TP-Link's slow-internet guide runs in a fixed order. Step one, disconnect the router and connect a computer straight to the modem, then run a speed test: if the speed matches what you get through the router, the fault is the modem or provider. Step two, restart the modem and router, unplugging both, waiting two to three minutes and powering on the modem first. Step three, swap the Ethernet cable between modem and router for Cat6 or better.
The checks in more detail
Step four, if you recently replaced an old router and speeds dropped, clone the computer's or old router's MAC address, since the provider may still recognize the old device. Step five, disable QoS and Parental Controls. For wifi only, test six to nine feet from the router with no barriers on the same horizontal plane, and change the channel and width: 40 MHz on 2.4 GHz and 80 or 160 MHz on 5 GHz. TP-Link notes that a covered router or one in direct sun or a confined space can overheat and slow down.
A router is also limited by its port speeds and by device wifi capability, so test a wired device on a gigabit port before deciding. Test with a phone and a laptop side by side in the same spot; if both are slow the router or line is the cause, and if only one is slow the device's wifi is, which saves changing settings that were never at fault. Speeds vary through the day because your neighbors share the provider's network, so test at different times before concluding anything has changed.
Record three numbers, the plan speed, the speed at the modem and the speed through the router, and the gap between the last two tells you what the router is costing you; a gap of a few percent is normal, and a gap of half means something is wrong. Update the wireless adapter driver on a slow laptop before you blame the router, since an old driver can hold a modern laptop at a fraction of the speed its hardware could reach on the same network.
Differential
Likely causes of “TP-Link Archer routers internet or Wi-Fi is slow”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A modem or ISP limit
What separates it The speed is the same when a computer is connected straight to the modem
How to confirm Call the provider, since the speed limit comes from the modem and the provider, not the router
- 2
A weak cable
What separates it The wired speed is slow because the cable is a weak one
How to confirm Use a Cat6 cable or better, and test the wired speed again
- 3
Interference
What separates it The wifi is slow because of interference from other networks
How to confirm Change the channel and the channel width in the router's wireless settings
- 4
Overheating
What separates it The speed is slow when the router is hot because it overheats
How to confirm Uncover the router and let it cool in the open, away from direct sun
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Speed at the modem and through the router
- The wired speed compared with the wifi speed
- The channel and the channel width that are set
- Whether the router feels hot to the touch
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTest at the modem
ReversibleTest at the modem by connecting a computer directly to it, and running a speed test.
Restart both
ReversibleRestart both the modem and the router, and power on the modem first, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Swap the cable
ReversibleSwap the cable for a Cat6 or better cable, and test the wired speed again.
Check MAC
ReversibleCheck the MAC setting if you replaced a router, since the provider may want the old address.
Disable QoS and Parental Controls
ReversibleDisable QoS and Parental Controls, and test again to see whether the speed improves, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Test wifi close up
ReversibleTest the wifi close up, standing six to nine feet from the router with nothing between you.
Change channel and width
ReversibleChange the channel and the channel width, if you suspect that interference is the cause.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- BE900
- The Archer BE900 has 10G ports for fast plans; slower devices cap the result.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Archer BE550 Wi-Fi 7 router, Archer AXE75 router, Archer AX73 router, Archer AX55 router.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the modem is slow direct, call the provider
- !If wired speeds through the router are lower than direct, contact TP-Link support
- !If only wifi is slow, adjust the channel and position
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Modem test, channel width, QoS and overheating.
Internet IP, MAC clone and LAN IP.
RJ45 cable, modem test and WAN port test.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I know if it is the provider?+
If a computer connected straight to the modem gets the same speed, the provider is the limit.
Which cable?+
Use a Cat6 cable or better between the modem and the router.
What is MAC clone for?+
MAC clone is for when the provider recognizes only the old router's address.
Can QoS slow me down?+
Yes, QoS can slow you down, so disable it as a test to see.
Can heat slow it?+
Yes, heat can slow the router, so keep it uncovered and in the open.
How far for a wifi test?+
Stand six to nine feet from the router for a wifi test, with nothing between you.
Do old devices limit speed?+
Yes, older devices limit the speed, since they may not support the newest wifi standards.
How long do I leave the modem off?+
Leave the modem off for two to three minutes, and then power it on first, before the router.
What is Access Point mode on the Archer?+
The router extends an existing router's network in this mode, and loses its WAN features.
What does the WPS and Reset button do?+
A short press starts WPS, while holding it for ten seconds resets the router.