What to Do When Your Internet Is Slow
Slow or unreliable internet is frustrating but usually fixable. Walk through these steps to find the cause and get things running smoothly again.
3 min read · 6 steps · Checked April 2026
Step 1. Restart your router and modem
This fixes most internet problems. Find your router (the box with blinking lights that provides your Wi-Fi) and your modem (often a separate box connected to the wall). Unplug the power cable from both, wait 30 seconds, then plug the modem in first. Wait one minute for it to connect to your provider, then plug the router back in. Wait another minute, then test your connection.
Quick Tip
Quick Tip: Routers benefit from a full restart every few weeks. Some people plug them into a smart plug and schedule a weekly restart overnight.
Step 2. Move closer to the router
Wi-Fi signal weakens with distance and through walls. If you're far from the router or there are many walls between you and it, your connection will be slower. Move to a room closer to the router temporarily to test whether speed improves. If it does, consider a Wi-Fi extender ($30–$60) or a mesh Wi-Fi system to extend coverage.
Step 3. Check if the problem is one device or all devices
Try the internet on another device — a different phone or a laptop. If one device is slow but others are fine, the problem is with that specific device (try restarting it). If all devices are slow, the problem is with your router, modem, or your internet provider.
Step 4. Reduce the number of devices using bandwidth
If multiple people are streaming video, playing games, or video calling at the same time, your connection may be divided too many ways. Ask everyone to pause their activities temporarily to see if speed improves. If it does, your plan may need an upgrade, or you should stagger high-bandwidth activities.
Step 5. Check for service outages in your area
Go to your internet provider's website or app and look for a service status page or outage map. You can also search "[your provider] outage [your city]." If there's a known outage, you just have to wait — usually outages are resolved within a few hours.
Step 6. Call your provider if nothing helped
Call the customer service number on your bill and tell them: "My internet has been slow/dropping for [X days]. I've restarted my modem and router and the problem continues." Ask them to check the signal levels coming into your home, run a line test, and send a technician if needed. Technician visits for service issues are usually free.
Warning
If a stranger calls you claiming to be from your internet provider and says your connection has an issue, hang up. It may be a scam. Only call the number on your bill or the provider's official website.
Slow internet or a connection that keeps dropping is one of the most common tech frustrations. The good news is that most internet problems have straightforward causes and can be fixed without calling a technician. The usual culprits are: your router needing a restart, your device being too far from the router, too many devices sharing the connection, or an issue your internet provider needs to address.
This guide takes you through the steps in order from most to least common. Most people find their problem in the first two or three steps. If you work through everything here and the problem continues, the next step is calling your internet provider — and this guide also tells you what to say when you do.
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