How to Improve Your Wi-Fi Speed and Coverage
For many homes, Wi-Fi is the slowest part of the internet connection. A fast fibre line can still feel slow if the signal has to pass through three walls and a fridge. The good news: most Wi-Fi problems can be fixed cheaply, and often for free.
First, check whether Wi-Fi is the problem
Run a speed test with a computer connected by cable to your router, then run one over Wi-Fi in the room where you have problems. If the wired result is much better, the steps below will help. If both are slow, see why your internet is slow.
1. Put the router in the right place
Wi-Fi signals spread out from the router and lose strength through obstacles.
- Central and high: put the router near the middle of your home, on a shelf rather than the floor.
- In the open: not inside a cabinet, behind a TV or next to a metal object.
- Away from interference: microwave ovens, baby monitors and some cordless phones can interfere, especially on the 2.4 GHz band.
- Antennas: if your router has adjustable antennas, try one vertical and one horizontal.
2. Use the right frequency band
Most routers broadcast on more than one band:
| Band | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Longer range, better through walls | Slower and more crowded |
| 5 GHz | Much faster, less crowded | Shorter range |
| 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7) | Fastest and least crowded | Shortest range; needs newer devices |
Use 5 GHz or 6 GHz near the router and 2.4 GHz only where the others cannot reach. Many routers combine the bands under one network name and choose automatically.
3. Reduce interference from neighbours
In flats and apartment buildings, dozens of networks may share the same channels. Let the router pick channels automatically, which modern routers handle well. If problems continue, use a Wi-Fi analyser app to find a quieter channel.
4. Update and restart
- Firmware: install router updates from its app or admin page.
- Restart the router occasionally, especially if it has been running for months.
- Device updates: update your phone’s or laptop’s operating system and network drivers.
5. Cover large homes properly
One router often cannot cover a large or multi-storey home.
- Mesh Wi-Fi systems use several units that work together as one network. They are the best option for most larger homes.
- Wired backhaul: if you can run an Ethernet cable between mesh units, do it. It frees up the wireless connection for your devices.
- Powerline adapters carry network data through your electrical wiring. Results vary with the wiring, so test before and after.
- Basic range extenders are cheap but often halve the speed, because they repeat everything over the same radio. Mesh or wired access points usually work better.
6. Use cables where you can
Desktop PCs, games consoles, smart TVs and work laptops at a desk all benefit from an Ethernet cable. A cable gives full speed, lower latency and much less jitter, and it also leaves more Wi-Fi airtime for phones and tablets.
7. Check for bandwidth hogs and old devices
- Look at the device list in your router’s app. Unknown devices may mean your Wi-Fi password is weak; change it, and use WPA3 or WPA2 security.
- A single old device that only supports old Wi-Fi standards can slow the network for others. Consider replacing very old equipment.
8. Consider a newer router
If your router is several years old, a newer one supporting Wi-Fi 6 or later can improve speed and handle many devices better. It helps most when your devices also support the newer standard. Look for Smart Queue Management (SQM) too, which reduces bufferbloat.
Measure each change
Change one thing at a time and run a test after each step from the same spot. Your test history makes it easy to compare.
Sources
Figures from third parties can change; we review guides regularly. See our editorial policy.