Why is Bluetooth Making Wi-Fi So Slow?

Have you noticed when you turn on Bluetooth, your Wi-Fi slows down? It’s like two connections happening in the same space, and they can get in each other’s way. It’s a common problem with many old routers and several devices. Let’s examine the causes of this more closely.

It can be due to shared frequency spectrum, overlapping channel usage, radio frequency interference from the Bluetooth, activity level of the Bluetooth device, and the density of the Bluetooth device, placement of the Bluetooth and wifi devices close to each other can cause interruptions between the signals. 

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals can interfere with one another, slowing down Wi-Fi rates when used near one another. Because Bluetooth devices transmit data over overlapping frequency bands, they generate interference with one another. 

Here are the causes why your Bluetooth is making your Wi-Fi insanely slow:

Shared Frequency Spectrum

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals may interact because they use the same frequency band. The 2.4 GHz unlicensed frequency band is widely used for wireless communications and is the operating frequency for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Because Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals coexist in this frequency range, the ease and accessibility it gives come at the cost of interference.

Since Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use the same radio spectrum, there is potential for signal overlap and interference. Because of this interference, your Wi-Fi may not function as well or as quickly as it could otherwise. Data packets can collide or become corrupted due to overlapping signals, which leads to packet loss and retransmissions, further reducing the efficiency and dependability of the Wi-Fi network.

Overlapping Channel Usage

There are only a few non-overlapping channels in the 2.4 GHz band, which makes it more likely that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi channels may overlap. Interference between signals from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices is a known cause of poor Wi-Fi performance when the two technologies are used simultaneously on overlapping channels.

Bluetooth interference can degrade Wi-Fi connections, leading to dropped packets, longer wait times, and reduced throughput. The transmission of data by Bluetooth devices exacerbates this disturbance.

Radio Frequency Interference from Bluetooth

When transmitting data, Bluetooth devices give off radio waves. Wi-Fi signals in the area may suffer from interference from these sources. The radio frequency noise from the Bluetooth transmission and the proximity of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices cause interference.

Bluetooth Device Activity

Bluetooth’s device activity level can affect Wi-Fi’s throughput. Both the frequency and strength of Bluetooth signals increase while devices are actively transmitting data, as happens during file transfers and streaming. Wi-Fi speeds may decrease due to increased interference from this increased activity.

Suboptimal Device Placement

The possibility of interference between Bluetooth gadgets and Wi-Fi access points can vary depending on their actual locations. There is a more significant likelihood of signal interference between Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers if they are placed too close together or in direct line of sight. Bluetooth’s effect on Wi-Fi signal quality means less-than-ideal device placement can cause slower Wi-Fi rates.

How to Fix Bluetooth Making Wi-Fi So Slow?

You can do this by adjusting your Wi-Fi channel, enabling the coexistence of Bluetooth, changing the wireless network’s protocol, re-establishing the Bluetooth connection, moving your router, turning Bluetooth off when not in use, using the latest Bluetooth technology, and resetting/repairing.

The interference from Bluetooth gadgets could be the culprit when your Wi-Fi connection is painfully slow. The wireless technologies Bluetooth and Wi-Fi share radio frequencies, which can degrade performance if they are used at the same time. Because Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use the same frequency range, it is possible for the former to cause the latter to experience missed packets, increased waiting times, and decreased throughput.

Here’s how you can fix the Bluetooth making your Wi-Fi insanely slow issue:

Adjust Your Wi-Fi’s Channel

Suppose your router supports both 802.11ac and 802.11n. In that case, it likely has two separate wireless networks—one utilizing the older, more congested 2.4 GHz frequencies (channels 1–11) and the other using the more modern, less crowded 5 GHz frequencies (channels 36–48). The latter is also known as “Wi-Fi ac.” Look for the “ac” emblem on the box or the manual to determine if your router supports this standard.

Connect to the 5 GHz network rather than the 2.4 GHz network if your router supports them. However, because of the lower frequency of 5 GHz networks, you may need to be closer to your router to receive a signal. The Wi-Fi network’s Channel can be changed even if your router doesn’t support the 802.11ac standard. Access your router’s admin page’s “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” section.

You should be able to see all the channels and pick the one with the least amount of static from this location. To avoid interference, try using channels 1, 6, and 11. Your router may offer a “scan” function that automatically identifies the best Channel for you if you are unsure which one to utilize. If you want to know if your router supports this, look at the manual. After making the switch, save your configuration and check the Wi-Fi’s performance.

Bring your wireless router nearer to the gadget. If your Bluetooth-enabled gadget is experiencing slow Wi-Fi, consider moving your router closer to the device. Make sure there aren’t any obstacles, like walls or other large objects, between your router and your gadget. It is usually easier to develop a stronger bond when fewer obstacles are in the way. A poorer connection can result from walls and bulky items, such as furniture, blocking the signal.

