Why Does an Internet Connection Slow Down After Using a Phone for Some Time When Connected Through Wi-Fi at Home?

Have you ever experienced a frustrating slowdown in your Wi-Fi internet connection after using your phone for some time? This issue can be quite problematic, especially when you rely on your mobile hotspot for work or entertainment. Understanding the reasons behind this and finding effective solutions can significantly improve your connectivity.

Why Does the Internet Speed Slow Down?

When multiple devices are connected to a Wi-Fi network, the overall speed can decrease. The primary reason for this is the sharing of bandwidth. If your home Wi-Fi network is being used by multiple devices, the Wi-Fi signal has to share its capacity, leading to slower speeds for all connected devices. In particular, if another device is significantly consuming the bandwidth, it can substantially reduce the available speed for your mobile phone hotspot.

Factors Affecting Mobile Phone Internet Speed

The speed of your mobile phone’s hotspot depends on several factors. For example, if you are engaged in essential tasks, a broadband connection is recommended. However, if you have a relatively new smartphone, such as those from Samsung M or A series or OnePlus, there are fair chances that the hotspot will provide the expected speed.

Addressing Slow Internet Speed on Your Phone With Home WiFi

To resolve the issue of slow internet speed on your phone when connected through Wi-Fi, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Delete every wireless profile saved on your phone and reconnect to your home network by entering all details again. Update the firmware of your wireless router. Ensure that the router’s security settings are fully compatible with your smartphone. Reset both the router and your phone.

Implementing these steps should help you improve your internet speed and address the issue of slow internet on your phone when connected through home WiFi.

Compatibility Issues Between Router and Device

Compatibility between the router and wireless devices is a crucial factor that can affect Wi-Fi performance. Many people overlook this aspect, but it can manifest in various symptoms, such as:

Devices may not even detect the network. Devices may see a network but refuse to connect to it. The connection may drop randomly, causing interruptions in your work or entertainment. The connection speed may be slower than expected.

For example, an old IP camera might not detect a new router, and a laptop with an old system might refuse to connect to the home network while it works on other networks. A current laptop might experience erratic connections with the router, leading to corrupted files when downloading.

The last point is particularly relevant, as many people may not realize that their internet speed is slower than optimal. Using a Wi-Fi range extender can sometimes improve performance by connecting to the extender rather than the router directly. In some cases, the connection through the extender can be better despite the theoretical reduction in speed.

Based on my experience, it seems that between 2 and 5 combinations of devices and routers can have issues. However, many people may not be aware that their internet speed is slower than it could be.

Understanding and addressing compatibility issues can significantly improve your home Wi-Fi experience and ensure a faster, more reliable internet connection.