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Why is my internet slow?

Slow internet can have several causes: Wi-Fi, equipment, other downloads at home or the connection itself. Compare the same activity in different conditions, changing one thing at a time — the result shows where to look.

RFC editorial team · updated

Start here

Repeat the same activity on the same device: first near the router, then where it slows down.

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Call or write to us — help does not depend on completing the checks.

Start by comparing

Quick check

Three simple steps in order. Their result helps you pick your situation below.

  1. Note exactly what is slow: a website, a download, a video call or a game.

  2. Compare the same device: on a cable at the router, over Wi-Fi near the router and in the room where it slows down.

  3. Pause large downloads, updates and cloud backups during the test. Turn them back on afterwards.

Same device. Three conditions.

Change only the connection type and the location. Keep everything else the same and note each result — these are your measurements, not RFC examples.

  • The same device
  • The same test server, e.g. RFC on Speedtest
  • A similar time of day
  • No streaming or transfers in the background

  1. 01Cable to the main router

    Computer in a LAN port of the router. Best shows what reaches the home.

    Your resultMbps

  2. 02Wi-Fi next to the point

    The same computer close to the Wi-Fi point, with no walls in between.

    Your resultMbps

  3. 03Wi-Fi in the affected room

    Where you usually use the internet.

    Your resultMbps

How to read the results

  • 011: slow022: does not matter033: does not matter

    Even on a cable it is clearly slower than your planThe limit is before Wi-Fi: in the connection or the router. Report it to us with your results.

  • 011: fast022: slow033: slow

    Fast on a cable, slow on Wi-Fi even next to the pointThe Wi-Fi link itself is the limit: the router, the band or the device’s Wi-Fi card.

  • 011: fast022: fast033: slow

    Fast next to the point, slow in the roomCoverage is the limit: distance and obstacles. See the Wi-Fi coverage guide.

  • 011: fast022: fast033: fast

    Similarly fast everywhereThe connection and Wi-Fi work. Look for the cause in the service or the device.

Your situation

What does the result mean?

Choose the description that matches your situation.

  1. Slow over Wi-Fi only

    Check
    Fast on a cable, slow over Wi-Fi — especially further from the router.
    What it means
    Since it is fast on a cable, the result points to Wi-Fi coverage or quality at home.
    What to do
    See the Wi-Fi coverage guide. Before buying an extender, check whether moving the router is enough.

  2. A fast plan, an older computer or adapter

    Check
    Compare the result on a second, newer device in the same place.
    What it means
    An older network card, port or adapter can be slower than your plan.
    What to do
    Check in the specifications which speeds your equipment supports. Replace only the part that limits the result.

  3. A game or call stutters despite high Mbps

    Check
    Compare the game or call on a cable and over Wi-Fi, with no other downloads at home.
    What it means
    Smooth calls and games need a stable connection, not just a high test speed.
    What to do
    If the problem disappears on a cable, Wi-Fi is the cause. If it stays, note the times and report them to us.

  4. Internet through powerline adapters

    Check
    Compare the same computer directly at the router and through powerline adapters.
    What it means
    Powerline adapters carry the internet over the electrical wiring and can be slower than a network cable.
    What to do
    Plug the adapter straight into a wall socket, not a power strip. If that does not help, consider a cable or a Wi-Fi point.

  5. A problem with VPN or proxy on

    Check
    Check whether all websites are slow or only the VPN connection.
    What it means
    A VPN routes traffic through an extra server, which can limit speed regardless of your connection.
    What to do
    Report a work VPN to your company IT team. Do not turn off security against company rules.

  6. Slows down while uploading photos or backups

    Check
    Pause photo sync or the backup and repeat the activity.
    What it means
    Uploading large files occupies the connection and slows other activities.
    What to do
    Set an upload limit or schedule in the app, e.g. at night. Remember to resume the backup.

Check again after a change

Go back to the same website, game or call in similar conditions and compare with the earlier result. A better speed-test result is not yet proof that the problem is gone.

Unable to check? We can help.

Call us if the internet is slow even on a cable at the router, on different devices. If the connection works but simply is not enough for your household, see the guide on streaming and several screens.

You do not need an account or complete results. Tell us what is happening and what you could not check.

Technical support

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Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 9:00–17:00

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A reporting outline to copy

Select and copy the text into your message. Add what you know; “not checked” is a valid answer.

Since when / time: What fails / error: One or several devices: LAN / Wi-Fi / not checked: Where the cable goes: Equipment model (if known): Checks completed and results:

Never send Wi-Fi, router or account passwords.