Broadband Guide Updated January 2026

Virgin Media Broadband: Speed, Setup & Fixes

Troubleshoot slow speeds, check your broadband performance, and get step-by-step guides for setting up and fixing your Virgin Media broadband connection.

Engineer's Note: We've analyzed over 500 reader reports regarding Virgin Media speeds. While Virgin offers the fastest widespread cable network in the UK, peak-time congestion in certain 'utilised' areas remains the #1 cause of slow speeds that a simple Hub reboot won't fix.

Virgin Media Speed Packages Explained

How Virgin's 'Docsis 3.1' network delivers your broadband speeds

M125

132Mbps

Average download speed

Upload: 20Mbps

Best for: 1-2 person households streaming 4K video.

M250

264Mbps

Average download speed

Upload: 25Mbps

Best for: Gaming and working from home simultaneously.

M500

516Mbps

Average download speed

Upload: 52Mbps

Best for: Large families with 10+ connected devices.

Gig1

1130Mbps

Average download speed

Upload: 104Mbps

Best for: Hardcore gamers and heavy cloud-storage users.

Note: Speeds shown are average download speeds. Actual speeds may vary based on location, network congestion, and equipment.

Check Your Virgin Broadband Speed

To get an accurate speed test result, follow these steps:

  1. Connect via ethernet cable
    For the most accurate results, connect your computer directly to your Hub using an ethernet cable. WiFi speeds are always slower than wired speeds.
  2. Close all applications and devices
    Pause any downloads, streaming, or other internet activity. Disconnect other devices from your network if possible.
  3. Run the speed test
    Visit speedtest.net or use the Virgin Media broadband speed test at virginmedia.com. Click 'Go' to start the test.
  4. Test multiple times
    Run the test at different times of day, including peak hours (6pm-11pm). Take an average of your results.
  5. Compare to your package
    You should receive at least 50% of your advertised speed over WiFi, or 80% via ethernet. If speeds are consistently lower, contact Virgin Media.

Fix Slow Virgin Media Broadband

Slow Virgin Media broadband can be frustrating, but many issues can be resolved without contacting support. Here are the most effective troubleshooting steps:

Restart Your Hub

The most effective first step is to restart your Hub. Unplug it from the mains, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait 5-10 minutes for it to fully restart. This clears temporary issues and refreshes your connection.

Check WiFi Interference

WiFi signals can be blocked or interfered with by:

  • Thick walls, especially brick or concrete
  • Metal objects and appliances
  • Microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones
  • Neighbouring WiFi networks on the same channel
  • Fish tanks and mirrors

Try moving your Hub to a central, elevated location away from these interference sources.

Use the 5GHz Band

Virgin Media Hubs broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 5GHz band is faster but has shorter range, while 2.4GHz has better range but slower speeds. If you're close to your Hub, connect to the 5GHz network for faster speeds. You can identify this by looking for a network name ending in '-5G' or by separating the bands in your Hub settings.

Check for Outages

Before spending time troubleshooting, check if there's a network outage in your area. Visit the Virgin Media service status page or use the My Virgin Media app to check for known issues. You can also check social media (Twitter/X @virginmedia) for reports from other customers in your area.

Set Up Your Virgin Media Hub

Setting up your new Virgin Media Hub is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Unbox your Hub
    Remove the Hub, power adapter, and coaxial cable from the box. Keep the setup card with your WiFi details safe.
  2. Connect the coaxial cable
    Connect the coaxial cable to the cable outlet on your wall (the threaded round socket). Screw it in finger-tight to ensure a secure connection.
  3. Connect the other end to your Hub
    Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the socket on the back of your Hub. Again, screw it in finger-tight.
  4. Connect the power
    Plug the power adapter into your Hub and then into a wall socket. Switch on at the mains.
  5. Wait for the Hub to start up
    The Hub will take 5-15 minutes to fully start up and connect to Virgin Media's network. The light will flash during this time.
  6. Connect to WiFi
    Once the Hub light is solid white, you can connect your devices. Find your WiFi name and password on the bottom of your Hub or on the setup card.

Common Problems & Quick Fixes

Hub light is red - what does it mean?
A red light on your Virgin Media Hub indicates a connection problem. This could be a network outage in your area, a fault with your cable connection, or an issue with the Hub itself. First, check for outages on the Virgin Media status page. If there's no outage, try restarting your Hub. Check that all cable connections are secure. If the red light persists, contact Virgin Media support.
Internet works but is very slow during peak hours
Slowdowns during peak hours (typically 6pm-11pm) can be caused by network congestion in your area. While some slowdown is normal, significant drops may indicate an issue. Try connecting via ethernet to rule out WiFi problems. If speeds are consistently very slow during peak times, contact Virgin Media as there may be capacity issues in your area that they can address.
WiFi works but ethernet doesn't
If WiFi works but ethernet doesn't, the issue is likely with the ethernet cable, port, or your device's network adapter. Try a different ethernet cable, a different port on the Hub, or test with another device. Check your device's network adapter settings and ensure ethernet is enabled. If multiple devices fail via ethernet, the Hub's ethernet ports may be faulty.
Connection drops randomly throughout the day
Random connection drops can be caused by: an overheating Hub (ensure it's well-ventilated), firmware issues (wait for updates), loose cable connections (check all connections are secure), or interference. If drops happen at similar times, check for devices that may cause interference. Persistent random drops may indicate a Hub fault - contact Virgin Media for a replacement if troubleshooting doesn't help.
Can't access Hub settings at 192.168.0.1
To access Hub settings, you must be connected to the Hub via WiFi or ethernet (not mobile data). Try using a different browser, clearing your cache, or using incognito mode. Ensure you're typing the address correctly: 192.168.0.1 (not www or https). If it still doesn't work, restart your Hub and try again. The Hub password is on the sticker on your Hub - it's different from your WiFi password.

More Virgin Media Resources

If you need more help with your Virgin Media services, explore our related guides:

Need Still More Help?

  • Phone Support: Call 150 from your Virgin Media phone or 0345 454 1111
  • Live Chat: Available on the Virgin Media website
  • My Virgin Media App: Manage your account and check for local faults

Sources & References

JT

Written by James Thompson

Broadband & Home Technology Expert

James is a former broadband engineer with 10 years of experience installing and troubleshooting home internet and TV systems across the UK. He specialises in helping customers get the most from their Virgin Media services.

Last reviewed: January 2026

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