Walls, floors, and furniture reduce signal strength
Microwaves and cordless phones can interfere
Fish tanks and mirrors can block Wi-Fi signals
Metal objects are particularly bad for blocking Wi-Fi
Intermediate Fixes
Check for Interference
If you live in an apartment or dense area:
Download a Wi-Fi analyser app
Check which channels are congested
Log into your router and change the Wi-Fi channel
Try using the **5GHz band** instead of 2.4GHz (faster but shorter range)
Update Your Router Firmware
Log into your router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
Look for a **Firmware Update** section
Install any available updates
Check for Malware
Malware can slow your internet by using your connection in the background:
Run a full antivirus scan
Check Task Manager for programs using high network bandwidth
Look for unfamiliar programs sending/receiving data
When to Consider Upgrading
**Your router might be the problem if:**
It's more than 4-5 years old
It doesn't support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6
You have many devices connected
**Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system if:**
Your house is large (over 150 square metres)
You have dead spots where Wi-Fi doesn't reach
You need good coverage in the backyard or shed
**Consider upgrading your NBN plan if:**
Your speed test matches your plan speed (the plan is just too slow)
Multiple people need to stream or video call simultaneously
**Still slow?** If you've tried everything and your internet is still crawling, Midland Computers can diagnose whether it's your computer, your network equipment, or your internet provider causing the issue.