There are many reasons why the upload speed of your internet connection is slow. It could be because of your ISP going through an outage/maintenance or improper router configuration or faulty modem.
Other times, it is more likely to be mismatch in router/modem's speed capability and your subscribed speed, causing slower uploads. However, knowing the exact reason can help you fix it more efficiently and confidently.
In this article, I shall list all probable reasons, followed by some of the most effective solutions to get rid of poor upload speeds.
How Slow is Too Slow?
If you suffer through the lightest of tasks like sending an email or online messages and basic web browsing, then it’s considered too slow.
Why Is My Upload Speed So Slow?
- Poor internet service in your area
- Too many devices connected on your network
- There's an unknown malware on your system
- Your router's firmware is outdated
- Restriction via security firewall setting
- Your organization might've imposed limits
- Faulty modem/router/setup
Now, let's get to each in detail:
1. Poor Internet Service
Look at the specifics of the internet plan you are subscribed to. Look for mentions of any data cap limitation which could slow down your internet, directly affecting your uploads. A call with a customer service executive can reveal the clauses and nuances in your internet plans.
I've tried and tested a couple of ISPs and shared my experiences through:
2. Too Many Devices on The Network
If you are sharing the internet with too many devices, either your service package or internet equipment can't handle it, and it can affect your upload speeds. Having a high-speed modem and internet plan doesn't guarantee better performance. Your bandwidth capacity, the router's device capacity and the number of connections make a lot of difference.
Solution: Upgrade to a faster plan and if it's not due to the plan, then get a wireless router that can handle multiple devices (or supports more than the devices you have.)
3. There's a Malware on your System
You can expose your system to spyware and malware if you download software, files, or games from unverified,non-official websites. This software can interfere with your internet connection, using up your capacity and leading to slow upload speeds.
If you have multiple malware running in your system, you can very well say goodbye to the bandwidth available.
4. Outdated Router Firmware
Another major reason for a low or average upload speed is the device you are using to connect to your ISP. A router running on outdated firmware can slow down your internet, leading to slow WiFi upload speeds. Outdated drivers of laptop/PC network adapters can lead to their malfunction, interrupting your internet.
Solution: Update the software/firmware of your router, laptop/PC adapters, etc.
5. Security Firewall Settings
Beware of any additional firewalls installed in your device. They can be the culprits in slowing down your upload speeds. Firewalls inspect and verify packets attempting to enter/leave the device via specific ports. Few of these firewalls create bottlenecks unable to keep up with your internet speeds.
Note: If you're using a Netgear router or mesh WiFi, you can use Netgear Armor for home network security, and it won't let down your uploads.
6. Bandwidth-Hungry Apps Running in the Background
Most modern-day applications send data back and forth to your device. If you haven't turned off background usage or restricted the application's data usage, that will use up your bandwidth operating from the background , slowing down your upload and download speeds.
7. Organization-Imposed Restrictions
If you face bad upload speeds while on your office/work-provided devices. It could be a company firewall imposing restrictions on the usage of certain applications or types of media over the internet. If this persists with your work-related applications, contact the technical support from your work.
8. Faulty/Dated Router or Modem
Even if you have one of the high-speed internet packages at your disposal, there is no guarantee of good upload and download speeds unless you use devices matching the specifications. If you use an old routing device or an Intel Puma 6/7 powered modem, your download and upload speeds will never reach their full potential.
Solution: Get a reliable cable modem (here are the best options of 2024)
How To Fix The Slow Upload Speed?
Now that you know the potential causes, it's time to fix the same. Note that the solutions would work only if there's no problem from your ISP's side.
1. Upgrade The Internet Plan
Call your service provider and check the internet plan you're subscribed to. If you're stuck with the default/economic plan where the speed limits and data cap are the reason for your slow internet, give it an upgrade. Ensure the plan matches the capacity of your router.
