How to Fix Slow Spectrum Internet [Reasons & Fixes]

Is your Spectrum Internet slow? It can be due to a network outage or ISP servers under maintenance. Congested WiFi channels, data streams, outdated hardware, or excessive data usage are some other causes of this problem.

I’ve faced this issue multiple times when testing different Spectrum plans, the quickest way to fix it is — by restarting or power cycling your Spectrum router. However, if that doesn’t work, you’ll need to further troubleshoot. Below I’ve listed out some of the popular reasons why your Spectrum Internet is slow and the fixes too.

Steps to Check if the Speed is Slow

Visit Spectrum’s speed test portal or any third-party Speedtest tool to check your connection speeds. Then compare the results with your plan’s speed to see how it performs.

• If the upload and download speeds are less than your plan’s normal speed, then there’s a chance that it could be slow.
• If the upload speed is normal, but the download speed is less, it can be due to bandwidth restriction, network congestion, local outage, or some hardware issues.
• If the download speed is normal, but the upload speed is too slow, it can be due to some hardware issues. Contact your ISP for technical assistance.
• If the Ping is up to or under 50ms, the speed is good for streaming and online gaming. However, if it’s between 100-150 ms, there’s some issue.

Why Is My Spectrum Internet So Slow?

Many factors can collectively or individually affect your internet connection and slow it down. Some of the most common ones are:

• Outdated Hardware
• Bandwidth Restriction
• Too Many Devices Connected to the same network
• Physical Obstructions around the Router
• Software or Hardware Glitches
• Malware or VPN is interfering
• Multitasking
• High Network Usage Apps running in the background
• Apps Cache consuming data
• Malfunctioned or Old Firmware Upgrade
• Interference from Neighboring Networks
• Too Much Network Traffic
• Weak Signal Strength
• Inappropriate router location

How To Fix The Spectrum Slow Internet Issues?

Now that you know the reasons why your Spectrum internet keeps going out, it’s time to go through some effective troubleshooting and fix it.

1. Restart Internet Equipment

If excessive data usage is not an issue, there can be some software or hardware glitch in your router causing the speed issue. Restart or power cycle it to refresh the network settings and improve your WiFi router’s speed.

Steps To Restart Spectrum Router Manually:

• Disconnect all the connected devices.
• Unplug your modem and router from the power source.
• Plug it back after 60 seconds. Let the device set up completely.
• Reconnect the devices and take a speed test to notice the difference.

Steps To Restart Router Using My Spectrum App:

• Head to your Spectrum account or app and click on the “Services” tab.

• Tap on the “Internet” option and then choose your equipment from the list.

• Select the “Restart Equipment” option and tap on the “restart” button.

2. Disable/Disconnect Unwanted Devices

Disconnecting unused or unwanted devices from your network can improve your speed as there would be no background data usage.

Steps To Disconnect Unwanted Devices:

• Go to your router’s settings and check the list of connected devices.
• From here, restrict the temporary or inactive ones.
• Also, change your network settings from Public to Private so no one can use your internet connection without permission.
• Create a guest network for temporary access.

3. Use a Wired/Ethernet Connection

If you notice Spectrum internet running slow on a PC or laptop, disable the WiFi option and use the ethernet cable instead. Wireless connection is more susceptible to interference through physical objects or neighboring networks. However, the Ethernet cable directly links your router with less or no interference.

Depending on your connection speed, you can choose one of the following ethernet cables:

• Cat 5: Suitable for an internet speed of 100 Mbps.
• Cat 5e: Suitable for an internet speed of 1000 Mbps.
• Cat 6: Suitable for an internet speed of 10 Gbps.

Use powerline adapters for better connectivity in different rooms. They come in a pair of two to connect your router’s network to your device using the nearby power outlets. If you live in a large house, get a good mesh WiFi for Spectrum.

4. Schedule Downloads/Updates to Night

Ensure you have enough bandwidth for multitasking while downloading heavy files on a device. Otherwise, reschedule your downloads for late at night or early morning when fewer devices are equipped for high-bandwidth activities like HD streaming, video calling, etc., to improve connection speed.

Steps To Manage Downloads:

• Go to Spectrum’s website and, under “Manage Preferences”, disable the automatic download of TV shows on your PC/laptop. It also consumes a lot of data and can affect your internet speed without getting noticed.
• Websites like BitTorrent consume a lot of data bandwidth. So disable it from running in the background when not downloading anything.
• Also, disable the auto-update of apps on your devices if you are on a low bandwidth plan to avoid excessive data consumption.

