One moment you're dominating the latest online game while downloading large files in the background, but the next, you can barely load a simple website.

Maybe the connection is worse on one device or in a particular part of the house. No matter the reason, you can't seem to get full speed from your router. If that's your case, you should attempt to fix fluctuating internet speeds and overcome unreliable Wi-Fi connections.

So, if you've been wondering why your home's Wi-Fi is slow and the connection keeps dropping intermittently, read along as we guide you through the Wi-Fi troubleshooting process.

1. Test Your Internet Connection

white router on a table

Before investigating your Wi-Fi network, you should rule out whether the problem lies with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you have a laptop, computer, or mobile device, test your connection on a dedicated website like Speedtest, avoiding common Wi-Fi speed test mistakes to get accurate results.

To measure your Wi-Fi and internet speeds when physically connected to the router, plug your device into the router with an Ethernet cable and see if your download speed and connection fluctuate. This can also help you test the internet speed for game consoles.

Because cabled connections have higher speeds, you should expect a small drop on Wi-Fi-connected devices. If connecting via a cable doesn't improve speeds by much, it's likely a problem with your ISP. Many providers can perform remote diagnostics, so it's worth contacting their support team to resolve the issue. You can also check if there is a regional issue or fault affecting internet connectivity.

However, if speeds improve significantly when physically connected to your router, you may have a specific problem with your Wi-Fi network. In that case, we recommend trying some of the other fixes. For example, if you were trying to access a particular website, use a site like Down For Everyone or Just Me to see if the website is down for other users, too.

2. Update Your Router's Firmware

The firmware upgrade page for a TP-Link Wi-Fi router

As with other areas of your digital life, you should ensure that your router's firmware is up-to-date. These updates often come with many bug fixes and essential security patches, making your Wi-Fi speed faster and solving all connection issues.

Consult our guide to updating router firmware before diving into any further troubleshooting, as it may save you hours of fruitless work.

Already on the latest firmware? In that case, reboot the router to clear its cache. Likewise, if you're experiencing low speeds on a particular device, check that any outstanding software updates are installed before troubleshooting.

3. Switch Your Wi-Fi Channels

2.4 and 5 gigahertz Wi-Fi channel settings

Wi-Fi networks broadcast on many different channels and two separate frequency bands. There are 11 standard Wi-Fi channels in the US, while there are usually 13 worldwide. In the early days of wireless networking, routers only broadcast on the 2.4 GHz band.

But as more of us started to equip our homes with Wi-Fi networks, the amount of Wi-Fi channels has needed to expand. Most modern routers broadcast at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, while Wi-Fi 6E routers broadcast at 6GHz, too, increasing the number of available Wi-Fi channels.

While this gives you more options, it's always possible that another Wi-Fi network or electrical equipment is already broadcasting on the same channel as your network. Overcrowding a particular frequency channel may cause your network to slow down and could be the root of your problems.

To rule this out, pick the best Wi-FI channel for your router.

4. Check Bandwidth Consumption

The front of a Wi-Fi router, set against a blurred background

If you find that your Wi-Fi speeds drop periodically or at certain times of day, then software or other devices may be eating away at your bandwidth. Large downloads, video streaming, or online gaming can be bandwidth hogs, so check for these first.

You can find out what's using your Wi-Fi bandwidth directly from the router or a third-party program. Delving into your router's settings should let you determine which devices are connected to your network. If there are any you don't recognize, then you should remove them.

You could also run an antivirus scan on your machine to eliminate malware that may be slowing your download and upload speeds.

5. Optimize Router Placement

A person connecting an Ethernet cable into Wi-Fi router

When first setting up your Wi-Fi, router placement is probably the last thing on your mind. However, the environment around the router can significantly impact network quality.

Although we can't see them, wireless signals are passing all around us. But they can get slowed down or, in some cases, blocked entirely. Concrete and metal are so effective at blocking wireless signals that they are even used in Faraday cages. To get around this, check our tips to boost the Wi-Fi speed and extend the Wi-Fi range in your home.

So, if the router is in your concrete-walled basement, move it elsewhere in the house. Also, try to position the router in the center of your home. Wi-Fi signals are broadcast in 360 degrees, so it doesn't need to be at one end of the house to get the best coverage.

Electrical interference and obstruction from microwaves and even Christmas lights might slow your Wi-Fi down. Also, you should try to detect and fix wireless "dead zones" or "dead spots" in your home.

If a weak signal affects your internet speed and you can't move your router, consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi. You can even use an old router to boost or extend the signal to different areas of your home. If you prefer to buy a new device, you don't have to break the bank to invest in one of the best mesh Wi-Fi networks, either.

6. Tighten Your Wi-Fi Security

Wi-Fi  router with two physical locks on it
Image Credit: Ultraskrip/Shutterstock

If your investigations uncover suspicious client devices, someone may have gained unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network. This could be as innocuous as a neighbor leeching off your network down to something far more threatening.

To ensure the router is secure, find out whether your Wi-Fi network uses the WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3 security protocol, and use a strong wireless password.

Many routers use "admin" as the default username, with the password set to "password." These factory credentials are easy to exploit, so change them immediately.

Most routers have the default password stuck somewhere on the device itself. Use it to log in to your router's web-based interface, where you can manually set a new wireless password.

7. Upgrade Your Outdated Router Hardware

White Wi-Fi 6 router with 4 antennas on a wooden table
Image Credit: Serhii Opikanets/Shutterstock

If you've had the same router for more than a few years, consider an upgrade to boost your Wi-Fi signal. You don't have to spend considerable sums on seeing a dramatic improvement.

One of the easiest is to upgrade your router's antenna. Most routers come fitted with standard antennas that only have a limited range. You can buy an aftermarket antenna for as low as $10, so it doesn't have to strain your bank balance either.

The router itself can create a choke point for speeds. If you have a speedy internet plan, consider upgrading to a newer router to take advantage of better bandwidths but check that it can handle the number of devices you have connected to the network.

Fix Your Wi-Fi Speed and Get It Under Control

It's not always straightforward when creating the optimal Wi-Fi setup, but it is worth the effort. The next time you want to play an online game, stream Netflix, or browse the web, you'll be thankful you put the time into optimizing your network.

Keeping your router's hardware and software up-to-date, positioning it well, and selecting the best channel will make a world of difference to your Wi-Fi speed. That said, you may still need some performance improvements even with all these adjustments.