Here's a table that overviews different internet speeds and their suitability. This should help you make a viable upgrade.
| Internet Plan | Download Speed* | Upload Speed | Summary | Ideal Users | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Mbps | 0.625 MB/s | 768 Kbps | Slow | 1 | 5 Mbps Internet |
| 10 Mbps | 1.25 MB/s | 1.7 Mbps | Basic | 2 | 10 Mbps Internet |
| 25 Mbps | 3.125 MB/s | 3 Mbps | Average | 3 | 25 Mbps Internet |
| 50 Mbps | 6.25 MB/s | 10 Mbps | Good | 4 | 50 Mbps Internet |
| 100 Mbps | 12.5 MB/s | 11 - 12 Mbps | Very Good | 5 | 100 Mbps Internet |
| 200 Mbps | 25 MB/s | 20 - 25 Mbps | Decent | 10 | 200 Mbps Internet |
| 300 Mbps | 37.5 MB/s | 32 Mbps | Better | 15 | 300 Mbps Internet |
| 400 Mbps | 50 MB/s | 35 Mbps | Fast | 20 | 400 Mbps Internet |
| 500 Mbps | 62.5 MB/s | 60 Mbps | Very fast | 25 | 500 Mbps Internet |
| Gigabit | 125 MB/s | 100 - 120 Mbps | High-Speed | 30 | 1000 Mbps Internet |
2. Power Cycle or Reset The Router
One of the most overlooked causes for poor upload speed can be an overworked router. Turn off the power, disconnect the wires, and give it some rest. Restart the router and wait for the router lights to stabilize. Check if the performance shows any improvement.
If not, look for a tiny hole on the back of the router labeled reset. Insert a pin and hold on to it for 30 seconds. This will change the router to default settings which can fix the inferior upload speed.
3. Test on a Wired/Ethernet Connection
If you are in limited bandwidth, using a wired connection for your essential gadgets makes sense. Wireless communication is prone to interference, physical and network. Connecting the laptop or desktop with an Ethernet cable will minimize the bandwidth loss occurring in communication.
5. Disconnect Unwanted Devices
If your router is overloaded with devices hogging the internet with data-intensive activities, you can limit the wireless connections and retest its performance.
- Login to the admin portal using 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 or the URL given by OEM.
- Use the credentials given on the label
- Go to the basic settings page and specify a number against the box mentioning Max WiFi.
- Save the settings and restart.
If your router was overloaded, this could help manage the load and fix upload speeds.
6. Update WiFi Router's Drivers & Firmware
If your router is not running on the latest firmware, that will affect the internet performance.
- Go to the OEM website, download the latest available firmware for your model
- Login to the routers admin portal
- Go to the advanced settings page
- Click on update firmware
- Select the downloaded file through the menu and wait until the installation is complete
The router will restart. Wait until the lights stabilize and check the differences in your internet performance and upload speeds.
7. Clear Cache or Temporary Files
Your browser temporarily stores a lot of information in its cache and files when you visit portals. Clearing the cookies and cache in your browser can sometimes remove some unnecessary files being loaded into its memory, thus affecting the performance of your internet.
- Open the browser and go to settings
- Click on the advanced tab
- You'll find a list including passwords, browsing history, download history, cookies, other site data, cached images, and files.
- Check the boxes of cookies and cache and click on clear data.
You can observe a solid improvement in your browsing and internet speeds.
8. Change DNS Settings
Devices access the internet via the DNS server. The location of your DNS server determines the distance your data travels. Changing the DNS servers with less traffic will improve your internet performance and increase the upload speeds.
- Press Win +X and select Network connections
- Choose advanced network settings
- In settings, click on network adapter settings
- Click on your WiFi connection and click properties
- Move the selection to Ipv4, and click on the properties button on the bottom right
- Here you’ll be able to change the enter the new DNS by choosing the Use the following DNS server button.
