WiFi is too slow - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

What could be the reason for my Nexus 5 having slow WiFi? I put another phone next to it and ran speed tests with speedtest.net The nexus got around 5~7mbps while my other phone got around 28mbps. The WiFi is just too slow. Often times speedtest even fails to find a server and some other times my download speed is 0.01 or something.
I am on Lollipop 5.1.1

Do both phones show the same wifi signal strength? Possible loose wifi wires inside the phone?

audit13 said:
Do both phones show the same wifi signal strength? Possible loose wifi wires inside the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, both have the same strength. According to the WiFi Analyzer app, the Nexus's range is ~-50 while the other phone is around ~-60 (Both are on the same network and both phones are side by side), so that means that the Nexus has better strength yet it's extremely slow.

Maybe the phone needs to be factory reset?

Related

Poor WIFI reception on Captivate

HI,
Has anybody noticed that captivate has poor WIFI reception compared to other devices? I have two captivates with the same problem and have seen others have the similar problems.
It is just fine anywhere wifi signal is good. but it becomes horribly bad with farther distance from APs. The tested place is my office desk
where I never had any problem with my laptops and my old phone(Lg-incite) during the last 2-3 years.
Are you all fine with WIFI performance of Captivate?
Thank you
It seems equivalent to my old iphone.
My captivate was getting less wifi bars then my iphone from just 10 feet away from cable modem router. Checked on both original captivate and replacement. Seems like the reception and wifi seems a bit weak
Is it still connecting and just not showing as strong a signal, or not connecting at all?
Also, if you have both phones handy maybe you can do a speed test/comparison between the two. Maybe it's all in how they calculate those signal bars. . .
Bars don't necessarily mean anything.
I'm not having any WiFi problem on my Captivate at all - even in the corner of the house where my laptop and my wife's laptop sometimes have problems - I also pick up signals from neighbor's wifi routers.
mongstradamus said:
My captivate was getting less wifi bars then my iphone from just 10 feet away from cable modem router. Checked on both original captivate and replacement. Seems like the reception and wifi seems a bit weak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They might calculate that wrong too, seeing how they were really far off on calculating phone reception.
The best thing to do is a speed test on each. Obviously higher speed is better but I am curious what the latency is like.
candymann said:
Is it still connecting and just not showing as strong a signal, or not connecting at all?
Also, if you have both phones handy maybe you can do a speed test/comparison between the two. Maybe it's all in how they calculate those signal bars. . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not complaining about bars. all show weak signals and still can connect to internet, while captivates are disconnected.
it may be normal for smartphones. The only smartphone I am comparing is Lg-incite. Incite may be exceptionally good on wifi reception. In the points I have tested, laptops do not have problem to connect.
thanks,
I've noticed that same problem with my Captivate....I'll connect with "Good" to "Excellent" connection, but data crawls if at all....Full data reset, and still no improvement...

[Q] Improve Nexus S Wifi Range?

Well, I capped out my Tmobile data at 5gb so now I'm going to try and start using my wifi more on my phone.
I was in a coffee shop that my laptop easily latches on to the wifi signal. However, my Nexus S wouldn't latch on to the wifi because the signal was to far away. The router was only about 20 feet away...and again, my laptop had no problems with it.
Is there some kind of software bug that makes the Nexus S wifi to weak? Can this be improved?
I've noticed weaker performance at my home compared to previous devices. It could be down to the hardware (ie antenna) but you could possibly try boosting the power given to the Wifi chip? Like when you install DDWRT on a router you can boost the output power, maybe something similar applies here.
I have a copy of the Android source on my laptop so I will dig around and see if there is anything. Can't guarantee it though, I'm also quite busy.
Sent from my Google Nexus S
dman777 said:
Well, I capped out my Tmobile data at 5gb so now I'm going to try and start using my wifi more on my phone.
I was in a coffee shop that my laptop easily latches on to the wifi signal. However, my Nexus S wouldn't latch on to the wifi because the signal was to far away. The router was only about 20 feet away...and again, my laptop had no problems with it.
Is there some kind of software bug that makes the Nexus S wifi to weak? Can this be improved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am interested in this too, the wi fi seems painfully weak
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Wifi Issues

