Fix Slow WiFi That Only Happens at Night

The #1 cause: network congestion from neighbors. At night, everyone streams Netflix, games, and video calls — WiFi channels overlap and interfere. Your router is fighting 20 other routers for airspace.

Free Fixes (try these first)

1. Switch to 5GHz: Open router settings (usually 192.168.1.1), enable 5GHz if available. 5GHz has way more channels and less interference than 2.4GHz. Most devices from 2018+ support it.
2. Change WiFi channel: Download WiFi Analyzer app, see which channels your neighbors aren't using. In router settings, manually set channel to least-crowded one (usually 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz).
3. Reboot router + modem: Power cycle both, wait 30 seconds. Clears connection table.
4. Check for bandwidth hogs: Log into router admin, see which devices are active. Kids streaming 4K? Smart TV auto-downloading updates? Pause non-critical devices.

Quick Hardware Fix ($25-60)

If your router is 4+ years old or ISP-provided, it likely doesn't have enough channels or processing power for modern density. A WiFi 6 router handles congestion 4x better with OFDMA (sends data to multiple devices simultaneously instead of one-at-a-time).

Advanced Fix ($40-120)

If you have a large home (1500+ sq ft) or thick walls, add a mesh node or WiFi extender. Place halfway between router and dead zone.

When to Call ISP

If speed tests (fast.com) show your download speed is <50% of what you pay for at night, your ISP may be throttling or overselling bandwidth in your neighborhood. Call and demand a credit or service upgrade.

Pro tip: Enable QoS (Quality of Service) in router settings and prioritize video calls/work devices over streaming. This prevents Netflix from choking Zoom calls during peak hours.