Download Speed Not Matching Speed Test: 4 Root Causes & Fixes [GUIDE]

Not all ISPs are upfront about speeds offered.

It’s vital to know if you're getting the service you paid for. 

Is download speed not matching speed test after you run a download speed test?

So why does this happen? 

What should your download speed be? and how to increase your download speed? 

Here you can find the answer!

My download speed not matching speed test

How do download speed tests work?

An online download speed test performs a number of tasks. 

The test location will, in general: 

• Determine your location and the test server that is the most convenient for you.

• Send a ping to the server of your choice and time how long it takes for the ping to reach the server or the upload speed.

• Open connections to the server and see how rapidly it can deliver data to your device, or how fast it can download data.

• Calculate latency or the time it takes for a server to respond to a user's request.

What is the working principle of a download speed test?

Well, for a good speed test site, we highly recommend you use MySpeed.

It is one the most reliable speed check WIFI nowadays and is used by many Internet users. 

Not only does it measure the computer's current download speed but it also checks the speed of ping, and upload speed of your network connection.

Quick, convenient, and compact are things MySpeed brings to you. 

You will get the results of Internet parameters after a couple of seconds. 

Because of the simple interface, users can conduct this helpful tool easily. Just tap the "Go" button and then wait for testing results.

So great, right?

What download speeds do I need?

Is 7 Mbps download speed good?

Is 90 Mbps download speed enough for streaming?

The number of devices and types of Internet activities you engage in will determine your Internet speed requirements. 

According to Tom’s Guide, the minimal speeds required for certain activities are listed below. 

Remember that these are cumulative, so you'll need to add them up to achieve the overall required speed.

Although Internet abbreviations can be confusing, knowing what speed is regarded as decent in Mbps is critical. 

If you're serious about not overpaying for the Internet, you should study more about what is a good download speed.

Also, try to become familiar with the terminology used on the Internet.

Why is my download speed not matching the speed test?

It's no secret that actual Internet speeds sometimes fall short of what providers advertise. 

However, if your speed test results are much lower than what you're paying for, don't immediately contact customer service. 

Instead, there are a variety of additional things that can affect Internet speeds that have nothing to do with your Internet service provider.

They can be:

• Too many users or devices connecting at the same time is one of the most typical causes of a sluggish internet speed.

• Too far away from your wireless router or having an outdated or incorrectly configured router is another reason.

• A router antenna points in the wrong direction can really slow down the entire household's download speed.

• ISP-related issues. When an internet provider throttles speeds for clients in specific geographic locations, when a data cap is reached, or when browsing certain websites, this is known as throttling.

Many factors may cause unmatching download speed and speed test

How can I improve my download speed?

After knowing some possible reasons to download speed not matching speed test, you can apply the following fixes.

Try them and you’ll get a better result!

Tips on improving download speed

• First, choose a good internet checker tool.

Doing so will help the result be as accurate as possible.

• Bring your wireless router closer to you. 

Your internet speed will be slower the further you are from the router. 

If you have a large house, consider investing in a WiFi range extender to ensure a strong signal in every room.

• Restart your modem and router if necessary

Before resuming the devices, unplug them for at least 30 seconds. This can sometimes be enough to get your internet speeds back to where they should be, especially if you've experienced a slowdown over time.

• Rotate the antenna on your router

To get a consistent signal in every area, make sure the antenna is oriented inward (towards the center of your home).

• Upgrade your modem and/or router if you haven't already

Some older devices are incapable of handling today's high internet bandwidth.

Before you buy, check the product specifications to make sure it can handle speeds at least as fast as your current home internet service.