10 Easy Ways to Fix Slow Internet & Boost Your Speed Today (2025)

1. Reboot Your Modem and Router

It's the classic first step for a reason! Unplug power from both your modem and router. Wait 60 seconds. Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully boot up (usually 1-2 mins), then plug the router back in. This clears temporary glitches and forces a fresh connection.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

2. Move Closer to Your Wi-Fi Router (or Move the Router)

Wi-Fi signals weaken significantly with distance and obstructions (walls, appliances). Try moving your device closer to the router. If that's not practical, try relocating your router to a more central, elevated, and open location in your home. Avoid placing it in cabinets or near metal objects.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

3. Switch to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi Band

Most modern routers broadcast on two bands: 2.4 GHz (longer range, more interference) and 5 GHz (shorter range, faster speeds, less interference). If your router supports it, connect your devices (especially those needing speed, like streaming boxes or game consoles) to the 5 GHz network. The network name often ends in '-5G' or '-5GHz'.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

4. Change Your Wi-Fi Channel

If many neighbors use the same Wi-Fi channel, interference slows everyone down. Log into your router's admin settings (check router label for address/password) and look for Wi-Fi settings. On the 2.4 GHz band, manually set the channel to 1, 6, or 11 (these don't overlap). On 5 GHz, try different channels or enable auto-selection if available.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

5. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

Wi-Fi is convenient, but Ethernet is king for speed and stability. If possible, connect critical devices like computers, game consoles, or smart TVs directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This bypasses potential Wi-Fi issues entirely.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

6. Update Your Router's Firmware

Router manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security holes. Visit your router manufacturer's website, find your model's support page, and follow instructions to download and install the latest firmware.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

7. Check for Bandwidth Hogs

Other devices or applications on your network might be consuming all your bandwidth. Check for large downloads/uploads, cloud syncing (Dropbox, Google Drive), streaming services running on other devices, or even background software updates. Temporarily pause or close these.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

8. Disable Your VPN (Temporarily)

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) add encryption overhead, which always reduces your internet speed (often by 5-20% or more). If speed is critical, try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if it's the bottleneck.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

9. Check Your Internet Plan Limits

Are you actually paying for fast speeds? Check your latest ISP bill or log into your account online to confirm your plan's advertised download and upload speeds. Your slow speeds might simply be the limit of your current subscription.

Did it help? Run SwiftSpeedTest again to check!

10. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you've tried the steps above and your speed (tested via Ethernet) is still significantly lower than your plan's advertised speed, it's time to call your ISP. There could be an issue with their equipment, the line coming into your home, or broader network problems they need to investigate.