This is for you if… your phone or laptop shows full Wi-Fi bars, but websites still load slowly, videos buffer or calls keep breaking up.
I was helping someone in Ely with this exact problem. Their signal looked strong in the living room, but the broadband itself was struggling and one old device was using a lot of the connection in the background.
Strong signal does not always mean fast internet
Wi-Fi bars usually tell you how well your device can hear the router. They do not prove that your broadband line is fast, that the router is coping well, or that the website you are using is working properly.
What to check first
- Restart the router and wait a few minutes for it to settle.
- Try another website or app to see if the problem is everywhere.
- Check whether other devices are downloading updates or streaming.
- Move closer to the router for a quick test.
- Run a speed test on more than one device.
Common causes
Slow Wi-Fi can be caused by too many devices, a router placed behind a TV or inside a cupboard, old equipment, thick walls, interference, poor broadband speeds, or a fault with the provider.
When one device is slower than the rest
If only one phone, tablet or laptop is slow, the issue may be that device rather than the Wi-Fi. Try restarting it, forgetting and rejoining the network, checking for updates, and closing unused apps.
Need help?
If you are in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Suffolk, my membership is for ongoing help and peace of mind. For a one-off Wi-Fi visit, you can book a visit.