Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to improve your Wi-Fi Performance

Is your Wi-Fi slow or dropping out? A few simple changes can make it faster and more reliable. Wi-Fi problems are common and are usually caused by where your router is placed, how many devices are connected, or things blocking the signal. Follow the steps below to improve your Wi-Fi at home.

1. Place your router in the best spot

Your router sends Wi-Fi signals in all directions.

Best practice

  • Place your router in a central area of your home

  • Keep it out in the open, not inside cupboards or behind furniture

  • Position it at chest height if possible

Avoid

  • Putting the router near thick walls, metal objects, or fish tanks

  • Placing it next to microwaves or cordless phones

💡 Tip: If Wi-Fi is slow upstairs, moving the router slightly upwards can make a big difference.

2. Restart your router occasionally

Routers can slow down over time, and an occasional restart when you're having issues can make all the difference.

How to restart

  1. Turn the router off at the plug

  2. Wait 2 minutes

  3. Turn it back on

📝 Note: Restarting once a month can help keep Wi-Fi running smoothly.

3. Check how many devices are connected

Every connected device shares your Wi-Fi speed and your overall bandwith. 

💡 Tip: Your bandwith (this is your internet speed) is the total speed of your service. Each device connected gets a slice of that speed. It's like sharing a pizza, the more devices, the smaller the slices, so the slower the speeds.

Common devices using Wi-Fi

  • Phones and tablets

  • Smart TVs

  • Games consoles

  • Smart speakers and doorbells

What you can do

  • Turn off Wi-Fi on devices you are not using

  • Avoid downloading large files while streaming or video calling

⚠️ Caution: Too many devices streaming or using large amounts of data at the same time can slow everyone down.

4. Use the correct Wi-Fi band

Most modern routers use two Wi-Fi signals.

What this means

  • 2.4GHz works better through walls but is slower

  • 5GHz is faster but works best when close to the router

💡 Tip: Use 5GHz for streaming or working near the router and Use 2.4GHz for devices further away

📝 Note: Your router name may show two Wi-Fi networks, such as one with _5Ghz at the end

 For help with using the correct bands, visit our article What are 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands and how do they work?

5. Consider a Wi-Fi booster or mesh system

If Wi-Fi is weak in some rooms, extra equipment may help.

Wi-Fi boosters

  • Extend Wi-Fi into hard-to-reach areas

  • Plug into a wall socket

Mesh Wi-Fi

  • Uses multiple units to cover the whole home

  • Best for larger homes or thick walls

🚨 Warning: Boosters need good signal to work. Placing them too far away will not help, and they should be placed between where the router is, and where the signal is poor.

For more information on the booster we can provide, please get in touch via our contact page.

6. Check if the issue is Wi-Fi or your internet

If Wi-Fi is strong but speeds are still slow, the issue may be your internet connection.

How to check

  • Stand next to the router and disconnect all other devices from the Wi-Fi, other than the device you are using

  • Run a speedtest on your device

  • If it is still slow, the issue may not be Wi-Fi and you should get in touch with us to check further.

When to contact Home Unity

If you have tried these steps and Wi-Fi is still poor:

  • Your router may need replacing

  • Your home may need extra Wi-Fi coverage

If you still need any help or support after this, then please get in touch via our contact page.