How to Fix Common Wi-Fi and Router Problems at Home

A slow or unreliable Wi-Fi connection does not necessarily mean that your router needs to be replaced. Problems such as frequent disconnections, weak signals, slow speeds and devices failing to connect can often be traced to router placement, wireless interference, network congestion, outdated firmware or an issue with your internet service.

Before replacing your router or contacting your internet provider, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try yourself. This guide explains how to identify common Wi-Fi problems and what you can do to fix them.

Check if the Problem Is Wi-Fi or Your Internet Connection

The first step is to determine whether the problem is with your Wi-Fi network or the internet connection provided by your ISP. If possible, connect a laptop or desktop computer directly to your router using an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. Then compare the result with a device connected over Wi-Fi.

If the wired connection is also slow, the problem may be with your internet service, modem, ONT or the connection from your provider. If the wired connection performs normally while Wi-Fi remains slow, the problem is more likely to be related to wireless coverage, interference or your router’s configuration.

You should also test your Wi-Fi close to the router. If the connection is fast nearby but becomes significantly slower in another room, the problem is more likely to be related to Wi-Fi coverage.

Google notes that Wi-Fi performance can be affected by the distance between the device and router, physical barriers, the frequency band being used and the capabilities of the connected device.

Restart Your Modem and Router

Restarting your network equipment is one of the simplest ways to resolve temporary connection problems.

If you have separate modem or ONT and router devices:

1. Turn off or unplug the router.
2. Turn off or unplug the modem or ONT.
3. Wait for the devices to power down completely.
4. Turn the modem or ONT back on first.
5. Wait for it to reconnect to your internet service.
6. Turn the router back on.
7. Wait for the Wi-Fi network to become available and test the connection again.

Google recommends disconnecting the modem from power for several minutes before reconnecting it and waiting for the internet connection to be restored.

If your ISP provides a single device that combines the modem or ONT and router, restart that device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not press the reset button unless you intend to perform a factory reset. Restarting the router normally does not erase your settings, while a factory reset can remove your Wi-Fi name, password and other configuration settings.

Check Your Router’s Placement

Router placement can have a significant effect on Wi-Fi performance. For better coverage, place your router:

• In a relatively central location in your home
• In an open and unobstructed area
• Off the floor where practical
• Away from large metal objects
• Away from other devices that generate radio-frequency interference
• Outside enclosed cabinets or cupboards

Walls, floors, furniture and other physical obstacles can reduce Wi-Fi performance, particularly when the connected device is far from the router. Google recommends placing a router in an open, central location and, where possible, off the ground.

Avoid hiding the router inside a TV cabinet simply to keep it out of sight. The cabinet and surrounding equipment can restrict the wireless signal.

You should also avoid placing the router directly next to devices that can generate radio interference, particularly those operating around the 2.4GHz band.

Try the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi Bands

Most modern routers support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, while newer Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 equipment can also support the 6GHz band.

Each frequency has different characteristics.

• 2.4GHz generally provides better range and can travel through walls more effectively, but it is usually slower and more susceptible to congestion.
• 5GHz generally offers higher speeds and more available bandwidth, but its effective range is shorter and walls can have a greater effect on the signal.

Google confirms that devices connected to 2.4GHz may not achieve the same speeds available through 5GHz, while the 2.4GHz band generally provides greater range. If your router broadcasts separate network names for each band, try connecting a nearby laptop or phone to 5GHz and compare it with 2.4GHz.

For devices located farther from the router, 2.4GHz may provide a more reliable connection. However, many newer routers use a single Wi-Fi network name and automatically direct compatible devices to the most appropriate band. In this case, you may not need to manually select between 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Check for Wireless Interference

Wi-Fi uses radio frequencies that can be affected by other wireless networks and electronic equipment.

Interference can be particularly noticeable on 2.4GHz. Other Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless cameras and some household appliances can contribute to interference. Microwave ovens can also cause temporary interference because they generate radio-frequency noise while operating.

If your Wi-Fi becomes unreliable at particular times or in a specific location, try moving the router away from other electronic equipment.

In apartment buildings and densely populated areas, neighbouring Wi-Fi networks can also contribute to congestion. Your router may provide options for selecting a wireless channel, but manually changing channels is not always necessary. Many modern routers automatically select and manage channels.

If your router has an automatic channel-selection option, it is generally best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended configuration unless you have identified a specific interference problem.

Check How Many Devices Are Connected

The number of devices connected to a home network can quickly add up. Phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, security cameras, smart speakers and other connected devices may all be competing for network bandwidth.

Having many devices connected does not automatically mean that your router is overloaded. However, several devices performing bandwidth-intensive activities at the same time can slow the connection.

For example, a television streaming high-resolution video, a computer downloading a large file and a gaming console downloading an update can all consume significant bandwidth simultaneously. Google notes that multiple high-bandwidth activities can affect the performance experienced by other devices.

Open your router’s app or administration interface and check the list of connected devices. If you see an unfamiliar device, first make sure it does not belong to someone in your household. If you cannot identify it, changing your Wi-Fi password will disconnect devices using the old credentials.

Update Your Router’s Firmware

Router firmware controls many of the device’s networking functions. Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve compatibility and address security vulnerabilities.

