A sluggish WiFi connection is often blamed on the internet plan, but in many cases, the real culprit is sitting in the router’s settings. Before calling your service provider, a few quick adjustments to your router can noticeably improve speed and reliability.
Switch to the right frequency band
Most modern routers broadcast on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 2.4GHz band covers a larger area but is slower and more prone to interference from other devices, while 5GHz is faster but works best at shorter range. If your device is close to the router and still feels slow, switching it to the 5GHz network from the router’s WiFi settings can make a noticeable difference.
Change the WiFi channel
In apartments or crowded areas, several neighbouring routers competing on the same channel can cause congestion and slow speeds. Most routers offer an option to switch from automatic channel selection to a manual channel, and picking a less crowded one, especially on the 2.4GHz band, can reduce interference.
Update the router’s firmware
Router manufacturers periodically release firmware updates that fix bugs, improve stability and sometimes boost performance. This setting is usually tucked away in the router’s admin panel under an update or maintenance section, and it’s worth checking every few months since most routers don’t update automatically.
Reposition and adjust antenna settings
Router placement affects signal strength more than most people realise. Keeping the router elevated, away from walls, metal objects and other electronics, generally improves coverage. If your router has adjustable antennas, angling them differently, some vertical and some horizontal, can help spread the signal more evenly across a home.
Limit bandwidth-heavy background devices
Smart TVs, security cameras and other connected devices running background downloads or updates can quietly eat into available bandwidth. Checking the router’s connected devices list and pausing or deprioritising ones you’re not actively using can free up speed for whatever you’re actually working on.
Turn on Quality of Service settings
Many routers include a Quality of Service, or QoS, setting that lets you prioritise bandwidth for specific devices or activities, such as video calls or streaming. Turning this on and setting priorities can help maintain a stable connection for what matters most, even when multiple devices are connected at once.