9. Scan for Malware/Viruses
Get the latest antivirus package and scan for any malware and viruses. Antivirus software like Norton & McAfee offers antivirus subscriptions that can be installed on multiple systems.
Periodically checking your system for malware, spyware, trojans, and viruses will negate security threats and improve your internet performance.
10. Check Firewall Settings
Check the devices you use for any default firewall settings limiting the download and upload speeds. Disable any firewalls installed on your device. If you see a performance improvement, look for a firewall solution that doesn't affect internet throughput without compromising security.
11. Upgrade Your Internet Equipment
An outdated modem or router can severely affect your upload and download speeds even if you have a super-fast internet package. If none of the steps helps in improving upload speed, it's time to think about an upgrade.
Check out ISP-compatible modems and WiFi routers and get future-proof equipment.
What Can a Slow Upload Speed Do?
Now, we have seen the reasons why your internet upload speeds are low. I'll discuss how an upload far slower than a download will reflect in the performance.
Sharing content on Social Media
You can notice a vast difference while using social media. Your media, pages, and feeds will download quickly, but when you try to upload high-resolution photos and video files, you'll notice the process takes unusually long times or only gets uploaded after multiple unsuccessful attempts.
Video Conferencing or Virtual Meetings
The quality of your video calls in the conference and virtual meetups would be a dead giveaway if your upload speeds are bad. You'll find no trouble with the video quality of the other participants, but they will complain and endure viewing a highly pixelated video of yours. The a-synchronicity in audio and video output is a major cue.
Gaming and Live Streaming
Poor upload speeds will ruin your gaming experience. Disproportionate upload speeds will disrupt/bottleneck the communication between the player and the game server. This will reflect delays in positional movement, quick reflex reactions, etc. These lags can infuriate for any avid gamer, taking away the fun involved.
Large File Uploads
With bad upload speeds, moving files to cloud storage can become loathsome. Particularly if those files are large, high res photographs and HD videos. You'll end up spending a long time only to discover upload has been disrupted and the uploaded files are unusable.
If you notice any of these performance issues, you should look into the bandwidth and figure out ways to improve your upload speeds.
What is a Good Upload Speed?
Depending on the technology used by your ISP, the upload speeds at your disposal can vary. Even a 1 Gbps package with an ISP using coaxial cable will cap upload speeds at 35 Mbps. Unless you are a twitch streamer, the upload speed will be sufficient for you.
If the upload speed available to you is between 5-10 Mbps, you'll still be able to do video calls, stream, upload large files, and play online games.
| Purpose | Minimum Upload Speed Required | Recommended Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing Files on Email [5-10Mb] | 1 Mbps | 1-2 Mbps |
| Live Streaming | 1-3 Mbps | 5-7.5 Mbps |
| Social Media Sharing | 0.5-1 Mbps | 1-2 Mbps |
| Zoom/Skype Call in HD | 2-3 Mbps | 3-4 Mbps |
| PS4 | 1 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Nintendo Switch | 1 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Xbox One | 0.5-1 Mbps | 4.5 Mbps |
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to websites like fast.com or speedtest.net. There you’ll be able to test both the upload and download speeds.
Yes, it is. You'll be able to perform most of the activities on the internet. But doing all of them at the same time will get challenging with limited 10 Mbps speeds.
You will not have equal speeds unless you are on fiber optic connections. The ISP has limited bandwidth to share among thousands of users. So the upload capacity will likely be capped depending on the users and ISP.
Yes. Upload speeds affect your gaming experience. If you expect a decent gaming experience, you should be able to dedicate up to 1-2 Mbps solely to your gaming device.
Using a wired connection between your router and PS4 will minimize the loss of bandwidth because of communication mode and interference.
Conclusion
If you started the article wondering why your upload speeds are slow, this article would have cleared most of your doubts regarding internet speeds. The solutions presented in the article will probably help you fix the issue by yourself. If the performance is still underwhelming, seek the help of a networking professional.
