Internet Running Slow? Fix It Now
Before you call your provider (or throw your router out the window), try these proven fixes. Most internet problems can be resolved in under 15 minutes.
By Pablo Mendoza · Updated March 22, 2026
Quick Fixes (Try These First)
Restart your router
Unplug your router and modem from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully connect, then plug in the router. This clears the memory cache and re-establishes your connection. It fixes the majority of intermittent issues.
Check for outages
Visit your provider's status page or app before troubleshooting further. Common outage pages: AT&T (att.com/outages), Spectrum (spectrum.net/support/outage), Xfinity (xfinity.com/support/status). If there is a known outage, no amount of rebooting will help.
Run a speed test
Use our speed test tool or speedtest.net to measure your current download, upload, and ping. Test over WiFi AND with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If wired speeds are normal but WiFi is slow, the issue is your wireless signal, not your ISP.
Run our speed testMove closer to your router or use ethernet
WiFi signal degrades through walls, floors, and distance. If possible, move your device closer to the router or connect via ethernet cable. For permanent setups (desktop, gaming console), always use ethernet for the most stable connection.
Check for bandwidth hogs
Other devices streaming 4K video, downloading game updates, or running cloud backups can consume your bandwidth. Check connected devices in your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or via your provider's app). Pause or limit heavy users temporarily.
Update router firmware
Outdated firmware causes performance issues and security vulnerabilities. Log into your router admin panel and check for firmware updates. Most modern routers (and provider-supplied gateways) can auto-update if the setting is enabled.
Speed Test Results Decoder
Ran a speed test but not sure what the numbers mean? Compare your results to what you pay for:
Good
Download: 80-100% of plan speedUpload: 80-100% of plan speedPing: Under 30 msYour connection is working as expected. Slowness may be caused by WiFi congestion or the website/service you are using.
Mediocre
Download: 50-80% of plan speedUpload: 50-80% of plan speedPing: 30-80 msSomething is degrading performance. Try the quick fixes above. If wired speeds are also mediocre, contact your provider.
Poor
Download: Under 50% of plan speedUpload: Under 50% of plan speedPing: Over 80 msYour connection has a significant problem. If wired speeds are also poor, call your provider to check for line issues or provisioning errors.
When to Call Your Provider
If the quick fixes above did not solve your problem, these red flags indicate an issue your provider needs to address:
- Speed consistently below 50% of what you pay for (tested via ethernet)
- Frequent disconnections multiple times per day
- Speed drops at the same time every day (congestion your ISP should address)
- Ping spikes above 100 ms during normal usage
- Provider has failed to resolve the issue after two service calls
- Outages lasting more than 4 hours with no ETA from provider
When to Switch Providers
Sometimes the problem is not fixable with your current ISP. Here are signs it is time to switch:
You are paying for speeds you never receive
Compare fiber options that deliver consistent speeds.
Your provider has data caps that cost you extra monthly
AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, and Google Fiber have no caps.
Customer support is unhelpful after multiple attempts
Check what other providers serve your address.
Your price has increased 3+ times without speed increases
New-customer deals from competitors often save $20-40/mo.
Fiber is now available at your address but you are on cable
Fiber offers symmetric speeds, lower latency, and better reliability.
Provider Support Numbers
These are actual customer support lines, not affiliate numbers. Call your provider directly to report issues:
| Provider | Support Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 1-800-288-2020 | 24/7 |
| Spectrum | 1-833-267-6094 | 24/7 |
| Xfinity | 1-800-934-6489 | 24/7 |
| Frontier | 1-800-921-8101 | 8am-7pm local time |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 1-844-275-9310 | 24/7 |
| Google Fiber | 1-866-777-7550 | 24/7 |
| HughesNet | 1-866-347-3292 | 24/7 |
Internet Troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my internet slow only at night?
Network congestion. Cable internet shares bandwidth with your neighbors. Between 7-11 PM, when everyone streams and games, your speeds can drop 20-50%. Fiber connections are less affected by congestion. If this happens consistently, consider switching to fiber or upgrading to a higher-tier cable plan.
Should I buy my own router or use my provider's equipment?
Buying your own router is usually better. Provider-supplied gateways often charge $10-15/mo in rental fees. A quality third-party router (like the TP-Link Archer AX73 or Netgear Nighthawk) pays for itself within a year. Check your provider's compatible equipment list before purchasing.
How often should I restart my router?
A manual restart every 2-4 weeks helps maintain performance. Some newer routers can be scheduled to auto-reboot weekly during overnight hours. If you need to restart more than once a week to maintain usable speeds, that indicates a deeper problem worth investigating.
Does a VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, typically by 10-30% due to encryption overhead and the extra routing hop. Premium VPN services (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) minimize this. If you use a VPN for work, ensure your base internet speed has enough headroom. For example, if your VPN needs 50 Mbps, subscribe to at least 100 Mbps.
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