While AT&T is a great service provider, you can’t always rely on your connection to be fast. They offer great Internet and cellular services, however, and that’s why AT&T is as big of a brand as it is. Many AT&T customers have asked themselves the question: why is my Internet so slow?
Your AT&T Internet is so slow because your router is bad and outdated or it isn’t in a central location. Internet speed also slows down if you use too many devices that will compete for a strong connection. Use an Ethernet cable or install 1-2 Wi-Fi range extenders to boost your AT&T Internet strength.
You can also improve your Internet speed if you add a second router to your home. Check the AT&T website to see if there is a service outage in your area and find out when they will resolve it. Follow along as we explore why your AT&T Internet is so slow and see what you can do to fix the problem.
How Do I Fix Slow AT&T Internet?
You can fix a slow AT&T Internet connection by replacing or resetting your router among other quick solutions. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as installing a Wi-Fi range extender or moving your router. Let’s take a look at what you should do when your AT&T Internet is so slow and inconsistent.
1. Restart Your Router
Restart your router if your AT&T Internet speed is so slow. This should be your first fix when it comes to most Internet speed issues as an AT&T customer. Luckily, this is the easiest way to fix slow Internet performance, service drops, and outages.
Access your router and unplug all of the cables and wires from the back. This will shut off the power to your router rendering it useful for a moment. Let your router sit unplugged for up to 60 seconds, then plug the wires back in.
Wait a few minutes and use your iPhone or a Wi-Fi-enabled device to see if the Internet connection is any stronger. You can avoid Internet speed and connectivity issues if you restart your router every 2-3 months even if nothing is wrong. This is a good practice to avoid problems before they pop up.
2. Move Your Router Closer To Devices
Your router’s location has as much to do with your Internet connection as the service itself. AT&T offers great Internet service, but that’s not enough if you put your router in an inconvenient location. Try to place your router in an area that is central to all of the essential devices that you use.
This includes smart TVs, computers, and rooms where you typically use your phone or tablet. Depending on the size of your home, a central location should reach all of the areas where you need an Internet connection. However, that isn’t always the case, and some people need to use an additional router to boost the signal range.
Never put an AT&T router in an enclosed space or you will limit your Wi-Fi range. Metal near your router and modem can also explain why your AT&T Internet is so slow. Cabinets and decorations that contain metal can diminish Wi-Fi signals, especially when you enclose your router.
3. Upgrade To a New Router
It may simply be time for you to upgrade to a new router. You can expect the average router to last reliably for 3 years. They can last longer than that, but most routers slow down and become less reliable after 2-3 years.
Big Internet service providers like AT&T let you upgrade to a new router free of charge. However, this only works if you are an existing customer and can return the equipment that you currently have. Contact AT&T either online or over the phone to request a new router.
In some cases, they may send a service technician to inspect and see if the router is the problem. This is helpful because they can typically help answer all of your questions and install the router for you. You can extend your router’s lifespan if you keep it in an open space so that it doesn’t overheat.
4. Use a Wi-Fi Extender
A Wi-Fi range extender can help boost your AT&T Internet connection. This won’t speed it up directly, but it will help improve the signal range in areas with poor service. Put your Wi-Extender within range of your router and near the area in your home that you need to boost.
Make sure to read the label to see how far the extender can boost the signal. This will tell you how far you should put the extender between your router and the area that needs a stronger connection.
5. Manage Device Use
Using the Internet on multiple devices at once can put a strain on your connection. The strength will spread thin throughout each device which diminishes the performance of each. Your AT&T Internet connection will be slow if you use a computer, smartphone, and smart TV simultaneously.
Use fewer devices at once to free up bandwidth on your network. This can be difficult if you live in a home with multiple people, but the only other option is to upgrade your service.
6. Run an Ethernet Cable
You can boost your slow AT&T connection if you use an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables provide an instant connection when compared to Wi-Fi. You can download large files or run cumbersome programs much faster with an Ethernet cable.
They only cost between $5 and $12, and Ethernet cables are worth it if your AT&T Wi-Fi connection is weak. Make sure that your Ethernet cable is always tightly connected or the performance will suffer. Ethernet cables are a great solution, but they are primarily only helpful when it comes to computers.
7. Delete Old Files
Old files and programs on your computer are common reasons why your AT&T Internet speed is so slow. Unused files build up over time and they eventually make your computer have to work harder to retain a good connection. It’s easy to forget about old files, but it’s worthwhile to check your computer, tablet, or phone, every few months and delete anything you don’t need.
