How to Fix a Router That Slows Down After Running for Days
Your internet is fast after a restart but crawls to a halt after a few days - here's how to fix this common memory leak issue.
What's Happening
Your internet speeds are great right after rebooting your router, but after a few days of uptime, everything slows to a crawl. This is a classic sign of a memory leak - your router is running out of resources as it stays on continuously. You shouldn't have to restart your router every few days, and we'll help you fix this for good.
Quick Checks (Do These First)
- When did you last restart? If it's been 3+ days, reboot and see if speed returns.
- Check your actual internet speed. Run a speed test at
speedtest.netto confirm the slowdown. - Test with wired connection. Connect a laptop directly via Ethernet to see if it's wireless-specific.
- Count connected devices. More than 20 devices can overwhelm older routers.
- Check for firmware updates. Outdated firmware often has memory leak bugs.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Update Router Firmware
- Access your router's admin panel (check the sticker on the router for the IP address)
- Log in with your admin credentials
- Look for "Firmware Update," "Router Update," or "System Update" in the menu
- Click "Check for Updates" or "Update Now"
- Let the router download and install the update (don't unplug during this process)
- The router will reboot automatically when finished
Firmware updates often fix memory leaks and improve stability. This is the single most effective solution.
Fix 2: Schedule Automatic Reboots
- In your router's admin panel, look for "Administration," "System," or "Maintenance"
- Find "Reboot Schedule" or "Auto Reboot" option
- Set it to reboot weekly (like 3 AM on Sunday when you're likely asleep)
- Save the settings
- This prevents memory from filling up over time
Note: Not all routers have this feature. If yours doesn't, consider using a smart plug with scheduling.
Fix 3: Use a Smart Plug for Scheduled Restarts
- Buy an inexpensive smart plug (like TP-Link Kasa or Wyze)
- Plug your router's power adapter into the smart plug
- Set up the plug using the manufacturer's app
- Create a schedule to turn off for 1 minute weekly (e.g., 3 AM Sunday)
- Your router will reboot automatically every week
This is a foolproof solution that works with any router and costs under $15.
Fix 4: Reduce Active Connections
- Access your router's admin panel
- Find the connected devices list
- Identify devices you don't need connected 24/7 (old phones, guest devices, IoT gadgets)
- Either disconnect them or set up a guest network with limited resources
- Consider using wired connections for bandwidth-heavy devices
Fewer simultaneous connections mean less memory usage and slower memory leaks.
Fix 5: Disable Unused Features
- In your router's admin panel, review enabled features
- Turn off features you don't use: VPN server, media server, USB sharing, etc.
- Disable traffic monitoring or detailed logging if you don't need it
- Turn off IPv6 if you don't specifically need it
- Save settings and reboot the router
If Nothing Worked
If your router still slows down after a few days despite firmware updates and scheduled reboots, it may have a hardware limitation. Routers more than 3-4 years old often can't handle modern device counts and traffic patterns. Consider whether it's time to upgrade to a router with more RAM and better memory management.
When to Call a Pro
If you've tried firmware updates and the problem persists, or if you're uncomfortable accessing your router's admin panel, professional help can diagnose whether this is a router limitation or a deeper network issue. Sometimes the problem is actually with your ISP's equipment, not your router.
Need Professional Help?
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.
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