My Internet is Slow — Troubleshooting Steps

Slow internet is frustrating — but before calling your internet provider or raising a support ticket, there are several things you can check yourself. This article walks you through the most common causes and what to try first.

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Step 1 — Check if it's Just One Device or All Devices

The first thing to work out is whether the slow internet affects just one device or everything in your home.

Check another device — try browsing on your phone, tablet, or another computer.

• If only one device is slow — the issue is likely with that device, not your internet connection. See our My Computer is Running Slow article or submit a ticket at https://help.lanclub.nz
• If all devices are slow — the issue is likely with your router or internet connection — continue with the steps below

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Step 2 — Restart Your Router

This is the single most effective fix for most internet issues. Your router needs to be restarted occasionally to clear its memory and refresh its connection to your internet provider.

1. Locate your router — usually a box with lights on it near where your internet cable enters your home
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the router
3. Wait 30 seconds — this is important, don't rush it
4. Plug the power cable back in
5. Wait 2 minutes for the router to fully reconnect
6. Test your internet again

If you have a separate modem and router, restart both — unplug the modem first, then the router. Plug them back in in the same order.

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Step 3 — Run a Speed Test

A speed test will tell you exactly how fast your internet connection is and whether it matches what you're paying for.

1. Go to https://www.speedtest.net on your device
2. Click Go and wait for the test to complete
3. Note down your Download and Upload speeds in Mbps

What to do with the results:

• Compare your result to your plan speed — your internet provider's website or invoice should show what speed you're paying for
• If your speed is significantly lower than expected, contact your internet provider
• If your speed looks normal but things still feel slow, the issue may be with a specific website or service rather than your connection

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Step 4 — Check Your WiFi Signal

If your device is connected via WiFi, a weak signal can cause slow speeds even if your internet connection itself is fine.

Signs of a weak WiFi signal:

• Your device shows only one or two bars of WiFi signal
• The issue is worse in certain rooms or when far from the router
• Speeds improve when you move closer to the router

What to try:

• Move closer to your router and test again
• Make sure your router isn't hidden inside a cupboard or behind a TV cabinet — routers need open air to broadcast a good signal
• Check if other devices or appliances near the router could be causing interference — microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can all affect WiFi

If you consistently have poor signal in certain areas of your home, email support@lanclub.nz — we can advise on WiFi extenders or access point solutions.

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Step 5 — Try a Wired Connection

If possible, connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable. This bypasses WiFi entirely and gives you the most reliable connection.

If your internet is fast via ethernet but slow on WiFi, the issue is with your WiFi rather than your internet connection.

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Step 6 — Check for Heavy Usage on Your Network

Someone else on your network streaming 4K video, downloading large files, or running a video call can significantly slow down the internet for everyone else.

Check if other household members are doing anything bandwidth-heavy and ask them to pause temporarily while you test your speed.

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Step 7 — Check if Specific Websites or Services are Slow

Sometimes the issue isn't your internet connection at all — a specific website or service may be having problems on their end.

To check:

• Try a different website — if most sites load fine but one particular site is slow, the problem is with that site not your internet
• Check https://downdetector.co.nz to see if others are reporting issues with the same service

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Step 8 — Check Your Data Cap

Some internet plans have a monthly data cap. If you've exceeded your cap, your internet provider may slow your connection down significantly for the rest of the month.

Log in to your internet provider's app or website to check your data usage. Common NZ providers:

• Spark: My Spark app or spark.co.nz
• Vodafone / One NZ: My Vodafone app or one.nz
• 2degrees: My 2degrees app or 2degrees.nz
• Trustpower / Vocus: Check your provider's app or website

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When to Contact Your Internet Provider

Contact your internet provider if:

• Your speed test results are significantly below your plan speed
• You've restarted your router and the issue persists
• All devices in your home are affected
• You're experiencing a complete outage

Their support teams can check the connection to your home and send a technician if needed.

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When to Contact LanClub

Contact LanClub if:

• Only one device is slow and the steps above haven't helped
• You need help interpreting your speed test results
• You'd like advice on improving your home WiFi coverage
• Your NextDNS settings may be affecting your connection (Standard and Pro plans)

Submit a ticket at https://help.lanclub.nz, email help@lanclub.nz, or call us on +64 22 573 3469.

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