Why is my Xbox download speed so slow? 5 little-known reasons [SOLVED]

Waiting hours for finishing a game download? 

Why is my Xbox download speed so slow? you may ask. 

Well, you’re one of the thousands of people who have suffered from slow downloads, with countless reasons behind those problems. 

Our Xbox One, home network, and various external circumstances may all play a role.

However, dependable troubleshooting techniques may provide a road to reclaim higher speeds. 

Here's the underlying reasons and how to speed up downloads on Xbox One consoles.

Why is my Xbox download speed so slow?

Why is my Xbox download speed slow?

Slow Xbox One downloads can be caused by various variables, including your console, slow Internet connection, and Internet service provider (ISP).

Slow Internet connection

Why is my download speed so slow? 

Why is my download speed so slow on steam? 

Why is my chrome download speed so slow? 

Why is my browser download speed so slow?

Those questions hit me sometimes. 

I asked for the reason behind those issues and knew that it was due to a slow Internet connection. 

This might occur during outages or necessary network repair times or when objects in your house block your WiFi signals. 

If you've observed that your Internet connection speed is poor at particular times of the day or on specific days of the week, it could be because of your ISP.

Slow Internet

Multiple downloads at once

So many people start all of the downloads, or you download multiple things at once can slow down your Xbox download speed! 

It is recommended to only download one thing at a time and restarts the process after it is finished. 

If you leave the console overnight, you can start all the updates or downloads.

However, don't expect anything to happen quickly when your Xbox attempts to do a lot at once.

Multiple downloads

Too many connected devices

The Xbox download speed can also be affected by how many devices are on your Wi-Fi. 

Connect your Xbox to the Internet through an ethernet cable whenever possible.

If that is not possible, turning off all other devices while downloading will considerably speed up the process.

Even switching a few devices to airplane mode can make a significant difference at times.

Why is my download speed so slow on xbox?

Too much traffic on the Xbox network

Why is my download speed so slow all of a sudden? you wonder. 

The congestion on your network can also lead to slow downloading. 

When multiple users are downloading a particular game simultaneously, then the load on the network increases.

Consequently, it causes the downloading speed of the game to slow down. 

Besides, network traffic can be especially problematic if the update or game has been anticipated for some time.

Plus, it arrives at an extremely busy moment when everyone attempts to log in simultaneously.

Network congestion on Xbox

Use Xbox for other things while downloading

The Xbox has a feature that allows you to play a game or stream videos while it is downloading, as well as run various other programs.

If you're performing any of these things while trying to download a game or an update, this could be a big cause of the sluggish download speed. 

If you want to download something as quickly as possible, don't use your console for anything other than the download.

These reasons are also applied to why is my download speed so slow on ps4.

Slow Xbox downloading

Why is my download speed not what I pay for?

You’ve run a speed test on your connection and compared the actual results with the promised speeds. 

You got slower Internet speeds than advertised. 

So why is my download speed slower than what i pay for? 

There are two main reasons for this problem.

First, most Internet providers are advertising their speeds. 

Specifically, the speed they promise to offer you is the maximum speed you can get in ideal conditions.

In fact, you’ll never hit that amount.

Download speed not match Internet plan

Second, various factors affect your Internet speed while running a WiFi download test such as hardware issues, traffic congestion, distance from the router, etc.

These factors also cause WiFi download speed slow upload normal, WiFi download speed slower than upload or why is my download speed so slow but upload fast.

How to increase download speed?

We recommend conducting a WiFi download speed test to check your console's Internet connection before addressing any issues with Xbox One downloads.

Close games and apps

With an Xbox One, you can play other games or use apps while a game is downloading.

However, this sometimes makes the download take more time than usual. 

Thus, closing any other games and apps while you’re downloading will make your Xbox One run faster, thus increasing download speed.

Close apps on Xbox

 Limit the number of connected devices

Having too many connected devices is one of the best answers to “why is my download speed so slow?” 

As they all consume Internet bandwidth, they may slow down your Wi-Fi connection.

The same is applied to your Xbox One.

Limit the number of connected devices

Therefore, disconnecting other Wi-Fi devices, such as your phone or laptop, will strengthen your Xbox One's Wi-Fi connection and allow for better download rates.

Reboot your router

Download speeds are sometimes determined by factors other than your Xbox One, such as your Internet router.

You might try rebooting your router by unplugging it from the power supply. 

Wait a few moments before plugging in the router again. 

This can increase your Internet connection and overall download performance.

Reboot the router

Restart your Xbox

If your game downloading is getting slower than usual or stops suddenly, consider rebooting your Xbox One system to resolve the issue. 

This procedure does not delete any of your games or data.

Use an Ethernet cable

You don't have to rely on erratic Wi-Fi connections to enhance download speeds if you have an Ethernet cable.

Simply connect the Ethernet wire to your network and your Xbox One. 

When you connect an Ethernet cable, your Internet connection will be stronger and your downloads will be much faster.

Increase Xbox download speed

Avoid peak times where possible

When your Xbox One downloads suddenly dip below the norm, it could be due to circumstances beyond your control. 

Slower-than-expected download rates can be traced back to your ISP or Xbox Live, frequently associated with excessive traffic. 

While peak hours are less of a concern as connectivity improves, they are still a matter to consider. 

Xbox Live suffers from intermittent slowdowns and outages, limiting your ability to download material.

Don’t download during peak hours

Also read: What is a good download speed for WiFi?

Change your Xbox One DNS settings

DNS settings are critical to every aspect of the online, directing devices from the web domain you choose to their Internet protocol (IP) addresses. 

DNS servers perform this translation in the background, supporting you in connecting to your desired web location.

Improve Xbox download speed

If you haven't already changed your DNS settings, your Xbox One will most likely use the default DNS settings provided by your ISP for Xbox Live. 

While utilizing these settings is entirely OK, switching to a third-party anycast solution may result in slightly faster rates.

These ways can also be applied to solve android WiFi slow download speed