UK households are being warned of the everyday devices that could be quietly hogging bandwidth and affecting their Wi-Fi speed. Tech experts warn that common devices could be slowing internet speeds without the knowledge of homeowners, as they issued practical advice on how to avoid this happening.

Experts say that outdated routers, interference with signal and router placement are all common reasons for slow Wi-Fi, but one reason that can often be overlooked is the number of connected devices. Multiple devices connected to the same network share the available bandwidth, and with each device requiring a portion of bandwidth to transmit and receive data, too many devices vying for bandwidth at the same time can result in performance issues.

Juliet Moran, technical director at TelephoneSystems.Cloud said: "Many households don't realise that everyday gadgets from smart speakers and doorbells, to robot vacuum cleaners can affect your internet speed.

"It's easy to overlook how many connected devices you actually have, particularly in modern homes where smart devices are becoming increasingly common."

The number of devices on home Wi-Fi networks continues to increase, with industry research suggesting the average household now has an average of 16 connected devices.

Moran added: "Fortunately, most slow Wi-Fi issues caused by having too many connected devices can be easily managed, and simple steps can make a big difference.

"It could be as easy as removing unused devices or using an ethernet cable where possible, to needing an upgrade to a modern router or a new internet plan if all else fails."

4K streaming and frequent updates running in the background can silently eat bandwidth, even when the device is in standby.

Online gaming and downloads demand constant data, often slowing other devices in the house.

Gaining popularity in recent years, smart speakers may seem small but with frequent background updates and voice queries, they require constant bandwidth without you realising.

They may only use a little bandwidth, but collectively, gadgets like robot vacuums, thermostats, security cameras and smart bulbs can cause a strain on your network.