Slow WiFi is one of the most common problems we see in Sacramento homes, and it is often fixable without buying anything. Work through these in order.
1. Restart the modem and router
Unplug both for 30 seconds. Plug the modem in first, give it a couple of minutes to settle, then plug in the router. It sounds too simple, but it clears a lot of temporary glitches.
2. Move the router somewhere better
WiFi works best from an open, central spot, up off the floor. Closets, cabinets behind the TV and the far corner of the house all weaken the signal. Thick walls, large metal objects and microwaves can get in the way too.
3. See what else is using the connection
A 4K stream, a big game download or a cloud backup running in the background can slow everything else down. Pause them and test again.
4. Try the 5 GHz network
Many routers broadcast two networks. The 5 GHz one is usually faster but covers a shorter distance. The 2.4 GHz one reaches farther but is slower. If you are in the same room as the router, 5 GHz is usually the better pick.
5. Test with a cable
Plug a laptop straight into the router with an Ethernet cable. If the wired speed is fast and WiFi is slow, the problem is your WiFi. If the wired speed is slow too, the issue is likely the modem, the line, or your internet plan, and your provider is the next call.
6. Update, or replace an old router
Routers get firmware updates that fix problems and improve security. A router that is many years old may also struggle with today's plans and the number of devices in a home, and replacing it can make a real difference.
7. Big home or dead zones? Think mesh
One router can only reach so far. If some rooms always have a weak signal, a mesh system uses several small units to cover the whole house evenly. Read more about mesh WiFi.
Still slow?
If none of this helps, or you would rather not spend your weekend on it, we can come to you, find the cause and set it up properly. See our WiFi setup service.