Why You Have Slow Internet Speed And How to Fix It

Slow internet speed is the bane of any online gamer’s existence.

You’re in the middle of a heated match, and suddenly, everything starts lagging. Your character teleports around the screen, inputs are delayed, and before you know it, you’ve lost due to something entirely out of your control.

It’s frustrating, but the good news is that you can do something about it.

In this guide, we’ll break down why your internet might be slow and how to fix it so you can get back to gaming without the lag.

First, What Causes Slow Internet Speed?

Before jumping into solutions, let’s identify the possible culprits behind your sluggish connection. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Weak Wi-Fi Signal – If your gaming device is too far from the router or there are too many walls in between, your connection might be unstable.
2. Network Congestion – Too many people using the internet at the same time can slow things down.
3. ISP Throttling – Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) intentionally slow down your connection, especially during peak hours.
4. Outdated Router or Modem – Older devices may not support high-speed connections.
5. Too Many Connected Devices – Every device on your network shares bandwidth, which can impact performance.
6. Low Internet Plan Speed – Your ISP might not be providing you with enough speed for smooth gaming.
7. Background Downloads or Updates – Large downloads, automatic updates, and other apps running in the background consume bandwidth.
8. High Ping and Latency Issues – A fast connection doesn’t always mean a smooth experience if your ping is high.
9. Server Issues on the Game’s End – Sometimes, the problem isn’t even on your side; game servers can be slow or overloaded.
10. Malware or Viruses – Some malicious software can hog your internet speed.
11. Outdated Network Drivers – If your network adapter’s drivers aren’t updated, they could be slowing things down.
12. Interference from Other Electronics – Devices like microwaves and cordless phones can disrupt your Wi-Fi signal.

How Can You Fix a Slow Internet Speed?

Now that we know what’s causing the problem, let’s go over how to fix it. Here are 15 ways to improve your internet speed for gaming:

Move Closer to the Router

If you’re gaming over Wi-Fi, the strength of your signal weakens the farther you are from your router.

Physical obstructions like walls, floors, and furniture can degrade your connection, leading to higher ping and packet loss.

To improve your signal, move your gaming setup closer to the router. If that’s not possible, try playing in an open space with fewer barriers between your device and the router.

Another effective step is adjusting the router’s antennas. If your router has external antennas, positioning them vertically can improve horizontal range, while a horizontal orientation helps with vertical range.

Experiment with different angles to find the best signal direction. If your home is large, consider moving the router to a more central location to provide even coverage.

Use a Wired Connection

Ethernet cables provide a direct, stable connection between your gaming device and the router, eliminating the interference and latency issues common with Wi-Fi.

To set this up, plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your console or PC and the other into your router. This will immediately improve your connection’s consistency and reduce lag.

If running a cable directly isn’t feasible, powerline adapters can be a great alternative. These devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit internet signals, offering a wired connection without the need to run cables across the house.

Another option is MoCA (Multimedia over Coax), which uses existing coaxial cables to provide a faster, more reliable connection than Wi-Fi.

Reduce Network Congestion

Multiple devices connected to your network can slow down your gaming speed, especially if others in your home are streaming, downloading large files, or making video calls.

To manage this, you can use your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic over other activities.

QoS Settings on a D-Link Router. Source: D-Link

You can also schedule heavy bandwidth activities for off-peak hours. For example, if your family watches Netflix in 4K, downloads large files, or attends Zoom meetings during your gaming sessions, ask them to pause or reduce their usage.

If possible, connect streaming devices to a separate network or Wi-Fi band to reduce congestion.

Check for ISP Throttling

Some internet service providers (ISPs) throttle bandwidth for gaming or streaming services during peak hours.

To check if your ISP is limiting your speed, run an internet speed test without a VPN and then repeat the test while connected to a VPN. If speeds are significantly higher with the VPN, your ISP is likely throttling your connection.

A step-by-step:

1. Run a Speed Test

• Use an online tool (e.g., Speedtest) to check your internet speed.

2. Test with a VPN

• Use a VPN and check if your speeds improve, which may indicate throttling.

3. Check Data Cap

• Verify with your ISP if you’ve reached your data limit.

