We know how frustrating it is when your broadband is running slower than usual, so we’ve put together this guide to help you fix the problem without having to call in.
If you're new to TalkTalk or you've just upgraded to Fibre, your line will go through something we call the stabilisation period. This usually lasts for around 14 days and it's normal to experience varying speeds and occasional drops in your connection during this time.
When you're ready, work through the steps below.
You can find your estimated speed in your welcome pack. You can also check it using our broadband availability checker. When you’ve got it, run a speed test and compare the result to your estimated speed.
Is your speed the same or higher?
The good news is that your broadband is working as we'd expect it to.
Is your speed slower?
We’ll need to do some more checks. Please continue to step 2.
Turn your router off at the mains, along with your Openreach modem if you have one. If you’ve got Fibre you can switch everything back on after 20 minutes. For non-Fibre it’s 30 seconds. Run a speed test once your router has fully booted up.
Has your speed improved?
Great! A software update might have gotten stuck. Refreshing your connection has fixed the problem.
Is your speed slower or the same?
Let’s keep going. Please continue to step 3.
Your Wi-Fi speed is shared amongst all connected devices, so if you're streaming 4K videos on your phone and tablet, you might struggle to load Netflix on your laptop.
Try disconnecting everything in your house that’s connected to the internet, apart from the device you're completing this test on and any wireless powerline adapters. Now run another speed test.
Has your speed improved?
Congestion on your network was probably slowing you down. You should monitor and limit how many devices you have connected at once, or consider swapping to a package that’s better suited to your needs.
Is your speed slower or the same?
There are more things we can check. Please go to step 4.
Use the original cables supplied with your router.
Check all cables are connected securely at both ends.
Plug your router into your master socket.
Use your microfilters correctly if you have a standard master socket:
Use your splitter correctly:
If you’ve made any changes to your setup, run another speed test.
Has your speed improved?
You may have had a loose wire, or your router wasn’t set up correctly. You should keep this setup going forwards.
Is your speed slower or the same?
Please continue to step 5.
Temporarily unplug your wireless powerline adapters and run another speed test. If you don’t use them you can skip this step.
Has your speed improved?
Your powerline adapters may have been set up incorrectly. Try setting them up again.
Is your speed slower or the same?
Please continue to step 6.
Test with a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi:
Has your speed improved?
Wireless interference could be the problem. Try to keep your router free from obstructions and away from other electronic devices. You may also want to try a Wi-Fi Extender Kit to help extend your Wi-Fi signal in your home.
Is your speed slower or the same?
Let’s test your external wiring. Please continue to step 7.
If your master socket has a horizontal line across the middle it has a test socket. Connect your router to the test socket to check for problems with your external wiring:
Has your speed improved?
There could be a fault with your internal wiring. This isn't something we can fix online; please contact us so we can help you.
Is your speed slower or the same?
There could be a fault with the wiring outside your home. Please contact us so we can look into it and send an engineer if necessary.
Our experts are here to help, select one of the following contact options:
View your bills, keep tabs on your usage and message our team.
Problem with your connection? Run a health check on your line.
Available everyday
08:00 - 22:00
To help us deal with your query quickly, please confirm the following information when you write to us. We will aim to respond in writing to your query in 10 days.
- Your full name
- Your TalkTalk Phone or mobile number
- Your Signature
TalkTalk Correspondence Dept
PO Box 675
Salford
M5 0NL
All letters will be sent to the primary billing address unless stated otherwise. Please also include the best way to contact you about your query, such as your contact phone number or contact address.
Call us for free on: 0345 172 0088
Make sure you have your account details to hand when you call.
Calls are free from your TalkTalk phone, our customer services team are available 8am-8pm, Technical Support 24/7 every day. If you’re deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, the Text Relay Service can be used to help you contact us, simply dial 18001 followed by 0345 1720088