How to Improve Your Wi-Fi Speed

Modified on Sat, 28 Mar at 9:15 AM

This article covers common causes of slow Wi-Fi and steps you can take to improve your connection speed.

Check your current speed

Before making any changes, run a speed test so you have a baseline to compare against. Use the Speed Checker to measure your current Wi-Fi speed.

Reboot your router

A power cycle can resolve temporary connection issues and improve speed:

Standard broadband: Switch your router off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
Fibre broadband: Switch your router off and leave it off for 20 minutes before turning it back on.

Illustration showing a router being switched off and back on as part of a power cycle to improve Wi-Fi speed.

Position your router correctly

Location and height: Place your router in a central, open space, ideally on a shelf or table. Avoid placing it on the floor or in a cupboard.
Clear the path: Keep the area around your router free from large objects such as books, furniture, or filing cabinets that can block the signal.
Avoid interference: Keep your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices. These operate on similar frequencies and can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

Illustration showing the recommended placement of a router in a central, open location away from obstructions and electronic devices.

Reduce the number of connected devices

Too many devices connected at the same time can slow your Wi-Fi down. Disconnect any devices you are not actively using, such as phones, tablets, or laptops that are running in the background.

Illustration showing multiple devices connected to a Wi-Fi network and the impact on speed when too many devices are connected.

Check your router is connected to the master socket

Make sure your router is connected to your master socket, not an extension socket. For the best speeds, always keep your router connected to the master socket.

If your master socket is a standard socket, you will need a microfilter in every phone socket that is in use.
If your master socket is a fibre socket or a pre-filtered socket, you do not need microfilters.

Diagram showing a standard master socket and a pre-filtered master socket with guidance on when microfilters are required.

Update your software

Make sure your browser and operating system are up to date. Outdated software can affect browsing speed and overall performance.

Switch to a less congested Wi-Fi channel

If you can see many nearby Wi-Fi networks, your router's wireless channel may be congested. Rebooting your router can help it select a less crowded channel, reducing interference and improving your connection speed.

Run a final speed test

After working through the steps above, run the Speed Checker again to see if your speed has improved.

Consider upgrading your broadband package

If your current broadband plan is not providing the speeds you need, there may be other packages available. The options depend on your location. Contact the bOnline loyalty team via live chat to discuss the best solution for your business.