How to Improve WiFi Speed at Home
The fastest ways to improve WiFi are to move the router to a high, central, open spot, use the 5 GHz band for nearby devices, change to a less crowded channel, and add a mesh system or wired access point for multi-storey homes.
10 fixes, cheapest first
- Move the router off the floor and out of cabinets — high and central.
- Keep it away from microwaves, mirrors, water tanks and thick concrete pillars.
- Use 5 GHz for phones, laptops and TVs within one or two rooms — see 2.4 vs 5 GHz.
- Change the channel on 2.4 GHz to 1, 6 or 11, whichever is least crowded.
- Restart the router weekly or set a scheduled reboot.
- Update firmware from the router's admin page.
- Set a strong WiFi password so neighbours aren't using your bandwidth.
- Wire fixed devices such as TVs, consoles and desktop PCs.
- Add mesh or an access point for upper floors — far better than cheap repeaters.
- Upgrade the router if it is older than WiFi 5 (802.11ac).
How do I know if it worked?
Run the WiFi speed test in each room before and after changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do WiFi repeaters work?
They extend coverage but often halve speed. Mesh systems or a cable to a second access point work much better.
Is the ISP-provided router good enough?
For small homes, usually. In large or multi-storey homes, a better router or mesh system often makes a big difference.