When I move into my room, my laptop gets 90%-100% signal strength from my Wifi, my phone however randomly looses signal completely and especially when I take up the phone to use it. It's very frustrating. Plus when I'm on 3G, it constantly switches from 3G to H too.
The 3g H switching is normal if you are on tmo us and running the eu roms and has been discussed quite a bit
not sure what you mean by losing signal, but i get diff bars diff places in my house. never lose the whole connection as in not being able to dl or browse web
did you run speed tests at these diff locations in house
rugmankc said:
The 3g H switching is normal if you are on tmo us and running the eu roms and has been discussed quite a bit
not sure what you mean by losing signal, but i get diff bars diff places in my house. never lose the whole connection as in not being able to dl or browse web
did you run speed tests at these diff locations in house
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you misunderstood his post. His primary problem is that the wifi on his phone doesn't come close to the signal strength his laptop has when in the same room.
The secondary problem was the 3g/4g switching.
OP -- I have no idea what to tell you.
no, i understood. just saying my phone wifi bars fluctuate even if my laptop has good signal. may just be the way they both display strength readings
i think op should run speed tests btw the two at same time. however both devices are splitting signal so may not be as good as only one running at a time
his speeds may be fine even though bars don't show it
rugmankc said:
no, i understood. just saying my phone wifi bars fluctuate even if my laptop has good signal. may just be the way they both display strength readings
i think op should run speed tests btw the two at same time. however both devices are splitting signal so may not be as good as only one running at a time
his speeds may be fine even though bars don't show it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Jamaica, no T-mobile. I'm not sure if I'm running an EU rom. My problem is that I loose connectivity to Wifi totally randomly in my room with even little motion. I mentioned my laptop for reference... it's like there's poor signal in my room. The phone'll just bit sitting on my bed, I hear an alert and pick up the phone to realize I've lost Wifi.
Speed is not the problem, I've been able to run a speed test to confirm I get the speed I'm supposed to get. Other times though, the speed test could not complete because I moved a little and lost connectivity.
HTC One S wifi
HTC One S wifi
Make sure that your SIM access cover is snapped in place.
It happened to me with the WiFi signal - The phone was losing signal, and had low signal 1 foot away from the router.
I 'pinched' the top-right corner of the access cover (thumb on the glass, index finger on the back cover) - I heard a 'click' and suddenly my WiFi was at full strength. I believe that the WiFi antenna is not connected unless it snaps together.
ok, not sure what to suggest. you could try turning airplane mode on and of and see if that helps
maybe router settings with the phone if you always had the issue
under settings/wifi/ tap on wifi then the 3 dot menu--Advanced. See if Keep Wi-Fi on during Sleep is Always. If not tap on it and change to Always
Also at bottom of Advanced menu is a DLNA setting, you could toggle that
barring that or someone else's ideas--maybe hardware and needs replaced
Try turning on Best Wifi Performance in Wifi, advanced settings.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U
Turning on best WiFi performance totally killed my battery life, but that may just be me.
If you're losing signal on one device but not another, I'd recommend changing the channel on your router. Interference on certain channels can cause weird issues with some devices. There are apps on the market that will show you which channels are congested in your area.
ptweasel said:
Turning on best WiFi performance totally killed my battery life, but that may just be me.
If you're losing signal on one device but not another, I'd recommend changing the channel on your router. Interference on certain channels can cause weird issues with some devices. There are apps on the market that will show you which channels are congested in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... I'll try that. So far turning on DLNA and Best Performance hasn't made any difference. I'll try changing the channel when I get home later and post the results. I REALLY hope h/w is not the problem.. it's gonna be a hassle sending this back.
It might be worth gently cleaning the contacts exposed when you remove the SIM access panel. As District noted, good contact is necessary for wifi (and probably other features). Dust or a fingerprint may be problematic.
Anything to bear in mind when trying to clean it or adjust it? I'm really paranoid I'll mess it up.
make sure you use electrical cleaner
radio shack sells it, comes in spray can
if you haven't had sim card out or phone long, probably not issue. but, worth try
if you have another router, you can always try that
Nothing seems to work... I'm using channel 11 @ home which doesn't seem to be crowded. I have the same issue @ work with our router. I've been having this problem from I got the phone last week. This is after I initially removed the back cover to first insert my SIM.
I'm going to try and see if I can secure a cleaner... I tried blowing on it mean time. Also turned on DLNA and best wifi performance and all.
DLNA auto-IP setting worked for me.
Hi OP,
I had the exact same wifi issues on my One S. I tried the router at work, the router at home and my mates router with the same results.
Mine seems to work now, with no disconnections or manually connections. What seems to have worked for me -- Wifi - Advanced menu -- DLNA auto-IP setting - toggle on. Then restart, making sure the setting is still set after reboot. Seems to have fixed my wifi issues.
HTH.
Darren.