4. Test on Multiple Devices

• Compare speeds on different devices to rule out device issues.

5. Direct Connection

• Test with an Ethernet cable to avoid Wi-Fi interference.

6. Monitor Traffic

• Use tools like GlassWire to track network usage for slowdowns during specific activities.

If you confirm throttling, consider switching to a gaming-friendly ISP or upgrading to a plan with higher bandwidth.

Upgrade Your Router or Modem

Outdated routers and modems may not support modern internet speeds or handle multiple connected devices efficiently.

If your router is more than five years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Look for a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, which offers improved speed, reduced latency, and better handling of multiple connections.

Gaming routers with Quality of Service (QoS) features allow you to prioritize gaming traffic, reducing lag. If you have a large home with Wi-Fi dead zones, consider investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Mesh networks distribute your internet connection across multiple access points, providing a stronger signal throughout your home.

Limit Connected Devices

Every device connected to your Wi-Fi network consumes bandwidth, even if it’s just idly checking for updates.

Smart home devices, security cameras, and background apps on phones and tablets can all contribute to slow speeds. To reduce this, log into your router’s settings and check the list of connected devices.

Disconnect any that aren’t necessary.

Some routers also allow you to set bandwidth limits per device. If someone in your household frequently streams in 4K or downloads large files, you can cap their usage to prevent them from taking up too much bandwidth while you’re gaming.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If your current plan doesn’t provide sufficient bandwidth for gaming, consider upgrading to a higher-tier package.

Online gaming doesn’t require an extremely high download speed, but if multiple people in your household use the internet at the same time, a faster plan can prevent slowdowns.

Before upgrading, check your ISP’s advertised speeds versus actual performance by running a speed test.

If your real-world speeds are significantly lower than what you’re paying for, contact your ISP to investigate potential issues before committing to an upgrade.

Pause Background Downloads

Many gaming platforms automatically download updates, patches, and new content in the background, consuming bandwidth without you realizing it.

To prevent this, check your console or PC for automatic downloads and disable them while gaming.

On Steam, for example, you can go to Settings > Downloads and uncheck “Allow downloads during gameplay.”

Source: Arqade

On consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you can disable background updates in the system settings. If you need to download a large update, schedule it during a time when you’re not gaming.

Optimize Your Game Settings

Some games allow you to adjust network settings to improve performance. If you’re experiencing lag, look for options such as reduced update rates, lower texture streaming, or enabling network optimization settings that minimize data usage.

Additionally, some games allow you to enable “Performance Mode,” which reduces graphical strain on your hardware, indirectly improving network responsiveness.

Performance mode on Fortnite. Source: Setup.gg

Experiment with different settings to find the best balance between performance and visual quality.

Choose Game Servers Closer to You

Many online games let you select a server region. Playing on a server closer to your physical location reduces ping and improves responsiveness.

To check your game’s current server, navigate to the in-game settings and look for an option to view ping or latency.

Some games also display server locations in matchmaking menus. Selecting a server within your region will provide the best experience.

Scan for Malware

Malicious software can consume bandwidth without your knowledge. Run a full system scan using a trusted antivirus program to detect and remove any malware that could be affecting your internet speed.

Keeping your operating system and security software up to date helps prevent infections.

Additionally, avoid downloading unknown files or clicking suspicious links, as malware can slow your connection significantly.

Update Your Network Drivers

Updating your network drivers ensures that your device can communicate effectively with your router and internet connection, reducing lag and disconnections. Here’s how to do it:

On Windows

1. Open Device Manager
   • Press Win + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the list.
2. Locate the Network Adapters Section
   • Scroll down and find Network Adapters in the list. Click the arrow (►) to expand the section.
3. Select Your Network Adapter
   • Look for the adapter labeled Wi-Fi (if using wireless) or Ethernet (if using a wired connection).
   • Right-click on it and choose Update driver.
4. Search for Updated Drivers
   • Click Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for the latest driver version and install it.
   • If no updates are found, go to your manufacturer’s website (Intel, Realtek, or your laptop/PC brand) and download the latest driver manually.
5. Install the Driver Manually (If Necessary)
   • Download the driver from the official website.
   • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
6. Restart Your PC
   • Restarting ensures the new driver is applied correctly.

