How to improve your WiFi speed

Your WiFi signal is open to interference from your surrounding environment, so it's important to know what to look for when you notice a drop in speed. Take a look at our tips below for more information about what can slow your WiFi down, and how to bring it back up to speed.

Check Your Current Speed

Before you start, it's handy to know your current speed so you can measure whether things are actually getting better. To do this, have a look at our Speed Checker to get a good picture of how fast your WIFI is moving.

Reboot Your Router

All you need to do is perform a quick little power cycle and check if your Wi-Fi has any speed improvements. 

• Switch your router off for about 30 seconds and turn it back on. 

• For Fibre Customers: leave it off for 20 minutes before turning it back on.

Where to Place Your Router for the Best Speeds

• Location & Height: Place your router in a central, open space - ideally on a shelf or table. 

• Clear the Path: Distance and barriers like books or furniture can cause a slight disruption to your signal. Make sure you can see your router clearly without any large items in the way.

• Avoid Interference: Keep your router away from other electronics, such as microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices. These operate on similar frequencies and can "crowd" your Wi-Fi.

Check the Number of Connected Devices

Too many connected devices can put a strain on your WIFI and cause it to slow down. Try disconnecting the devices you're not using (like computers, smartphones and tablets).

Make Sure You’re Connected to the Master Socket

Check that your router is plugged into your master socket and not an extension socket. For the best speeds, keep your router connected to your master socket at all times.

If your master socket is standard, you’ll need to plug in a microfilter. You'll also need a microfilter in every phone socket that's being used around your office.

If your master socket is a Fibre socket or a pre-filtered socket, then you won't need to use any microfilters.

Update Your Software To The Latest Version

To get the fastest speeds, make sure you're using the latest version of your browser and operating system. If your device is a bit older, an update can often help resolve sluggish performance. 

Switch to Another Wireless Channel 

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

Do a Final Test

Once you’ve performed the troubleshooting steps listed above, do a final test to see if your speed has improved. If you want to be precise, have a look at our Speed Checker. 

Think of Upgrading or Taking Another Package

If your current broadband plan isn’t giving you the speeds you need, there may be other packages or options that could help.

Please note: The options available to you might change based on your location. 

Our loyalty team is happy to assist and can guide you through the best solution for your situation. You may speak to them via live chat, and they will help you explore your options.