Fixing slow broadband and wi-fi speeds

First things first, do you know how fast your connection is? If not, we can help.

Use a speed tester to see if there's a difference between what you should be experiencing and what you're actually getting.

If you’ve got a new connection

During the first 10 days, your line speed will fluctuate while the equipment at the telephone exchange works out the optimal speed for your line - this is known as the 'stabilisation period'.

Running a line test during this period won't give you a true result. You should wait until the 10 days are up then test your line speed.

Tips for improving your speed

If your wi-fi speed is slower than expected:

If improving your wi-fi speed hasn’t fixed your issue, try:

• Using an Ethernet cable - get a faster speed by connecting your computer directly to your hub using an Ethernet cable.
• Plug your hub or router into your main phone socket - You'll get a faster speed connecting your hub or router directly into the master socket instead of an extension. If you have to use one, avoid using a long extension cable.
• Leave your hub switched on - If you switch off your hub or router, it can appear as though your broadband is disconnected from our network. This might make the line look like it can’t cope with high speed, so the line speed might be automatically reduced to make the line more stable.
• Check everything’s plugged in properly - our video could help:

• Use the BT Business Smart Hub - it offers the UK's most powerful business wi-fi signal vs other, major broadband providers. So, if you're using an older hub or router, you should consider switching.
• Check your device - you can check a few things:
  • Check the settings on your device to see the speed it can support and make sure it's not this slowing you down.
  • PC’s and other devices get old pretty fast. If yours is more than three years old, you may find it runs slower than a newer device.
  • Consider removing files or apps - too many can impact speed. On a PC go to System Tools run Disc Clean Up and Disk defragmenter.
  • Finally, you should empty your cache.
• Scan for viruses - Some viruses can impact the speed of your broadband, so it's important that you protect your device with a good anti-virus product.
• Update your browser - Check you've got the most up to date version of your browser.
• Network/Server - Using a network server or a Virtual Private Network [VPN] can impact the speed available on computers.
   

Still having problems?

Find out how to get the best from your BT Business Hub or report a fault online and you’ll follow the same steps our repair experts would talk you through if you called us.
 

View our broadband commitment

We've signed up to Ofcom's Voluntary Business Broadband Speeds Code of Practice. This means we'll give you realistic estimates of broadband speeds, including a minimum guaranteed download speed. This is also known as the Minimum Guaranteed Access Line Speed, or MGAL for short.

We define the minimum guaranteed download speed as the slowest speed experienced by 10% of customers who have a similar BT service.

So, if your download speed based on the results from the speed tester doesn't reach the minimum guarantee, then let us know and we'll work to put things right. If we're unable to provide your minimum guaranteed download speed within 30 calendar days, and we've identified this to be a BT fault, then you have the right to exit your broadband contract without paying any penalties.

See our Broadband terms and conditions for details.