Slow internet can stem from many different factors. Compare the following steps with before-and-after measurements on the same device; no individual change guarantees a speed increase.
- Place your router correctly: a central, open, elevated spot reduces signal loss.
- Use the 5 GHz band: it can offer more capacity with compatible equipment and suitable signal conditions; distance, interference and channel width affect the result.
- Switch your DNS:
1.1.1.1(Cloudflare) or8.8.8.8(Google) can be compared with your current resolver. Changing DNS does not directly increase download bandwidth and can affect internal name resolution. - Disable background traffic: automatic updates and cloud sync quietly eat bandwidth.
- Prefer a wired connection: Ethernet delivers stability Wi-Fi often can't match.
- Keep your router's firmware current: vendor updates include performance and security fixes.
- Test regularly: use our speed test tool to confirm you're actually getting the speed you're paying for.
When should you call your ISP?
If tests stay significantly below the promised speed even over a wired connection, record the device, link speed, time and background traffic before contacting your ISP. This result alone does not locate the fault.
References
Wi-Fi router settings — Apple. Technical review: 11 October 2026.