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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 10 days. It's normal for your speeds to vary during this time.
1. Check your service
Take a look at our My Connection page to see if there are any issues in your area that might be affecting your services. You can also visit My Connection to quickly test your connection and get SMS updates on any issues.
2. Check your estimated speed
Run a speed test and compare the result to the estimated speed quoted 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.
3. Check your setup
Now check that your equipment is set up correctly.
4. 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.
5. Disconnect devices you aren't using
Your Wi-Fi speed is shared amongst all connected devices, so your connection might struggle if you've got several devices that are all streaming, browsing, or gaming at the same time. 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.
6. Change 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. Depending on your technical ability, you may want to try changing your wireless channel to remedy this.
7. 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.
8. Try a wired connection
Test your speed using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
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.
9. 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 main phone sockets have one:
Here’s how to connect your router to your test socket:
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.
Main phone sockets
Your main phone 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:
1. Check your service
Take a look at your eero app to see if your services are in working order.
2. Check your estimated speed
Run a speed test in the eero app and compare the result to the estimated speed quoted 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.
3. Check your setup
Now check that your equipment is set up correctly.
4. Restart your eero(s)
Restart your eero using the eero app, as well as any other eeros in your network. Refreshing your broadband connection is a quick and easy fix for most common connection problems.
5. Disconnect devices you aren't using
Your Wi-Fi speed is shared amongst all connected devices, so your connection might struggle if you've got several devices that are all streaming, browsing, or gaming at the same time. Try disconnecting everything in your house that’s connected to the internet, apart from the device you're currently using. 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.
6. Change 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. Depending on your technical ability, you may want to try changing your wireless channel to remedy this.
7. Try a wired connection
Test your speed using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
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.
Master Socket