5. Scan Devices with AntiMalware

Malware usually leaves certain copies behind in your device to record certain activities and consumes a lot of data.

If the speed issue occurs, particularly on one device, scan it for viruses using any reliable antimalware tool/app. Take a speed test afterward to see if the speed improves. Also, enable your system’s firewall settings to prevent further malware attacks.

6. Get The Router Placement Right

Physical objects, metals, or electrical appliances interfere with the wireless signals to weaken or block them. You must get the WiFi router placement right to get quality signals and speed across your house.

Steps To Relocate Your Router:

• Ensure that the router is not placed in a corner near the microwave oven, refrigerator, or on a metallic surface.
• Clear the obstructions around the router for better connectivity, or place it somewhere the signal strength is good.
• If possible, relocate it to the center of your home for equal distribution.
• Keep it on a flat surface than the wall for better connectivity.

7. Disconnect VPN Service

A VPN consumes a lot of data due to its encryption process and proxy servers to protect your browsing experience. Using a server farther from your location with a lot of traffic can slow your Spectrum WiFi.

So, you may disconnect the VPN service and try again. If you don’t want to disconnect, change its connected server to see which gives you better speed. Tip: Use a server near your location with less traffic for better speed.

8. Update Router’s Firmware

Sometimes an old firmware version contains bugs that affect internet speed. These bugs usually get fixed in the developer’s latest update to make the connection faster and better. So, if you last updated your router’s firmware a while ago, check for the upgrade in its app or website version.

Steps to Update the Router’s Firmware:

• Paste your IP address in a browser’s address bar and hit enter to access the router’s login page.

• Log in with your username and password.

• Look for the “Firmware” option under the Settings tab. See if any upgrade is available for the current firmware version.

• Update it if available and take a speed test afterwards to check the performance.

9. Check for Internet Outage/Maintenance

An internet outage or systems under maintenance can make your Spectrum internet speed slow. You will most likely be informed of scheduled downtime before its occurrence. However, there can be a sudden problem on the service provider’s end.

Steps To Check for Internet Outage/Service Maintenance:

• Look for official information on internet outages here.
• Your local provider’s system might be under maintenance if you don’t see an internet outage. Contact them and confirm about the same.
• If that is the issue, wait patiently till they restore the services.

10. Change Frequency Band

Most wireless routers offer two frequencies, i.e., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Changing your frequency can make a difference.

Steps To Change Frequency Band:

• Change the frequency band from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz for priority devices near your router.
• Devices farther from the router should be connected to the 2.4 GHz band for better connectivity.
• Also, check if your router supports the “Smart Connect” feature.
• It combines both bands into a single network for optimal performance and speed. Enable the feature through your router’s settings.

11. Disable Background Data Consumption

The app’s cache and background data also consume a lot of data impacting the internet speed. There are chances your devices are infected with unknown apps/services that might be consuming a lot of data, resulting in a slow Spectrum upload/download speed.

Steps To Check & Limit Data Consumption on Android:

• Under the device’s Settings option, click on the “WiFi & Internet” option.

• Scroll for “Data usage” and click on the “Mobile or Cellular data usage” option.

• Tap on the app from the list that you want to restrict from running in the background. Turn OFF the toggle next to the disable “background data” option.

Note: In windows, you can’t disable the app background data, but you can set a daily data limit to restrict usage.

Steps To Check & Limit Data Consumption on iPhone:

• Under the device Settings, go to the “General” section.

• Click on the “Background App Refresh” option.

• Choose the app you want to restrict from the list and turn OFF its toggle.

12. Reset Network Settings on Your Devices

Upgrading your connected devices’ current OS version fixes the lagging issues. Also, resetting the network settings also improves your connection speed.

Steps to Reset Network Settings on Your Devices:

• Access the “General” option under your device’s settings.

• Look for the “Reset” option and tap on “Reset Network Settings”. Once completed, take a speed test to notice the difference.

13. Upgrade Internet Equipment

If the Spectrum internet is not working after resetting, the issue is with your current router or modem. A bad cable modem or old router will give you terrible speeds when connected to multiple devices.

You can get a high-quality Spectrum-approved modem with DOCSIS 3.1 technology and 32 x 8 channel bonding for less than $150.

You may also consider getting a good WiFi router for Spectrum that comes with Wi-Fi 6/6E, dual or tri-band, and multi-device support. It can cost you anywhere between $100 to $300, and you’re sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, if your Spectrum internet is slow, try the above solutions and improve the connection speed. If nothing works for you, you probably need to upgrade your plan or equipment to a higher one.