How to Fix Slow Internet on Chromebook (Complete Guide)

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A slow internet connection on your Chromebook may be really irritating when you're trying to study, stream games, and even work online. Thankfully, Google has equipped Chromebooks with several built-in tools and settings that make troubleshooting much easier than most devices.

This guide walks you through all possible fixes, from basic checks to more advanced solutions.

Why Is Your Chromebook Internet Slow?

Slow internet issues can be caused by:

  • Weak Wi-Fi signal
  • Network congestion
  • Too many background apps
  • Outdated system
  • Router issues
  • Extensions consuming data
  • DNS problems
  • Low device storage
  • Faulty Wi-Fi settings
  • Internet provider limitations

Let’s fix them step by step.

1. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection Strength

A weak signal is the most common cause.

How to Check Signal Strength

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right.
  2. Look at the network bars.
  • Full bars = strong
  • 1–2 bars = weak

Fix

  • Move closer to your router
  • Avoid walls, metal objects, and microwaves
  • Reset your router

2. Restart Your Chromebook

A simple reboot clears temporary bugs.

How to Restart

  • Click your account photo → Sign Out → Shut Down
  • Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on

3. Forget and Reconnect the Wi-Fi Network

This refreshes your network configuration.

Steps

  1. Click Wi-Fi icon
  2. Select your network
  3. Click Forget
  4. Reconnect and re-enter the Wi-Fi password

4. Update Your Chromebook

Outdated software can slow down your internet.

Steps

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click About ChromeOS
  3. Select Check for Updates

If updates are available, install and restart.

5. Disable Heavy Extensions

Extensions often consume bandwidth or CPU.

How to Manage Extensions

  1. Open Chrome browser
  2. Type: chrome://extensions
  3. Disable or remove any you don’t use

6. Clear Browsing Data

Too much cached data affects loading speed.

Steps

  1. Open Chrome
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Backspace
  3. Click Clear Data

7. Use Google Chrome’s Built-In Connectivity Diagnostics

Chromebooks include network troubleshooting tools.

How to Run Network Diagnostics

  1. Press Search + Esc
  2. Type Diagnostics in the app launcher
  3. Open Connectivity tests

If errors appear (DNS, gateway, packet loss), follow recommended fixes.

8. Change DNS for Faster Browsing

Switching DNS can significantly improve speed.

Steps

  1. Go to Settings → Network
  2. Select your Wi-Fi
  3. Scroll to Network → Custom name servers

  4. Enter:

  • 8.8.8.8
  • 8.8.4.4 (Or any fast DNS of your choice)

9. Check Background Apps & Tabs

Chromebooks struggle when too many apps/tabs are open.

Ways to Improve Performance

  • Close unused tabs
  • End background processes in Task Manager (Search + Esc)
  • Remove unused apps from the launcher

10. Reset Router or Modem

Sometimes the issue is not your Chromebook.

Reset Steps

  1. Turn router off
  2. Wait 10–20 seconds
  3. Turn it back on

If issues persist, test other devices to confirm.

11. Powerwash (Factory Reset) – Last Option

If nothing works, consider a reset.

Warning: This erases everything.

Steps

  1. Go to Settings → Advanced → Reset Settings
  2. Click Powerwash
  3. Follow on-screen instructions

12. Check with Your Internet Provider

If all else fails, the issue might be:

  • Slow plan
  • Data limits
  • ISP outage
  • Throttling

Run a speed test to confirm if your internet is below what you pay for.

Conclusion

A slow internet connection on your Chromebook can be fixed by checking Wi-Fi strength, updating the system, clearing cache, removing extensions, switching DNS, or restarting your router. If the issue continues, a Powerwash or contacting your ISP might be necessary.

Follow these steps in order, and your Chromebook should get back to fast, smooth browsing.

FAQs

1. Why is my Chromebook suddenly slow on the internet?

Common reasons include Wi-Fi signal issues, background apps, heavy extensions, or router problems.

2. How can I speed up Chrome on my Chromebook?

  • Clear cache
  • Remove extensions
  • Close tabs
  • Update ChromeOS
  • Change DNS

3. Does storage affect Chromebook internet speed?

Yes! when storage is nearly full, Chrome-OS slows down overall performance.

4. Can a VPN slow down my Chromebook?

Yes. VPNs encrypt traffic and may reduce speed depending on the server.

5. Should I use Ethernet on Chromebook?

If your model supports USB-Ethernet, wired internet is always faster and more stable.

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