Wondering why AT&T internet is so slow? Let’s explore the reason why together!
If your AT&T network is getting congested, you’ll notice significant drops in performance due to many involved factors. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from top to bottom!
Your AT&T internet may be getting slow if you’re downloading/uploading or streaming high-data content.
In addition, all users must inspect their connection device as well as the network router for possible faults that will make the AT&T internet that slow!
Let’s dig deeper!
Why Is My AT&T Internet So Slow – Top 5 Reasons!
- Bad connectivity signal (WIFi)
- Outdated router firmware (OS)
- Weak mobile data/reception
- An issue with the app or software
- An AT&T outage in your area
Many users have been experiencing the same problem on their iPhones. Let’s learn more about the AT&T internet issues on iPhone mobile devices!
How to Fix When AT&T Internet is Slow?
Tip: Progress throughout the guide in chronological order!
1. Restart the Modem/Router
Restarting your AT&T modem and the associated router will definitely improve the speed of the connection, thus on the hooked-up devices.
Instead of only rebooting the network devices, we will also perform a process known as a power cycle, to refresh all services.
Here’s how to power cycle your modem/router in easy steps:
- Press the power buttons of the modem and router.
- Once the device has shut down, unplug the power cords.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the device is disconnected.
- Reconnect the A/C adapters of the network devices.
Info: Shutting down your network router and modem will temporarily suspend internet access to your devices.
While the modem is offline your WiFi network will also be.
2. Centralize the Router
Placing the router in a centralized position is essential to achieving quality connections throughout the household.
Remember that the router and modem don’t necessarily have to be next to each other, but a long Ethernet cable is required.
- Try to centralize and increase the height of your network router!
Users prefer to place the router in the room they the most time in to achieve quality signal strength at all times.
The living room is precisely the excellent choice for router placement, as users tend to remain there for prolonged periods of time.
Tip: Experimenting with router placement is key!
3. Inspect the Network Wiring
There are multiple important cables in your AT&T network setup that are required for optimal functionality.
Your next step is to verify the workability of all cables installed in your network’ setup and check them for any damages.
- Damaged cables, connectors, and ports should not be ignored!
Here’s a list of all the necessary cables to inspect:
- The Ethernet cable connecting the router and modem devices
- All power cables supplying power to your devices and adapters
- The Coaxial cable connecting your modem to the service outlet
It’s essential to secure the cables and ensure that they are properly connected on both ends.
In case there are extra cables that we didn’t mention above, make sure to inspect them as well.
4. Reduce Network Congestion
There are multiple factors that could slow down your network and greatly compromise its performance.
Particular high-data processes that consume a lot of bandwidth may have a toll on the speed of your network.
Here’s why AT&T internet is so slow and how to address all factors:
| Congestion: | Streaming or downloading | Too many devices connected to WiFi | No bandwidth allocation | Improper traffic shaping |
| Solution: | Use tools and manage the network traffic | Reduce the number of connected devices | Enable the “QoS” service | Use tool and manage the network traffic |
Following the instructions above should help with freeing up the bandwidth of your network and greatly improving the connection.
In addition, test the used WiFi connection with a secondary device to determine the reliability of the wireless network.
Alert: Keep all high-data-consuming sources disabled until the end of the guide.
5. Update the Router’s Firmware!
When your router is running an outdated firmware version any connected devices to the WiFi might start to experience blunders.
Your router needs the latest OS (operating system) in order to function properly, support all features and connect with your devices.
Here’s how to update any brand of router in easy steps:
- Connect a device to the router via WiFi or Ethernet.
- Through a web browser go to “http://192.168.100.1/”
- Press the “Enter” key on your device’s keyboard.
- Use “admin” for both username and password to log in.
- Go to “Firmware” > “Check for Updates” > “Update”.
Tip: If your router has a mobile application, you can update the firmware from there!
6. Reset the Network Settings!
Perhaps, the problem may be with the connecting device, rather than the AT&T network equipment and setup.
To verify all settings on the device you’re connecting are correct, we suggest performing a network reset through the settings.
- The network reset will erase all Bluetooth, Cellular, and WiFi data!
Here’s how to network reset a mobile device easily:
- Go to Settings on the device.
- Access the General tab.
- Scroll all the way down and tap “Reset”.
- Choose “Reset Network Settings”.
- Confirm the prompt and wait.
Info: We recommend creating a backup since all remembered WiFi and Bluetooth devices and passwords will be permanently gone.
7. Use the AT&T Self Support Tool
The AT&T “Self Support Tool” can automatically diagnose and identify any email, WiFi, and networking issues without any effort.
In addition, the tool will either identify and provide a reason for the slow AT&T internet or straightforwardly solve the problem!
To being, go to the AT&T Self Support webpage, sign in to your profile, and download the tool on your computer, connected to the router via Ethernet.
Then start the utility and wait for the process to conclude and hopefully answer some questions in regard to the slow AT&T internet.
Note: In addition, AT&T has a “self-installation tool” that might help you in case something went wrong during the initial setup.
8. Restore the Router to Factory Defaults!
Moving on, the next step is to factory reset the router, to check whether this will increase the speed of your AT&T internet.
If your router’s bandwidth is constantly being contested, the network resources will be very limited, meaning the performance of the internet will be bad.
- All router settings including WiFi, Proxy, and Passwords will be erased!
Here’s how to perform a factory reset *universally” on any router:
- Locate the Reset button pinhole.
- Use a sharp object to reach in.
- Hold the button for 10 seconds.
- Release when the LEDs go off.
- Wait for the router to restart.
Info: Most routers indicate that a software reset has started by blinking rapidly in green color.
The blinking is different from usual and the process might last up to several minutes!
9. Use a WiFi Extender!
To get the most out of your network on each end of your house, using a WiFi extender plug is strongly recommended.
Assuming you’re experiencing performance problems with the wireless AT&T internet, this is definitely the solution for you!
Choose your extender from Amazon’s WiFi Extender Selection and place the order now to optimize the wireless network at home. If you haven’t got to one of these, you’re missing out!
Tip: Select an extender compatible with your network device, by reading the specifications!
Why Is My AT&T Internet So Slow On My iPhone?
AT&T internet problems on your iPhone are most often encountered when the signal of your mobile device is poor.
However, other causes might be responsible, such as network congestion, reaching data limits, or improper network settings on your iPhone.
Still, Having Issues?
In case your AT&T internet’ speed remains unbearably slow, your best course of action is to get in touch with AT&T directly.
They’ll provide you with helpful troubleshooting but don’t forget to share what you’ve tried to save as much time as possible!
Note: Contact AT&T at their Support Center!
Quick Recap:
Now we’ve learned why AT&T internet is so slow and that the only way to fix the issue is to update the router’s firmware and inspect all cables.
In addition, you should also reset the network settings on the connecting device and reset the router.
Read Next: AT&T Mobile Network Not Available? – Complete Fix Guide
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.