Check your router’s mobile app or administration interface for an option such as Firmware Update, Software Update, System Update or Router Update. Some newer routers can install updates automatically, but it is still worth checking that your router is receiving updates and is supported by the manufacturer.

Keeping router firmware updated is also important from a security perspective. CISA recommends keeping router firmware current because updates can address vulnerabilities affecting network equipment. If your router is supplied and managed by your ISP, firmware updates may be handled automatically by the provider.

Check Your Wi-Fi Security Settings

If only one device cannot connect to your Wi-Fi while everything else works normally, the problem may be related to that device rather than the router.

Start by forgetting the Wi-Fi network on the affected device and reconnecting using the correct password. If you recently changed the router’s security settings, check whether the affected device supports the selected security standard.

This can be particularly relevant with older smart-home devices. Some legacy devices may experience compatibility problems with WPA3 or WPA3 transition modes. For your primary home network, use the strongest security mode that is supported by both your router and connected devices. Avoid using an unsecured Wi-Fi network unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Restart the Device With the Wi-Fi Problem

If only one phone, laptop, TV or smart-home device is experiencing connection problems, restarting the entire network may not be necessary.

Try these steps:

1. Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
2. Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.
3. Restart the device.
4. Check for operating system, driver or firmware updates.
5. Move the device closer to the router and test the connection again.

If other devices work normally from the same location, this helps establish whether the problem is specific to the device.

Check Your Internet Speed

A device can show a strong Wi-Fi signal while the actual internet connection remains slow. Run a speed test while connected close to the router. If possible, also repeat the test over Ethernet. Compare the results with the speed included in your internet plan.

Remember that the advertised speed of your internet connection and the speed experienced over Wi-Fi are not necessarily identical. Wi-Fi performance depends on factors including the device, distance from the router, wireless band, interference and network activity.

If both Ethernet and Wi-Fi are significantly slower than expected, contact your ISP to check for an outage, line problem or other service issue. Speed tests can also vary depending on the server being used and the level of congestion on your network or the ISP’s network.

Use Ethernet for Devices That Need a Stable Connection

Not every device needs to use Wi-Fi. If your desktop PC, gaming console, smart TV or work computer is located close enough to the router, connecting it with an Ethernet cable can provide a more consistent connection.

A wired connection eliminates wireless interference and signal-strength problems between that device and the router. Ethernet can be particularly useful for gaming, large downloads, video conferencing and other activities where connection stability is important.

Moving high-bandwidth devices to Ethernet can also reduce demand on your wireless network and leave more Wi-Fi capacity available for phones, tablets and smart-home devices.

When Should You Consider a Mesh Wi-Fi System?

If your internet connection works correctly but certain areas of your home consistently have weak Wi-Fi, the problem is probably coverage rather than your internet plan. A single router may struggle to provide reliable coverage throughout a large home, multi-storey property or a home with thick walls and other obstacles.

A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple nodes placed around the home to extend coverage. The additional nodes communicate with the main router and provide Wi-Fi closer to areas where the signal is weak.

However, placement matters. A mesh node should not simply be placed in the room where Wi-Fi is already unavailable. It needs to maintain a sufficiently strong connection to the main router or another mesh node. Google recommends placing mesh points in an open location and ensuring that they are not positioned too far from the router or another point.

Before buying a mesh system, check whether your existing router supports mesh networking or additional access points. You may be able to improve coverage without replacing your entire network.

When Should You Replace Your Router?

Replacing the router should generally be one of the later troubleshooting steps.

Consider upgrading when:

• The router is no longer receiving firmware or security updates.
• It has reached the manufacturer’s end-of-support period.
• It frequently crashes or requires repeated restarts.
• It cannot provide adequate coverage for your home.
• It does not support the Wi-Fi standard or features required by your devices.
• Your internet plan is significantly faster than the router can realistically handle.
• The hardware is several generations old.

If your router was supplied by your ISP, contact the provider before purchasing a replacement. Fibre connections can use provider-specific equipment or configurations, and some services may require an approved router or ONT.

When Should You Contact Your Internet Provider?

You should contact your ISP if:

• Your wired connection is also slow.
• The internet connection repeatedly drops across multiple devices.
• Your modem or ONT shows an unusual warning light.
• The problem continues after restarting your network equipment.
• You suspect there is an outage.
• Your connection is consistently much slower than the speed included in your plan.
• Your ISP-provided modem, ONT or router appears to be faulty.

If your Wi-Fi works normally close to the router but becomes unreliable in other parts of the home, the problem is more likely to be related to wireless coverage or interference.

Conclusion

Most common home Wi-Fi problems can be diagnosed without immediately replacing your router. Start by establishing whether the problem affects the internet connection itself or only the wireless network.

Restart your modem and router, test the connection close to the router, check its placement and look for interference. You should also check connected devices, update the router’s firmware and test the connection over Ethernet where possible.

If the internet connection works correctly but some areas of your home still have poor coverage, a mesh Wi-Fi system or additional access point may be the better solution.

If the connection remains slow or unstable over Ethernet, however, the problem is more likely to be with the ISP, modem, ONT or incoming connection. In that situation, contacting your internet provider is the appropriate next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

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