Fix slow broadband speeds

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We know how frustrating it is when your broadband is running slower than usual, so we've created this guide to help you fix the problem. When you're ready, work through the steps below.

New to TalkTalk or just upgraded to fibre? your line will go through a stabilisation period which usually lasts for around two weeks. It's normal for your speeds to vary during this time. 

1. Check your estimated speed

The first thing to do is run a speed test and compare the result to the estimated speed in your welcome pack. If your current speed is similar to your estimated speed, the good news is that your broadband is working as we'd expect it to.

2. Check your setup

Now check that your equipment is set up correctly. 

• Use the original cables supplied with your router
• Check that all cables are connected securely at both ends
• Make sure your router is connected to your master socket
• Use your microfilters correctly (if you have any)
• Use your splitter correctly (if you have one)

3. Restart your router

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. Refreshing your broadband connection is a quick and easy fix for most common connection problems.

4. Disconnect devices you aren't using

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 currently using and any wireless powerline adapters. If your speed improves, 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.

5. Change your wireless channel

Depending on your technical ability, you may want to try changing your wireless channel. All wireless routers broadcast Wi-Fi signals on a channel. If any of these channels get too busy – i.e. if your neighbour’s router is broadcasting on the same channel as yours – it can slow your internet down.

6. Reboot your Wireless Powerline Adapters

Temporarily unplug any wireless powerline adapters, such as a Wi-Fi Extender Kit, to see if your speed improves. If it does, your adapters might be set up incorrectly. Try setting them up again.

7. Try a wired connection

Test your speed using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.

1. Plug the yellow Ethernet cable that came with your router into your device
2. Plug the other end into any of the yellow Ethernet ports on the back of your router
3. Run a speed test when your device has connected to the internet

If you get better speeds on a wired connection, 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 your signal go further in your home.

8. Connect to your test socket

Plugging your router into your test socket is a good way to find out if there's an issue with your external wiring; however, not all master sockets have one:

• Master sockets that have two ports or one port with a horizontal line across the front contain a test socket.
• Master sockets that have one port without a horizontal line don't have a test socket. If this sounds like yours, please skip this step and don't try to unscrew the faceplate.

Here’s how to connect your router to your test socket:

1. Carefully unscrew the master socket faceplate with a screwdriver. If it doesn't have screws, squeeze the sides of the faceplate to detach it
2. With the faceplace removed, you'll see the test socket inside. It looks similar to the phone port on the front of your master socket but without the sliding cover
3. Plug a microfilter into the test socket
4. Plug your router's broadband cable into the microfilter port labelled ADSL
5. Now run a speed test

If your speed improves whilst you're connected to your test socket, there could be a fault with your internal wiring. Slower or similar speeds could indicate a fault with the wiring outside of your home. In either case, this isn't something we can fix online. Please chat with us so we can investigate further.

Master sockets

Your master socket is where the external phone line comes into your house. It’s bigger than your other phone sockets and can usually be found in your hallway or near your front door. It’ll look like one of the below:

Microfilters

Microfilters are small devices that stop your phone and broadband signals from interfering with each other. You’ll only need to use them if you have a standard master socket with one port. Here's how to use them correctly:

• Plug a microfilter into every socket you're using in your home.
• If you don’t have enough microfilters, unplug some devices until you can get some more.
• Don’t plug a microfilter into an empty socket.
• Don’t use two microfilters by plugging them into each other.

Splitters

Splitters are similar to microfilters because they split your phone connection into two. Some services, such as Sky or Virgin, fit them as standard when installing your set top box.

If you have a pre-filtered master socket, plug the splitter into the phone port. If you have a standard master socket, plug the splitter into the phone port on the microfilter.