Slow Wi-Fi in one room
When Wi-Fi is fine in most of the house but poor in one room, the cause is almost always distance or something blocking the signal. The good news is there are several simple things to try.
Check it is the Wi-Fi
First, test whether the whole internet is slow or just the Wi-Fi in that room. Stand next to the router and run a speed check on your phone. Then repeat in the poor room. If the figures are very different, the signal is the problem. Our broadband speed test guide explains how.
Things that weaken the signal
- Thick walls, chimney breasts and floors.
- Mirrors, metal furniture and large appliances such as fridges.
- Fish tanks, which are full of water.
- Microwaves and cordless phones nearby.
- Too many neighbouring networks on the same channel.
Quick fixes
- Move the router to a more central spot, or lift it off the floor.
- Move your device. Sometimes a different corner of the room works better.
- Restart the router by switching it off for 30 seconds and back on.
- Try the other Wi-Fi band. Use 5GHz if you are close, and 2.4GHz if you are far away. Our 2.4GHz and 5GHz guide helps with this.
- Forget the network on the device and reconnect.
Bigger fixes
- A mesh Wi-Fi system gives much better coverage in larger homes.
- A powerline adapter or a network cable to the room can be very reliable.
- A cheap extender may help if the room is only just out of range.
Check the device itself
An old phone, laptop or tablet may have a weaker Wi-Fi chip than newer ones. If only one device is slow, even next to the router, that device may be the cause. Make sure it has its latest updates installed.
When to get more help
If the room is still poor after moving things around, we can recommend the right kit for your layout and help set it up.