Why is my entire eero network slow?

When every device on the network is slow, the problem is somewhere in the chain between the internet provider and the primary eero; it's not generally with individual devices. Each step below helps narrow down where the bottleneck is.

Confirm the issue is network-wide

Test at least two devices connected to the primary eero.

• If only one device is slow, the issue is with that device or its connection — not the whole network. Check out Why is my wifi slow in one area of my home?

• If multiple devices are slow, continue below.

Check speeds from the internet provider

The most common cause is a problem from the internet provider (ISP). If the speed coming in is slow, nothing downstream can fix it.

1. Open the eero app and run a speed test. This measures the speed between the primary eero and the internet.

2. Compare the result to the speed plan from the ISP.

• If the speed test result matches expectations: The ISP connection is fine. Skip to "Check the primary eero."

• If the speed test result is lower than expected: The problem is likely between the ISP and the primary eero. Continue below.

Test speeds directly from the modem

This bypasses the eero to confirm whether slow speeds are from the ISP or the network. You'll need an Ethernet cable and a device with an Ethernet port (a computer works best).

1. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the primary eero.

2. Plug it directly into a computer.

3. Run a speed test using a third party program (fast.com, speedtest.net, etc)

• If speeds are normal directly from the modem: The ISP connection is fine, and the problem is between the modem and the gateway eero. Power cycle the modem (it needs to reset before it will reconnect to the eero), reconnect the eero, and move down to "Check the gateway eero."

• If speeds are still low directly from the modem: The issue is either the Ethernet cable or the ISP/modem itself. Try swapping the Ethernet cable first. If speeds remain low with a different cable, power cycle the modem (next step).

Power cycle the modem

Power cycling clears temporary errors in the modem's memory that can degrade speeds.

1. Unplug the modem's power cable from the wall.

2. Wait 2–3 minutes. The modem needs time to fully discharge — shorter waits may not clear the issue.

3. Plug it back in and wait for all indicator lights to return to normal.

4. Run another speed test directly from the modem.

• If speeds improve: The modem had a temporary issue. Reconnect the primary eero and confirm the network is working normally.

• If speeds are still low: Contact your ISP.

Note: If the network uses an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) instead of a modem, power cycling may not be possible if the ONT uses a hardwired backup battery or is in an inaccessible location. Contact your ISP and ask them to reset it remotely.

Check the primary eero

If the ISP connection is fine but devices are still slow, test the primary eero directly.

1. Connect a device directly to the primary eero using an Ethernet cable.

2. Run a speed test on that device.

• If speeds are normal over Ethernet: The primary eero is passing traffic correctly. The issue is likely environmental — skip to "Check eero placement."

• If speeds are low even over Ethernet: Try these steps in order, testing speeds after each one:

1. Restart the primary eero by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
   Note: Wait about a minute for the LED to return to solid white.

2. Swap the Ethernet cable between the modem and primary eero.

3. If another eero is available, temporarily swap it into the primary position to rule out a hardware issue.

If none of these resolve the issue, contact eero support.

Check eero placement

If ISP and primary speeds are fine but devices are still slow, the issue is signal quality between eeros and devices.

A wifi signal weakens with distance and every object it passes through. The denser the material, the more it weakens the signal:

• High impact: Concrete, brick, stone, metal appliances

• Medium impact: Tile, plaster, large furniture

• Low impact: Drywall, wood, glass

Imagine a straight line between each eero and the devices it serves. Everything along that line weakens the signal. Fewer obstacles mean better performance.

To improve placement:

• Move eeros out of enclosed spaces like closets, cabinets, or behind TVs.

• Keep eeros away from large appliances (microwaves, refrigerators) and bathrooms with tile and plumbing.

• Position eeros so they have a clear path to the areas where devices are used most.

• If one area consistently gets poor speeds, adding an eero between the slow area and the nearest eero can help.

For detailed placement recommendations, visit our eero placement guide.