There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to stream, download, or work online when your Wi-Fi keeps buffering or dropping out. The good news? Most Wi-Fi problems have simple causes — and even simpler fixes. Here are the seven most common reasons for poor Wi-Fi performance and what you can do about them.
1. Your Router Is in the Wrong Place
Wi-Fi signals weaken as they travel through walls, floors, and furniture. If your router is tucked behind a TV, in a cupboard, or on the floor, your connection will suffer.
Fix:
Place your router in a central, elevated, open location — ideally a hallway or high shelf. Avoid microwaves, cordless phones, and thick brick walls.
2. Your Router Is Outdated
Wi-Fi technology moves fast. If your router is more than 4–5 years old, it may not support modern speeds or devices.
Fix:
Upgrade to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 router for better speed, range, and handling of multiple devices.
3. Too Many Connected Devices
Smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, game consoles, security cameras — they all fight for bandwidth.
Fix:
Disconnect unused devices.
Consider setting up a Guest Wi-Fi for visitors or low-priority devices.
Upgrade your internet plan if your household is growing.
4. Your Internet Plan Isn’t Fast Enough
Sometimes the issue isn’t your Wi-Fi — it’s your broadband speed.
Fix:
Run a speed test.
If your speeds are consistently lower than what your provider advertises, contact them for support or upgrade your package.
5. Neighbour Interference
In busy neighbourhoods or apartment blocks, dozens of routers may overlap on the same Wi-Fi channels.
Fix:
Change your Wi-Fi channel in the router settings. Many modern routers automatically optimise this, but not all.
6. Your Router Needs a Reboot
It sounds simple, but routers accumulate errors over time.
Fix:
Restart your router once every couple of weeks.
This clears memory, resets connections, and improves stability.
7. You Need a Mesh System
Larger homes or properties with thick walls often have Wi-Fi “dead zones.”
Fix:
Install a mesh Wi-Fi system such as UniFi, Google Nest, Eero, or TP-Link Deco.
These provide seamless coverage across your entire home or office.
Final Thoughts
Slow Wi-Fi doesn’t have to ruin your day. A few tweaks — or the right hardware — can dramatically improve your connection. If you’re still struggling, our team can assess your setup and recommend the best solution for your home or business.