Your computer or Internet-connected device will slowly process information which will affect your browsing performance. This doesn’t directly affect the Internet speed per se, but it affects your device’s ability to process it. Try to delete enough old files so that your hard drive has 15% free space.
8. Check For Local Service Outages
Service outages can affect many houses and even entire neighborhoods in an area. They can occur due to storms, lightning strikes, tower damage, and scheduled maintenance. Luckily, technicians can typically resolve a service outage within a day or two.
Visit the AT&T website to check if there are any service outages near where you live. Sign in on the website and enter your location information to see if you live in an affected area. You should be able to see if there is an outage as well as when they estimate to resolve it. Otherwise, you can call AT&T to report an outage or check on updates.
9. Get a New Modem
Sometimes, you need to get a new modem instead of your router if your AT&T Internet speed is slow. Modems can often last longer than routers, so you don’t always need to replace them together. Your modem may last long as 8 years in some cases, but you should replace it when you notice problems.
It can be difficult for many users to differentiate between a faulty router and a bad modem. Unplug your modem for a minute and plug it back in to reset it. You can tell that the modem is the problem if your router is new and the green light is solid.
Contact AT&T so they can send a service technician to your home to inspect your modem. They will be able to tell whether your router or modem is the problem. Luckily, you won’t have to pay AT&T for them to replace your modem if you’re an active customer.
10. Change Your Plan
AT&T offers several service plans with varying limits for your bandwidth. Check to see if you exceeded your limit if you notice that your Internet speed suddenly slows down or drops. You may need to contact AT&T to add more bandwidth to your plan if you run out quickly each month.
It is necessary to choose a plan with more bandwidth if you have several people in your home or use the Internet throughout the day. Make sure that your network is private so that nobody else can access it and use up your bandwidth without you knowing. Sometimes, AT&T can limit your bandwidth if a large number of people in the area are using lots of cellular data and Wi-Fi.
11. Change Internet Service Provider
You need to consider your other options as far as the best Internet service provider for you. Some Internet service providers work better in certain areas than others, and that includes AT&T. That doesn’t mean that AT&T is bad, but maybe it’s not the best option for you if the problems continue.
Luckily, most providers offer great deals for new customers so you should be able to find a comparable rate. Consider switching providers if getting a new router and using range extenders doesn’t work.
Why Is My AT&T Internet So Slow On My iPhone?
If the Internet on your iPhone is so slow, it is likely because of poor service. This happens when you move too far from the peak Wi-Fi range or have limited cellular data. Cluttered apps and excessive old files on your iPhone can also slow down the Internet speed.
Delete old apps and data from your iPhone and clear your background apps. Your Internet speed will slow down if you have multiple background apps that are all connected to the network.
Check to see if “Low Power Mode” is enabled on your iPhone if your AT&T Internet connection is so slow. This function is useful if you need to save your battery life, but it will also reduce your Internet speed. Disable this mode if you need to boost your phone’s Internet connection and charge your phone whenever you can.
Why Is My 4G LTE So Slow AT&T?
Your AT&T 4G LTE is likely so slow because too many people in the area are using cellular data. All AT&T customers in that particular area will likely experience a weak connection at some point. This can happen at places with large crowds of people, such as malls, airports, hotels, music venues, and arenas.
Generally, this happens around the same time on most days. For example, your 4G LTE may slow down at nighttime when most people get back from work. There is nothing that you can do about this, unfortunately, and it can happen with any Internet service provider.
How Do I Know If My AT&T Router Is Bad?
You can tell that your AT&T router is bad if your service drops or slows down frequently. It is common for your AT&T Internet speed to slow down if it is 3 years old or older, and that’s when you should replace it. Routers that overheat quickly are typically bad and or outdated.
Inspect your router to see if any of the hardware is damaged. A key sign that there is damaged hardware is that the router rattles when you move it. Contact AT&T so they can send a service technician to install your new router.
So, Why Is My Internet So Slow ATT?
Your AT&T Internet is likely so slow because your router is bad or outdated. Move your router and modem to a central location in your home to see if that will improve your Internet speed. Install another router or use a range extender if that doesn’t work. Limit how many devices you use so that your Internet isn’t so slow. Check to make sure that your network is private, or else strangers may use it which will slow down your Internet speed.
Use one or two Wi-Fi range extenders to improve your Internet speed in certain areas of your house. Close background apps on your iPhone and delete old files on your computer to increase your AT&T Internet speed. Go online or call AT&T to find out if there are any service outages in your area. Consider another Internet service provider, such as Verizon or Spectrum if your problems persist.