Upload Speed Very Slow? 6 Steps to Diagnose and Fix It

Feeling the pain of a painfully slow upload? It's incredibly frustrating when you're trying to share something and it just... won't... go. Whether it's for work, fun, or staying connected, a sluggish upload can really throw a wrench in your day.

But here's the good news: there are straightforward ways to troubleshoot and fix it. Let's dive into five easy steps to get your uploads flying again.

Understanding Why Upload Speed Very Slow

Upload speed measures how fast you can send data from your device to the internet. Think of it as how quickly you can send files, videos, or participate in video calls.

It impacts activities like:

• Video conferencing
• Uploading files (photos, videos, documents)
• Live streaming
• Online gaming (to a degree)
• Cloud backups.

How it's measured:

• In megabits per second (Mbps).

Why Upload Speed Is Very Slow

Upload speeds are influenced by several factors, including your internet plan, network congestion, hardware limitations, and background applications consuming bandwidth. Unlike downloads, which ISPs prioritize, upload speeds are often significantly lower.

If you experience a fast download slow upload problem, the issue could be with your ISP, router, or even how your devices are connected. Let us look at the top three reasons why your upload speed might be suffering.

1. Internet Service Provider (ISP) Limitations

ISPs often impose restrictions on upload speeds, especially for standard residential plans. Most home internet plans offer asymmetrical speeds—meaning download speeds are much faster than upload speeds. This is because most users consume more data than they upload. If your upload speed is very slow, it might be due to your plan’s limitations.

Here are some common ISP-related causes of slow upload speed:

• Your internet plan has low upload bandwidth.
• ISP throttling during peak hours.
• Network congestion in your area.
• Data caps that limit your upload speed after a certain threshold.

Solutions to fix the issue:

1. Check your internet plan and upgrade if necessary.
2. Contact your ISP to inquire about upload speed restrictions.
3. Consider switching to a fiber-optic connection, which offers higher upload speeds.

2. Hardware Issues

Your modem, router, and cables play a vital role in determining internet speed. Outdated or malfunctioning hardware can severely limit your upload performance.

• Let’s look at some hardware-related causes:
• An old or outdated modem/router.
• Faulty Ethernet cables.
• Overheating or hardware damage.

Solution:

1. Restart your modem and router.
2. Ensure your router supports the latest internet speeds.
3. Use high-quality Ethernet cables for wired connections.
4. Upgrade to a newer, high-performance router if necessary.

3. Software and Device Problems

Sometimes, the issue is not with your ISP or hardware but rather with your computer or device settings. Software conflicts or outdated drivers can silently slow down your upload speed without you even realizing it.

Here are some possible software-related issues:

• Background applications using bandwidth.
• Malware or viruses affecting performance.
• Outdated network drivers.

Solution:

1. Close unnecessary applications consuming internet bandwidth.
2. Run a malware scan.
3. Update network drivers and operating system.

How to Fix Upload Speed Very Slow

Now that you know what might be causing the upload speed very slow issue, let’s go through five steps to fix it.

Step 1: Run Speed Tests (Recommend Specific Tools)

• Use speed test tools like Speedtest by Ookla, Fast.com, or Google’s internet speed test.
• Compare upload and download speeds to identify significant disparities.
• Run multiple tests at different times of the day to check for fluctuations.

Step 2: Check Your Modem And Router

• Restart your modem and router.
• Ensure firmware is updated.
• Place the router in a central location to optimize signal strength.

Step 3: Test A Wired Connection

• Connect your device directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable.
• If speeds improve, the issue might be with your WiFi network.

Step 4: Check For Wifi Interference

• Reduce interference from other electronic devices.
• Change your WiFi channel to a less congested one.

Step 5: Check For Background Upload Usage

• Stop cloud backups and file-sharing applications.
• Limit auto-updates and background syncing.

Step 6: Plan Check

Verify your internet plan's advertised upload speed. Sometimes, it's just lower than you expect. Log into your internet provider's website or check your contract.

High-speed File Transfer for Business Use - Raysync

Raysync is a high-speed file transfer solution designed for businesses that need secure and efficient large-scale data transfers.

It uses advanced transmission protocols to significantly accelerate upload speeds, making it ideal for industries such as media, finance, and IT that handle massive files daily.

With strong encryption, seamless integration, and a user-friendly interface, Raysync ensures businesses can transfer files quickly without compromising security.

Pros:

• Ultra-fast transfer speeds.
• Secure encryption for data protection.
• Supports large file sizes without interruptions.
• Easy integration with enterprise systems.
• Reduces bandwidth consumption through optimized data transmission.

Cons:

• The advanced features can be an overkill for small businesses.

Pricing Model of Raysync:

• Cloud Plan: $99/month (1 Gbps bandwidth, 2 TB transfer traffic)
• SMB Plan: $1,599/year (unlimited traffic)
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing

Request a Free Trial

FAQs about Upload Speed Very Slow

Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about upload speed very slow:

1. Is 20 Mbps upload bad

A 20 Mbps upload speed is generally good for most users.

It allows for smooth video calls, cloud backups, online gaming, and even live streaming in HD. However, if multiple people in your household or office are uploading large files simultaneously, you may experience slowdowns.

Businesses that regularly transfer large files, such as video production teams or cloud-based professionals, might find 20 Mbps limiting. If you notice slow uploads despite having 20 Mbps, consider upgrading your internet plan or checking for network congestion.

2. Is 10 Mbps upload speed ok

A 10 Mbps upload speed is decent for everyday use, including video conferencing, social media uploads, and light cloud backups.

However, it may struggle with high-definition live streaming, large file uploads, or multiple users using the network at once.

If you are frequently dealing with slow uploads at this speed, try optimizing your connection by using a wired Ethernet connection, closing background apps, or upgrading to a faster plan if needed.

3. Is 1.7 Mbps upload speed good

A 1.7 Mbps upload speed is quite slow and may cause issues with video calls, online gaming, and large file uploads.

At this speed, even simple tasks like sending email attachments or backing up files to the cloud can take a long time.

If your upload speed is this low, consider upgrading your plan, switching to a wired connection, or using a specialized file transfer solution like Raysync for faster business uploads.

The Bottom Line

Slow uploads bugging you? Check your plan, router, and background apps. Wired connections and router updates help. For big files, consider Raysync. It speeds up transfers, great for businesses needing fast, secure uploads. Simple fixes often make a big difference!