By task · 4 tips

How to fix slow Wi-Fi on your phone

When only your phone is slow on a network, the cause is often on the phone: a stale saved network, Wi-Fi Assist bouncing to cellular, or a Private DNS setting. Try these before you restart the router.

1. 1

   How to set Private DNS on Android

   Go to Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS, choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.google. If pages stop loading, switch back to Automatic.

   Use it when: DNS queries leave the phone encrypted, which matters on a network you do not trust. A wrong hostname looks like the internet is down.

   Wi-Fi & Home tech · Moderate · 2 min · Full steps

2. 2

   How to turn off Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone

   Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service), scroll to the bottom and turn off Wi-Fi Assist. The phone stops jumping to cellular when the Wi-Fi is weak.

   Use it when: You stay on the Wi-Fi you chose, instead of quietly using mobile data because the router is slow.

   Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 1 min · Full steps

3. 3

   How to forget a Wi-Fi network on Android

   On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the network and tap Forget. On Samsung, open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, tap the gear next to the network, then Forget.

   Use it when: The phone stops preferring a dead saved network over one that works.

   Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 2 min · Full steps

4. 4

   How to forget a Wi-Fi network on iPhone

   Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the network, then Forget This Network. Join it again and type the password fresh.

   Use it when: A half-saved configuration is a common reason a network you used to join now spins forever.

   Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 2 min · Full steps