Source: LSU/Grok

On Mac

Mac devices update network drivers through macOS updates.

1. Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
2. Select Software Update.
3. If an update is available, install it and restart your Mac.

Source: Apple Support

Reboot Your Router and Modem

Rebooting your router and modem clears temporary bugs, resets your connection, and can improve internet speed.

Basic Restart Method

1. Turn Off Your Modem and Router
   • Locate both your modem (the device that connects to the internet) and router (the device that distributes Wi-Fi).
   • Press the power button on each device or unplug them from the power source.
2. Wait 30-60 Seconds
   • This allows the devices to fully reset and clear temporary network issues.
3. Turn On the Modem First
   • Plug the modem back in and wait until all lights are solid or blinking normally (this may take 1-2 minutes).
4. Turn On the Router
   • Now, power on the router and wait for it to fully boot up.
5. Reconnect Your Devices
   • Connect your gaming device and test the connection speed.

Advanced Router Reset (If You Still Have Issues)

1. Find the Reset Button on Your Router
   • It’s usually a small hole labeled Reset at the back.
2. Use a Paperclip or Pin to Hold the Button
   • Hold it for 10-30 seconds until the router’s lights blink.
3. Set Up Your Router Again
   • Log into your router’s settings using a browser (type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar).
   • Enter your username and password (default credentials are often on the router’s label).
   • Reconfigure your Wi-Fi name, password, and other settings.

Rebooting and updating your drivers regularly will help maintain a stable internet connection for gaming!

Contact Your ISP

If none of these fixes work, reach out to your ISP. Ask if there are any network outages or service issues in your area. If your speeds are consistently lower than advertised, request a technician visit to check your connection.

If your ISP doesn’t provide a stable connection for gaming, consider switching providers.

Use NoPing

NoPing is a service designed to optimize your route to games’ servers. Sometimes, the normal path your internet provider uses isn’t the fastest — NoPing reroutes your data through a better, more direct path.

Here’s how to use NoPing to fix network issues in online games:

• Sign-up through the website and download NoPing (you can test it for free).
• Open NoPing and search for your game inside the software

• Once you find it, click on it and, on the next screen, select “Choose automatic” or “Choose manual” and click “Continue”. We recommend choosing automatic, as NoPing’s technology analyzes all routes on a global scale and automatically selects the best option for you.

• On the next screen, click on “Optimize Game”.

• And that’s it, you can start playing with optimized ping!

You can test different servers within NoPing to see which gives you the lowest latency.

What’s Considered a Slow Internet Speed?

In general, internet speeds below 25 Mbps are considered slow, especially if multiple people are using the network. Here’s a rough breakdown of what different speeds mean:

• Below 10 Mbps: Slow for almost anything, especially gaming and streaming.
• 10-25 Mbps: Okay for light gaming but may struggle with multiplayer.
• 25-50 Mbps: Decent for gaming, streaming, and general use.
• 50+ Mbps: Ideal for gaming with minimal lag.

And What’s a Slow Internet Speed for Online Gaming?

Gaming doesn’t require extremely high download speeds, but it does need a stable connection with low latency (ping).

Here’s what’s recommended for a good online gaming experience:

• Download Speed: At least 3-5 Mbps per gamer.
• Upload Speed: At least 1 Mbps (more for streaming or voice chat).
• Ping: Below 50ms for smooth gameplay. Anything above 100ms can result in noticeable lag.

If your speeds fall below these numbers, you might start experiencing lag, disconnects, or rubberbanding in online games.

How Can I Test My Internet Speed?

Testing your internet speed is easy and should be done regularly. Here’s how:

1. Visit a speed test website like Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
2. Click “Go” or “Start Test.”
3. Wait for the test to complete and check your download speed, upload speed, and ping.

For gaming, focus on the ping value—lower is better. If your ping is consistently high, you may need to switch to a wired connection or choose a closer game server.

How Can You Increase Download and Upload Speed?

If your internet speed isn’t cutting it, here are a few ways to boost both download and upload speeds:

If your download and upload speeds are slow, you may experience lag, long loading times, and delays when gaming, streaming, or uploading content. Here’s how to improve them effectively:

1. Check Your Internet Speed

Before making changes, you need to measure your current speeds.