Enable Bluetooth Coexistence

Wi-Fi coexistence is a function that permits the simultaneous operation of multiple 2.4 GHz networks, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, without any interference to any of the signals. You may find this option in your router’s administration interface, which should be present on most newer models. You need to enter into your router’s admin panel and turn on Bluetooth coexistence for it to work. If your router’s IP isn’t 192.168.1.1, you’ll need to find out how to access it.

Change Your Wireless Network’s Protocol

Switching to the newer 802.11ac standard may increase your Wi-Fi speed if you use an older wireless protocol (802.11n or earlier). Access your router’s admin page’s “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” section. From this menu, you should be able to view the supported wireless protocols and make your 802.11ac choice.

After this adjustment, please save your settings and recheck your Wi-Fi connection. It’s important to remember that not all gadgets support the 802.11ac standard, so you may have to resort to an older wireless protocol to connect some of your devices.

Move Your Router

Moving the router closer to the connected devices can result in a weaker signal and slower transfer rates. However, it’s always worthwhile if you need help obtaining a reliable Wi-Fi signal. You might also try elevating your router off the floor. It will lessen the impact of potential signal-blocking obstacles.

Putting the router on a higher floor can also help if your house has multiple stories. However, it’s important to remember that walls and other impediments may still interfere with the signal, resulting in less-than-ideal performance. You should also be aware that microwaves and cordless phones might disrupt your Wi-Fi connection, so keep them safe from your router.

Turn Off Bluetooth If Not Using

Disabling Bluetooth is the quickest fix if you don’t plan on using it. To achieve this, you can access the device’s settings menu. Easily disable Bluetooth by navigating to its settings menu entry. You can turn off Bluetooth on some gadgets by physically flipping a switch.

Ensure this is in the “off” position if your device has one. Disabling Bluetooth prevents the usage of wireless accessories but restores Wi-Fi speed. If you genuinely need to use Bluetooth frequently, there are more practical approaches than this.

Maintain Distance

Keep your Bluetooth devices at a safe distance from your router to avoid interference and get the most out of your Wi-Fi network. When Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers are situated too close together, they can cause signal interference, resulting in slower Wi-Fi speeds and less stable connections.

Increasing the distance between these gadgets can act as a buffer zone to improve data transmission, reducing the likelihood of signal overlap and interference. You should consider where you put your Bluetooth gadgets and Wi-Fi routers, ensuring there is no direct line of sight and that as few obstacles as possible stand in the way. One little tweak can benefit the wireless network’s speed, dependability, and overall performance.

Use Latest Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth employs sophisticated frequency hopping methods to prevent interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. All of your Bluetooth gadgets need to be up-to-date with the newest hardware and software for this to work. If your Bluetooth devices are old, it’s time to upgrade them.

Turn Off Other Wireless Devices

Various devices widely use the unlicensed 2.4 GHz Radiofrequency. Wireless USB devices, Zigbee devices, wireless speakers, baby monitors, etc., are just a few examples. Turn them off completely when not using them to prevent interference with your standard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi equipment.

Remove Obstacles

Wireless transmission is most reliable when it follows a direct line of sight. However, in reality, this is impossible. Physical barriers like walls, glass, and even our bodies can diminish signal quality and strength. Remove any extra objects from the immediate area to improve Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal strength.

Reset and Re-Pair

If your Bluetooth devices keep dropping connections, try resetting and re-pairing them. Find out if your gadget has any available firmware updates. Please update as quickly as possible if there are any changes. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi gadgets are affected by this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bluetooth interference can significantly affect Wi-Fi throughput and dependability. Low Wi-Fi performance can be caused by several factors, including but not limited to device density, poor location, overlap in channel usage, radio frequency interference, and shared frequency spectrum. However, several workable options exist to fix these problems and enhance the quality of your Wi-Fi connection.

Users can improve Wi-Fi performance and reduce interference by making adjustments like switching Wi-Fi channels, enabling Bluetooth coexistence, switching wireless network protocols, re-pairing devices, optimizing device placement, and keeping a safe distance between Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers.  Turning off wireless devices, clearing the area of obstructions, adopting the most recent Bluetooth technology, and updating Bluetooth software are all steps that can help boost Wi-Fi performance and reliability.

Bluetooth’s channel congestion, range limitations, hardware constraints, and bandwidth sharing can all affect Wi-Fi’s performance, so it’s crucial to be aware of them.  Users can still maximize their Wi-Fi connections even when Bluetooth devices are present if they know these restrictions and take the necessary precautions.

Users can reduce the adverse effects of Bluetooth on Wi-Fi by taking the suggested actions and considering the unique conditions of their area, resulting in quicker and more stable wireless connections. By making these modifications and being aware of the aspects that can affect performance, users can guarantee a seamless and effective experience when utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies simultaneously.