Weak Wifi reception

A few users reported weak WiFi signal strength on N5. Good WiFi signal strength is very important for me and this is one of things I like on my current SGS, so Im wondering how good is Wlan strength on yours N5 ?
Also Androidizen posted video about WiFi problem:
I received my N5 yesterday and i am facing this weak WiFi signal problem.
I compared it with my Iphone 5.
i was 8 feet away having my back to router, iphone 5 showed full strength signals while N5 showed 3/4 signal strength.
Ive had my nexus 5 for a few days now, and the main thing that is annoying me is the wifi, the signal is so flaky one minute im on full bars, next minute its on 1 or 2, then back to full. this can be in line of sight with the router. Ive tried a few routers at home and at work, same issue. I have tried an iphone, nokia and samsung and they all have a much better range. I'm contemplating taking this back now and getting a refund, as i don't think its acceptable. does anyone else get this constant fluctuation?
I have also noticed when you put your hand over the top of the phone the signal can drop completely. Not taht i do this, but other phones i have do not suffer with this.
i take it not many people are seeing this issue, are others with the phone able to check the wifi range and fluctuations in comparison with other devices. How can it go from full bars to 2, then back to full constantly when other phones are solid. Trying to work out if its worth exchanging for another. Speeds just change from say 72mbs to like 19mbs non stop. Thanks
Side by side with my Nexus 4 I'm getting the same strength and speed.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2
mintume said:
I received my N5 yesterday and i am facing this weak WiFi signal problem.
I compared it with my Iphone 5.
i was 8 feet away having my back to router, iphone 5 showed full strength signals while N5 showed 3/4 signal strength.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not use the bars when comparing signal.
Download an app that shows you the actual signal level in dbm. Bars can be set to whatever the developer wants. I could make you have full bars at -110 dbm which would be a useless connection, but still show full bars. For the most part, you should disregard them.
Would be possible to boost WiFi reception with a software tweak? Even if Google doesnt provide a fix, could be WiFi signal strength increased in custom roms? I hope some developer will know to answer this.
I have chance to get N5 32gb next week and I really want it, but since Im a lot in other countries, good WiFi signal strength is very important for me (to connect on WiFi hotspots)
Thanx
Is it an issue of signal strength only? Does it ever disconnect you completely? "Strength" would be much less of a concern than disconnects, now THAT would be annoying.
Spitfire said:
Is it an issue of signal strength only? Does it ever disconnect you completely? "Strength" would be much less of a concern than disconnects, now THAT would be annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read that some N5 owners lost WiFi connection when they were about 10 m away from router. This is unacceptable IMO. I hope software tweak can boost WiFi reception.
I confirm the weak wifi too.
signal
i have nexus 5 16gb white, signal is very very weak!!! i have N4 and GN and have perfect signal!
the problem of weak wifi, is all about the nexus? we have to wait for a fix or should call google and give it back?
I'm facing the same issue. I'm few feets from AP and I'm getting weak and unstable signal. The worse thing is that it is not picking up signal from my main AP (Edimax) at home... It does not "see" the network at all even all other devices at home use it fine.
Very weak signal with this phone, I got full bars on my previous phones in my office but now only 2 bars. If you put your hand near the top of the phone the signal completely drops.
Same issue here, very weak reception. No issues with may tablet or laptops, but Nexus isnt getting good signal. White 32GB.
Yup weak signal. Initially it didn't want to connect to 3g but that was fixed with the service menu. And now I am noticing weak WiFi signal.
I'm guessing this has to do with the antenna.
Its easy to open the phone I'm going to crack it open and see what I find.
Have you folks tried going into your N5's WiFi settings & look under the Advanced submen (press the 3 dots on the lower right of screen)
Tried turning off 5 Ghz band if your router is on the typical 2.4 Ghz band - and if you have the newer dual band N router, enable your 5 Ghz band - could be interferences from other nearby devices or AP ??
Install the free app, Wifi Analayzer from Play Store & run it - take a look at your AP's signal strength, try switching to a less congested channel since the airwaves are shared, regardless which of the 11 channels you are defaulting to ...
Mine is running just fine, -60 to -50 dBm with the N home router behind 2 sheetrock walls.
Compared to my Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy SIII, I have superior Wifi Signal on my Nexus 5 to a very positive surprise...however network drop outs for Cellular connection is quite annoying...
guys try to disable the wifi optimization under advanced wifi setting and set the band to 2.4 . it worked with me :good:
I have to use my 2.4GHz connection because the phone didn't work at all on the 5GHz.
Sent from my Nexus 5
I have this problem too. Sometimes my signal is so weak that it disconnects with the router and falls back on 3G.
I tried everything. Just went into Safe Mode, but Wifi is still weak, it doesnt matter.
I tried to only use 2,4GHz and turned Wifi optimalisation off. Still the same weak signal.
I tested it with the app "Wifi Analyzer" If I stand next to the router it gets about -50dBm. Then I tested it with my brothers Galaxy S2, he got -40dBm. Thats a difference of 10dBm. -40dBm is a stronger signal.
We tried it at the 2nd floor, and he got a better signal again. So it's obviously my Nexus.
Android 4.4.2, stock, no root or something. Google come with a solution please. My previous phone had the same ****ty Wifi (HTC One X).