How to Do It:

1. Close any background apps (Netflix, YouTube, downloads) to get an accurate result.
2. Use a speed test website.
3. Take note of your download and upload speeds and compare them to what your ISP (Internet Service Provider) promised.

If your speed is significantly lower than expected, continue with the steps below.

2. Restart Your Modem and Router

Refreshing your network equipment can clear temporary issues.

How to Do It:

1. Turn off your modem and router (unplug them from power).
2. Wait 30-60 seconds to allow them to fully reset.
3. Plug in the modem first, wait for it to fully boot (lights should stabilize).
4. Turn on the router and wait for it to reconnect.
5. Test your internet speed again to check for improvements.

If this doesn’t help, move to the next steps.

3. Use a Wired Connection (Ethernet Cable)

Wi-Fi can be unstable due to interference. A wired connection is always faster and more reliable.

How to Set It Up:

1. Get an Ethernet cable (Cat 6 or Cat 7 recommended).
2. Plug one end into your PC, console, or gaming laptop.
3. Plug the other end directly into the router.
4. Disable Wi-Fi on your device to force a wired connection.
5. Run a speed test again to see improvements.

This is one of the best ways to increase download/upload speed!

4. Reduce Network Congestion

Too many devices using the internet at the same time can slow down speeds.

How to Fix It:

1. Disconnect unused devices (smart TVs, tablets, old phones).
2. Pause heavy downloads/uploads while gaming or streaming.
3. Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.
4. Switch to a different Wi-Fi band (5GHz for faster speeds, 2.4GHz for better range).

If your household has many devices, upgrading your plan or router may be necessary.

5. Upgrade Your Router

Older routers can bottleneck your internet speed.

How to Check If You Need an Upgrade:

1. Find your router model (written on the back or bottom).
2. Look up its max speed capabilities online.
3. If your router doesn’t support high speeds, upgrade to a newer model (Wi-Fi 6 or gaming routers recommended).

If upgrading isn’t an option, at least update your router’s firmware (next step).

6. Update Your Router Firmware

Outdated router software can limit performance.

How to Do It:

1. Log into your router by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser.
2. Enter your router’s username and password (usually found on a label on the router).
3. Look for a “Firmware Update” option in the settings.
4. If an update is available, install it and restart your router.

Keeping your router updated can improve performance significantly.

7. Change Your DNS Settings

Your ISP’s default DNS servers may be slow. Switching to a faster DNS can improve speed and reduce lag.

How to Change Your DNS (Windows & Consoles):

1. Open Network Settings on your PC or gaming console.
2. Locate the DNS settings (usually under “Advanced” or “IP settings”).
3. Change your Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS).
4. Save the settings and restart your internet connection.

You can also try Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1) for faster performance.

8. Close Background Applications

Apps running in the background can eat up bandwidth, slowing downloads and uploads.

How to Free Up Bandwidth (Windows):

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Network column to see which apps are using bandwidth.
3. Right-click on heavy apps (like Steam, Chrome, or OneDrive) and select “End Task.”

How to Free Up Bandwidth (Console):

1. Close all background apps (Netflix, YouTube, game launchers).
2. Check if your console is downloading updates (pause them if necessary).

This will ensure your gaming or download speeds are maximized.

10. Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If nothing else works, you may simply need more bandwidth.

How to Determine If You Need an Upgrade:

1. Check your ISP’s advertised speeds vs. your actual speeds (from the speed test earlier).
2. If you’re consistently getting speeds much lower than what you’re paying for, contact your ISP.
3. Ask about gaming-optimized plans or fiber internet (if available in your area).

If your ISP doesn’t deliver good speeds, consider switching providers.

Dealing with slow internet speed while gaming is frustrating, but now you have the tools to fix it.

Whether it’s moving closer to your router, switching to an Ethernet cable, or upgrading your internet plan, there are plenty of ways to boost your connection and reduce lag.

If you want to optimize your connection to play all of your favorite games online, try NoPing! With this software, your data will be sent across multiple routes, reducing your ping. Try it for free for 7 days!