DeviceHowTo
Google Pixel⏱ 10 min

How to Fix Slow Internet on Google Pixel

Identify and remove the most common causes of slow Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Android's approach to background data usage is more transparent than iOS — Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage shows per-app consumption over a recent period, making it easy to identify whether a specific app is responsible for consuming disproportionate bandwidth. VPN apps are a common but overlooked cause of perceived slow internet on Android: routing traffic through a distant server adds latency and reduces effective throughput, and some free VPNs throttle speeds intentionally. For Wi-Fi specifically, Android's Adaptive Wi-Fi feature can switch to mobile data when it judges Wi-Fi quality to be insufficient — if mobile LTE is slower than your home broadband, disabling Adaptive Wi-Fi (Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Preferences > Adaptive Connectivity) keeps the device on Wi-Fi consistently.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Run a speed test at fast.com and note your download and upload speeds as a baseline.
  2. 2Move within 3 metres of the router or connect via Ethernet to eliminate Wi-Fi signal as the cause.
  3. 3Restart the router and modem: unplug from power for 30 seconds, reconnect, wait 2 minutes, then retest.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my internet slow only on Google Pixel and not other devices?
Device-specific slowness usually indicates a local DNS cache issue, a VPN or proxy active on the device, background downloads consuming bandwidth, or a driver problem. Flush the DNS cache, check for active VPNs, and check what's using bandwidth in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
How do I test my internet speed on Google Pixel?
Go to fast.com or speedtest.net in a browser. For the most accurate result, close all other apps and browser tabs, connect via Ethernet if possible, and run 2–3 tests. Compare the result against your ISP's advertised plan speed.
Does VPN slow down internet on Google Pixel?
Yes. VPNs add encryption overhead and route traffic through an intermediate server, typically reducing speeds by 10–40% depending on the VPN provider and the server location chosen. Disable the VPN and retest if you suspect it is causing slowness.
Why is my Wi-Fi slow at home but fast on other networks?
Your home router may be on a congested Wi-Fi channel. Log into the router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and change the Wi-Fi channel for 2.4 GHz to channel 1, 6, or 11, and for 5 GHz try a higher channel. Also check whether your ISP has throttled your connection or if you've reached a data cap.

Same task, different device

Windows 11Windows 10macOSiPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyChromebook

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