Top Solutions To Fix A Slow Download Speed

Sometimes a slow download speed is a perfect excuse to quit your computers and go outside for some fresh air. But when most of us are working at home, this is what destroys your productivity.

Why Is My Download Speed So Slow?

The COVID-19 is partly responsible for a slow download speed all over the world. We say partly because there are other causes as well.

Your router

The age of your router might be contributing to your problem. If yours is older than 5 years, it’s time for a replacement.

Where you place the router is crucial in having the best coverage. Ideally, it should be placed in the central location of your home and not hidden away in a cabinet or something like that.

The size of your home is also a contributing factor to a slow download speed. If your house is big with multiple rooms, the connection in certain areas will be weak.

Another reason is the devices connected to the same network. Older devices with older internet technology might be the bottleneck responsible for internet download speed slow. For example, the 2012 iPhone 5 features an old Wi-Fi standard, so will be looking for similar devices.

If you live in apartment buildings with several devices fighting for radio channels, you will experience slow download speed. So use scanning apps, such as WiFi Analyzer, to see the radio channels people living near you are using.

Your Internet Provider

Sometimes the root cause of the problem is your Internet provider. In this case, you have no other choice but to call them and ask for help.

How To Fix Slow Download Speed

Chrome Download Speed Slow

Optimize Your Web For A Slow Connection

Fixing a slow download speed takes time and you still have work to do. In this case, you can opt for the HTML or mobile versions of the sites you are browsing, use Opera Turbo and similar features, and disable images.

Turn Off Bandwidth-Hogging Plugins And Apps

If you are sure that your hardware isn’t the cause of the problem, check to see if there are any programs that are hogging the connections. For instance, you will experience a slow download speed if BitTorrent is downloading files.

Check Your Speeds (And Your Plan)

NBN is faster than ADSL2 which is faster than ADSL so you need to have a realistic expectation of what your plan allows. Bear in mind that there are several plans that will throttle your connection after you have used up your monthly allowance.

Check The Device You Are Using

If the PC download speed slow on only one computer, the problem lies in that machine, not the router or anything else.

Wifi Download Speed Slow

Troubleshoot Your Hardware

When you experience a slow download speed, the first thing to do is to reset the router. And again, if the router is older than 5 years old, it’s time to replace it.

Fix Your Wi-Fi Signal

If your wireless signal is weak but the internet and router are just fine, the solution here is to fix the signals by buying a WiFi extender, replace the old router, and check to see if there are any router updates.

Trouble-Shooting Slow Download Speed In Gaming

Steam download speed slow

Steam has content servers all over the world and you will be served content server based on where you are. If you have a slow download speed with Steam, check the current download region. Here is how to do so:

• Open Steam
• Open Settings and Download tabs
• Choose the region closest to yours or the one you are currently in.
• Try other regions nearby to find the best choice possible.

PS4 Download Speed Slow

The best way to fix a slow download speed with PS4 are as follow:

• Choose an Internet plan with a faster connection.
• Opt for a wired connection instead of WiFi to boost PS4's download speed.
• Move the PS4 console closer to the router if you are on WiFi for a better connection.
• If moving the console isn’t an option, invest in a router with a longer range.
• Try pause and then resume the download to see if this helps.
• Turn on the Rest Mode on the PS4.
• Pause any other downloads and focus on downloading one game at a time.

Xbox One Slow Download Speed

If you experience a slow download speed on an Xbox One, here are what to do:

• Restart the console.
• Close any games that are running when you download.
• Check for network connection
• Cancel the installation of games or apps and then try to reinstall.

​>>> India Ranks At The Bottom Of The Chart For Mobile Internet Speed, Even Lower Than Pakistan And Sri Lanka