Nexus 5 on 3 UK with Home Signal Box

Received my 32GB Nexus 5 the other day and thought it was broke as I wasn't getting any mobile data in the house at all.
I've finally worked out that this seems to be an issue with the Home Signal Box that plugs into my broadband connection as I need one due to having no signal at all downstairs and a very weak signal upstairs.
The Nexus 5 connects to the box fine and I get full signal but no H on phone at all. If I want data I have to switch wifi on.
This is the only time I've ever seen this and i've tried my sim card in quite a few phones and in every other phone apart from this Nexus 5 I get both calls and data fine.
Does anyone else have both a Nexus 5 and Home Signal box and getting this issue?
chipxtreme said:
Received my 32GB Nexus 5 the other day and thought it was broke as I wasn't getting any mobile data in the house at all.
I've finally worked out that this seems to be an issue with the Home Signal Box that plugs into my broadband connection as I need one due to having no signal at all downstairs and a very weak signal upstairs.
The Nexus 5 connects to the box fine and I get full signal but no H on phone at all. If I want data I have to switch wifi on.
This is the only time I've ever seen this and i've tried my sim card in quite a few phones and in every other phone apart from this Nexus 5 I get both calls and data fine.
Does anyone else have both a Nexus 5 and Home Signal box and getting this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar problem with my iPhone 5. Data didn't work without Wi-Fi or at best, was patchy. Three even specify on their site that Wi-Fi should still be used for data.
I have noticed the exact same behaviour on my Nexus 5 with the Home Signal box. My Nexus 4 (now used by my wife), daughter's Samsung S4 and son's Sony Xperia Z all work with voice and data.
There is another symptom of the Nexus 5 and Home Signal box I have just noticed, it's killing my battery! The Phone application is continuously causing a wakelock when the Nexus 5 is connected to the Home Signal box, if I unplug the Home Signal the wakelock stops and battery lasts a lot longer.
Hope Three are aware of this and can provide a fix.
I left a message on the 3 facebook site and their response was just to switch my wifi on when I'm in house. Well I do that whenever I intend to use any amount of data but when my phone is just sat there waiting for something to do i'd prefer it to be only using battery on phone signal and not wireless as well.
I've devised a workaround using Tasker to switch on Wi-Fi and switch off Mobile Data while at home and vice versa when I leave. Battery life is back to normal. Phone app isn't even showing on battery usage screen and having Wi-Fi on all the time I'm at home isn't using as much battery as the Phone app was with Mobile Data on even though there was no data connection. I think the problem is that the Home Signal box is not allowing the phone to establish a data connection and the Phone app continuously keeps trying thus running the battery down. I'll work with this for now but I do hope Three come up with a fix.
My Nexus 5 arrived today, seems to be working happily with our Home Signal box. Weird. Potential defect or something?
chipxtreme said:
I left a message on the 3 facebook site and their response was just to switch my wifi on when I'm in house. Well I do that whenever I intend to use any amount of data but when my phone is just sat there waiting for something to do i'd prefer it to be only using battery on phone signal and not wireless as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you turn your mobile data off in the house too? Because the WiFi battery use replaces the mobile data battery use... and should actually use less.
Voice Radio uses batttery, then mobile data uses further battery on top of that. So unless you're turning off mobile data completely, you should find that WiFi on all the time is a better solution.
This isn't really relevant to the thread though, so sorry about that.
chipxtreme said:
Received my 32GB Nexus 5 the other day and thought it was broke as I wasn't getting any mobile data in the house at all.
I've finally worked out that this seems to be an issue with the Home Signal Box that plugs into my broadband connection as I need one due to having no signal at all downstairs and a very weak signal upstairs.
The Nexus 5 connects to the box fine and I get full signal but no H on phone at all. If I want data I have to switch wifi on.
