Slow internet can be one of the most annoying problems anyone can face — especially when you’re trying to browse, stream, or even send a simple message.
I’ve personally experienced this issue on my home Wi-Fi, and this same process helped me fix it without calling a technician.
In this guide, I will walk you through the exact steps to fix slow internet and network problems at home, even if you are a complete beginner.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Confirm the Problem First
Before fixing anything, you need to confirm what exactly is slow.
Ask yourself:
- Is the internet slow on only one phone or laptop?
- Or is it slow on every device connected to Wi-Fi?
- Does it happen all the time or only at certain hours?
Quick Test
- Open Google Chrome
- Search for: internet speed test
- Run the test
If your speed is far below what you pay for, continue with the steps below.
Step 2: Restart Your Router the Correct Way
This is the simplest fix — and it works more often than people realize.
Do this:
- Locate your Wi-Fi router
- Unplug it from power
- Wait for 30 seconds
- Plug it back in
- Wait 2–3 minutes for full reconnection
This refreshes the network and clears minor glitches.
Step 3: Move Closer to the Router (Signal Matters)
Sometimes the issue is not the internet itself — it is weak Wi-Fi signal.
Common causes of weak signal:
- Thick walls
- Distance from router
- Router placed on the floor
- Too many devices connected
Fix:
- Place the router in an open, central area
- Avoid hiding it behind TVs or furniture
- Stay within a good range
Step 4: Disconnect Devices You Are Not Using
Wi-Fi becomes slow when too many devices share the same connection.
Check for:
- Smart TVs streaming
- Phones downloading updates
- Unknown devices connected
What to do:
- Log into your router admin panel (optional)
- Disconnect unused devices
- Change your Wi-Fi password if needed
Step 5: Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
This fix worked for me on my Infinix device when Wi-Fi kept lagging.
Steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Select your network name
- Tap Forget
- Reconnect by entering the password again
This clears saved connection errors.
Step 6: Check If Your Internet Provider Is Down
Sometimes the problem is not from your side.
Confirm by:
- Asking neighbors using the same provider
- Checking your ISP’s Twitter/X page
- Searching: “Is [provider] down today?”
If there is an outage, you may need to wait.
Step 7: Change Your DNS for Faster Browsing
DNS affects how quickly websites load.
Recommended DNS:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1
How to change DNS on Android:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Network & Internet
- Tap Private DNS
- Select Private DNS provider hostname
- Enter: dns.google
Then save.
This often improves speed instantly.
Step 8: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)
If nothing works, resetting network settings can help.
Steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap System
- Tap Reset options
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
Your saved Wi-Fi networks will be cleared, so reconnect afterward.
Helpful Internal Resources (Recommended)
If you want deeper solutions, these guides will help:
Read the complete Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide here:
How to Fix Wi-Fi and Internet Connection Problems (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)Also learn how to protect your connection from hackers and scams:
How to Stay Safe Online (Security & Privacy Tips for Beginners Step-by-Step)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my internet slow even with full Wi-Fi bars?
Full bars only show signal strength. Your internet may still be slow due to ISP issues or too many connected devices.
Does restarting the router really help?
Yes. Restarting clears temporary network errors and refreshes the connection.
What is the fastest DNS to use?
Google DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) are both reliable and fast.
How do I know if my ISP is down?
Check provider announcements online or ask others nearby using the same network.
Should I reset network settings?
Only as a last resort, because it removes saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections.
Final Thoughts (Important)
Slow internet can come from many small issues — weak signal, overloaded devices, DNS problems, or router glitches.
The good news is that most network problems can be fixed at home with simple steps.
I’ve used these exact methods myself and helped many people solve the same frustrating Wi-Fi issues quickly.
Always start with the basic fixes first, then move to advanced steps like DNS or resets.
Written with care by Akindele Akinfenwa — Founder of Smsmobile24.com.
