How to improve your internet speed

Slow internet can be frustrating, especially when it doesn’t perform how you expect. You can test your current internet speed on our speed test page

There are several factors that could be slowing your internet speed down. We’ve suggested nine tips below to help improve your connection and get the best from your broadband.

Where you place your router can affect your WiFi speed. You might not be able to change the room it’s in, but you can still improve its signal strength.

• If your router is on the floor, move it to a table or shelf. Signals can be absorbed by the ground.

• Avoid placing it directly next to walls, as these can weaken the signal.

• Positioning your router near an open doorway can help the signal reach other rooms.

Placement is especially important if you have a 5G Hub or Outdoor Hub – your hub acts as an antenna for the 5G signal in your area so it needs to be placed where it can get the best signal. Learn more about positioning your 5G Hub or Outdoor Hub

It’s possible that your broadband provider doesn’t offer you the fastest broadband. You may be limited by your current plan’s speeds. You can look at your current speed and compare to other broadband providers on our speed test page

You might want to consider increasing your broadband speed. At Vodafone, we’re the largest full fibre provider with plans offering speeds of up to 2.2 Gbps*. Explore full fibre plans

The more devices connected to your router, the more your speeds can slow down, as they’re all sharing the same connection. You can check or block devices connected to your WiFi.

If you’re a part-fibre or full fibre broadband customer, use the Vodafone Broadband app. If you’re a 5G Broadband customer, use the My Vodafone app.

What you’re doing online can also affect your speeds.

• Streaming films or shows across multiple devices can slow things down

• Online gaming can impact both download and upload speeds

This is known as ‘network traffic’ – it refers to the amount of data moving across your network at any time. In this scenario, your WiFi may be slightly slower during this time but will improve when fewer people are connected.

If possible, you can try connecting your laptop, games console, or other devices to your router using an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables can quickly improve your speeds because you’re connecting directly to the internet, rather than connecting through WiFi. This means there’s less network traffic.

You can also buy WiFi extenders with Ethernet ports. This allows you to boost your WiFi signal and connect devices to your extender for an even faster connection.

You can’t connect an Ethernet cable to your 5G Hub.

If you don’t already have a WiFi extender, these can help with ensuring even coverage throughout your home. Ideally, an extender is placed in between a ‘dead zone’ (an area where signal is struggling) and the router. The extender picks up this signal and rebroadcasts it to more areas of your home. There are various WiFi extenders which you can buy. Some offer higher speed capabilities, have moveable antennas to manually control the signal or have a mesh design for improved range.

Alternatively, you can opt for a Wireless Access Point (WAP) device instead of a WiFi extender. These devices need to be connected to your router via a wire, making them less portable. However, they offer better reliability and speed through the wired connection.

Whatever your choice, both options are at similar price points.

It’s well known that fast broadband speeds can be more difficult to achieve rurally. If you’ve struggled with part-fibre and full fibre broadband or it’s just not available in your area, there are other options you could try.

5G Home Broadband uses our 5G network to connect your home to the internet, without needing a fixed line.

• Ideal if fibre isn’t available in your area

• Superfast 5G speeds

• Quick and simple setup, with no engineer visit required

• Flexible contract lengths

Check to see if you’re in one of our 5G Broadband areas

Is it time for an upgrade? Explore the options available in your area to see if you could be eligible for faster speeds. This may be a great option if your router is older or if you’re coming to the end of your contract.

Our Pro 3 Broadband is built for full fibre, offering speeds up to 2.2 Gbps* — that’s up to 60x faster than standard broadband.

It includes:

• Ultra Hub 7 powered by WiFi 7

• 4G Broadband Back-up if your connection drops

• Super WiFi 7 Booster for reliable coverage throughout your home

Learn more about Pro 3

*2.2 Gbps speed is achieved by a wired connection