This is the only time I've ever seen this and i've tried my sim card in quite a few phones and in every other phone apart from this Nexus 5 I get both calls and data fine.
Does anyone else have both a Nexus 5 and Home Signal box and getting this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same issue with a white Nexus 5, Baseband version M8974A-1.0.25.0.17 and the 3UK black home signal box.
Feels like that whilst 'Data enabled' is ticked in 'Mobile network settings', the phone keeps reattempting the data connection, even though i have WiFi enabled.. ??
The same SIM does NOT have any issue in my GalaxyNexus.
1st and 3rd line tech support at 3UK have confirmed that data is getting though the SIM thus the handset itself is seemingly the issue. 3UK are recommending that I take this up with Google...
Same problem here, N5 + Black Home Signal = No data. Works fine on my other phones and iPad. Also when used with a Vodafone Sure Signal my Nexus gets data fine.
esskayy said:
I had a similar problem with my iPhone 5. Data didn't work without Wi-Fi or at best, was patchy. Three even specify on their site that Wi-Fi should still be used for data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Means no mms though.
rootSU said:
So you turn your mobile data off in the house too? Because the WiFi battery use replaces the mobile data battery use... and should actually use less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi uses much more power than data.
awilson3000 said:
I'm having the same issue with a white Nexus 5, Baseband version M8974A-1.0.25.0.17 and the 3UK black home signal box.
Feels like that whilst 'Data enabled' is ticked in 'Mobile network settings', the phone keeps reattempting the data connection, even though i have WiFi enabled.. ??
The same SIM does NOT have any issue in my GalaxyNexus.
1st and 3rd line tech support at 3UK have confirmed that data is getting though the SIM thus the handset itself is seemingly the issue. 3UK are recommending that I take this up with Google...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
£5 says they're lying.
noodles2k said:
Wifi uses much more power than data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not usually the case (edit: In my experience). Unless the Nexus 5 has some special radio hardware I am not yet aware of? The additional fluctuation in signal strength makes that even less true IMO
There are arguments on both sides of the fence if you google it, but I sit on the "WiFi is better" side.
rootSU said:
This is not usually the case (edit: In my experience). Unless the Nexus 5 has some special radio hardware I am not yet aware of? The additional fluctuation in signal strength makes that even less true IMO
There are arguments on both sides of the fence if you google it, but I sit on the "WiFi is better" side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install JuiceDefender and it sorts this out for you, or seems to for me anyway. It disables data if you have a wifi connection i.e. whilst you are in the house. Upshot is good battery life and I don't need to do anything to the phone - juicedefender does it for you.
rootSU said:
This is not usually the case (edit: In my experience). Unless the Nexus 5 has some special radio hardware I am not yet aware of? The additional fluctuation in signal strength makes that even less true IMO
There are arguments on both sides of the fence if you google it, but I sit on the "WiFi is better" side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't mean that as a generalisation. When using femtocells for data my battery lasts longer than with wifi.
noodles2k said:
Sorry, I didn't mean that as a generalisation. When using femtocells for data my battery lasts longer than with wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok. I stand corrected. I have no experience of that. I took your comment generally
Has anyone spoken to Three about this since?
This is very annoying.
I just sent my Nexus 5 back and got a Note 3, I'd prefer the Nexus 5 though. If its fixed I might get another one. My home signal box hasn't worked since yesterday either so no signal in my house
Seems to be fixed now. I am now getting a data connection through my Home Signal box. I have not changed anything on my Nexus 5 so can only assume that Three have made some change in the background to how the Home Signal works with the Nexus 5.

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