Why is my Internet Slow At Night? – 8 Solved Fixes 

It would be the worst nightmare for anyone to experience the internet slow down. Especially at night, after a long day of work, it will be frustrating with a slow internet connection. If you notice slow internet at night time, it is likely because of the internet traffic and other factors. 

A slow internet connection can mess up your daily work and communication. You can generally fix your internet slow in simple ways when the problem is actually yours. The solution is always effortless, and you can try to fix them independently. 

In this article, we have identified 8 possible reasons for “Why does my Internet slow down at night “ and how to fix it.

8 Possible reasons for why is my internet slow at night

#1: Network Congestion 

Network congestion is one of the main reasons for the internet slow down at night. Crowding happens when the maximum number of users are online concurrently. In other words, network congestion is called the Internet rush hour, the peak hours, or the prime time. Usually, it happens from 7 – 11 PM after people are off from work and events.

When many users access the internet simultaneously, the network cannot support a finite amount of bandwidth. The results are poor connectivity and also causing the internet slow at night. 

Congestion can happen in all network types, including DSL ( Digital Subscriber Line), but cable and fiber internet customers experience less congestion due to high bandwidth fiber optic cables.

Tip: Try placing data caps or speed throttlers, which help boost your internet speed. Some internet providers inhibit speed not only to mitigate network congestion but also to ensure all the network users get even internet connectivity during peak hours. 

#2: Problems with your Hardware

Your internet speed strongly depends on network equipment like a router or a cable. If your hardware equipment is outdated, it will not be able to support higher bandwidth and cause the internet slow down at night time. 

A family of 5 – 6 people performing bulkier activities like streaming or downloading will have a lag on the internet with outdated hardware. So, it would be better if you have upgraded internet hardware. Also, try to restart your router or adjust your router’s antenna when you start to see your internet get slow at night.

Tip: Always ensure to update your hardware so that it can be able to support your high-end internet activities like downloading, watching movies, etc.

#3: Hijacked Routers

When you can’t log in to your router or the wireless gateway, you can be aware that there may be a hack on your router. Routers come up with random default passwords printed on the router’s label. If you set a weak password or have an open wi-fi access point, there are increased chances for someone to misuse your router. Someone outside your router is trying to connect with your equipment without your knowledge which can cause the internet slow down at night. 

Ransomware messages are also a hint for a hijacked router. Messages appear in the text, e-mail, or pop-up forms from an unknown software installed on your device. 

Tip: Try to change the DNS settings, and giving a strong password will protect your routers from malfunctions. Also, try blocking unknown connections by changing the settings of your router page in a browser.

#4: Relocating your Network Equipment 

While the location of the wi-fi router goes unnoticed, it can significantly impact the internet speed. There may be a connectivity problem with the wiring between the router and switch. Placing your router in the correct location or near your computer may improve signal strength. 

Tip: Router signals are transmitted downwards, so try placing the router high above the ground. Also, remove other electronic and metal objects nearby routers as they can cause interference in the signals.

Make sure that the antennas on your router are pointed in different directions so that signals reach different areas of your house.

#5: Enhance your Routers 

The number of devices connected to your router may also be the reason for “ why is my internet so slow at night.” When many devices are connected to the same router, there is a high chance of exhausting all the prescribed data. And the other devices in your network overload your internet equipment, causing the internet slow at night.

Tip: Nowadays, most internet providers offer users a wi-fi management app, which helps monitor data usage daily. Seek ways of using such apps to keep track of your daily data usage. If you find a drop in your internet speed repeatedly, turn off your unused devices to maximize the internet performance and free up the extra bandwidth. 

#6: Check Browser extensions

Just like any unwanted apps slowing down your device performance, extra plug-ins and extensions may cause the browser to slow down. Despite the fact that the extensions might help you enhance your overall browsing experience, it turns sour when many unnecessary browser extensions are overloaded. These results will reduce the potential of your browsing speed & internet. Extensions in browsers also occupy system resources and might cause crashes and create bugs in your device.

Tip: Try disabling the unwanted extensions to avoid the internet getting slow at night. Always validate whether your extensions are regularly updated. Clearing the cache and cookies as well to speed up your browser

#7: Scan for malware 

Your internet slows down at night for no reason other than malware like adware infects your computer. It may cause unwanted pop-ups to appear often and redirect you to unusual websites. The malware can cut back your internet bandwidth, causing the internet slow at night.

Devices affected by malware can show signs of browsers with new extensions you did not install. And also, your computer takes a long time to boot and open programs. During frequent crashes on your device, be aware that a potential malware is trying to invade your device.

Tip: Install and run reliable malware scanning software and antivirus at regular intervals to ensure the malware’s performance is not taking up the memory reserves. In addition, a PC Firewall can hurt your internet if it cannot process data along with your internet speed. If you have a default PC Firewall on your device, make sure it doesn’t limit your network bandwidth. 

#8: Poor weather conditions

Bad weather and bad internet connection are greatly correlated. Poor weather conditions are the main reasons your internet is slow at night. If you use satellite connections instead of a cable or fiber optic (wired connections). In that case, the weather changes can cause notable signal interference to the receiving antenna resulting in slow internet.

Tip: Try to reset your router or Modem, unplug them and wait patiently for a while before restarting. Consider switching from satellite connections to cable or fiber internet connectivity. Wired internet connections help enhance your performance speed and reduce the risk of the internet so slow at night.

General Tips to avoid internet slow at night

Upgrade your Internet service

Try getting a faster internet plan with more bandwidth and unlimited data to support your internet activities. Seek a fiber optic or a wired internet connection to overcome slow internet connectivity.

Try wi-fi extenders

Wi-fi extenders help eliminate dead spots due to complicated home layouts. It will help boost your wireless internet signal and extend the wireless local area network range. Extenders can remove the obstacles such as walls, furniture, etc., and also widen your wi-fi reach throughout your home. Place your wi-fi extenders between the router and dead zones for the best results. 

Switch your frequency bands

Try switching your frequencies from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz in your dual-band router. It can make a significant difference in speed capacity. A 2.4 GHz frequency is better and can be used for long ranges, while a 5 GHz frequency is needed for increased speed and a clear network without disturbance and interference. But the disadvantage of 5 GHz is that it does not offer extended range connectivity. 

Restarting your routers

Our human body needs proper attention & maintenance in order to live healthily. Likewise, electronic equipment also requires maintenance and rest to function at peak times. It is essential to restart your routers at regular intervals as it is the best security practice for your device. Rebooting routers is one of the simplest ways to troubleshoot the internet slow at night.

Conclusion

Never feel bad about why does my internet gets slow at night as it has become one of the common problems in the life of internet users. A good internet speed is subjective to the needs of the user. However, if your internet slows down at night, you can handle the issue independently without even reaching out to your customer service. Try using all the tips we have identified for the problems and implement them on your devices.