Fast and reliable internet service is a modern-day necessity. You need sufficient bandwidth to take buffer-free video calls for work and play lag-free video games. Many internet providers offer cutting-edge internet connections to bring their customers the necessary speeds. Still, even the most advanced internet plans can get bogged down by technical issues. If you’re experiencing a sluggish connection, try one of these quick fixes to improve your internet speeds today:
- Optimize Your Browsing Device
- Turn Your Router On and Off
- Relocate Your Router
- Use the Correct Wi-Fi Frequency Channel
- Disconnect Dormant Devices From Your Wi-Fi Network
- Update Your Equipment
- Try a Wi-Fi Range Extender
- Shop for Faster Internet Service
1. Optimize Your Browsing Device
You can boost your Wi-Fi speeds by keeping your devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, etc.) in prime condition. These three “tune-ups” can get your device humming once again:
- Clear the cache. Your internet connection might not be the reason for slow-loading websites. As you spend time online, your browser collects data in its cache. This data helps your browser remember how to load each page quickly. But the cache can become so full over time that it ends up doing the opposite. If your browser is slowing down and repeatedly crashing, your cache may be full.
- Update your software. When your computer reminds you that it’s time for a system update, do you habitually click “Remind Me Later”? Your slow internet speeds may be a consequence of outdated software. Paying top dollar for an internet plan with the highest speeds but neglecting to update your device is like buying a Ferrari but not filling it with gas.
- Restart your device. If you haven’t shut down your device in a while, the random access memory (RAM) might be full, forcing your operating system to use swap files — a laborious way to create more memory on your device. Shutting down your device stops programs from running in the background, frees up RAM, and improves its overall speed.
How Secure Is Your Internet? Internet security is another way to maintain fast Wi-Fi because it protects your network from cyberattacks and leeches. Internet providers like CenturyLink and Viasat include network security in all plans. |
2. Turn Your Router On and Off
Sometimes a hard reset is all your router needs to get its Wi-Fi act together. Like your computer, your router has an operating system that can occasionally be derailed by technical issues. Restarting your router can improve its functionality by clearing its cache, letting it cool down, and selecting a more optimal frequency channel. To get the most out of your router reset, wait at least 10 seconds before reconnecting it. Waiting guarantees that the reset completely clears your router’s memory.
Internet Insights: Your internet service provider delivers internet into your home through your modem. A router directs (or routes) the internet signal to your devices wirelessly. AT&T customers get a Wi-Fi gateway that acts as both modem and router to deliver the internet through one device. |
3. Relocate Your Router
Place your router high off the ground and in an open space to maximize your Wi-Fi speeds. Positioning your router in a cabinet or on the floor gives your Wi-Fi signal unnecessary barriers to move through. On the other hand, placing it on an open shelf near the center of your home makes the signal more accessible to your devices.
You can also move your router’s hardware to amplify its speed if it has adjustable external antennas. Position the antennas so that one is vertical and the other is horizontal. Wi-Fi signals are weaker when traveling through walls at an angle. Adjusting your router’s antennas can strengthen the signals it sends and boost your internet speeds.
4. Use the Correct Wi-Fi Frequency Channel
Internet customers tend to leave their Wi-Fi frequency on “Auto,” allowing the router to choose the channel. Most routers offer Wi-Fi on two different bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. You can get better speeds with 5 GHz, but you will have greater range with 2.4 GHz.
That said, there’s no harm in experimenting with each Wi-Fi band to increase your internet speeds. Use this table to find the right Wi-Fi frequency channel for your needs:
Best Applications for 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Frequencies
Wi-Fi applications | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
Gaming | ✔ | |
Streaming | ✔ | |
Smart home | ✔ | |
Coverage area | ✔ |
5. Disconnect Dormant Devices From Your Wi-Fi Network
Do you know how many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network? Your phone and computers may be what comes to mind, but more devices may be connected to your Wi-Fi than you might realize.
Home security systems, smart door locks, voice-controlled speakers (like Alexa or the Google Home Mini), game consoles, and smart thermostats (like Nest) also require a Wi-Fi connection. If any of these devices are unused, disconnect them to keep your Wi-Fi traffic fluid.
If you have a Wi-Fi management account, you can spot Wi-Fi leeches or unknown devices nearby that are connected to your Wi-Fi network (without paying for your service). Creating a strong Wi-Fi password is usually all you need to keep your neighbors out of your network.
6. Update Your Equipment
Sometimes your Wi-Fi speeds are slow because your router is outdated. Router manufacturers are only recently creating products that are more compatible with the army of smart devices people keep in their homes. We recommend that you upgrade your router at least every three years to make sure it can handle technological advances.
7. Try a Wi-Fi Range Extender
You may have the best internet plan available in your area but still experience slow Wi-Fi speeds. This issue is a common problem in larger homes. The solution to this technical issue is pretty easy: get a Wi-Fi range extender (also known as an enhancer or repeater).
Internet Provider Perk: Experience next-gen Wi-Fi when you take advantage of Xfinity xFi Complete, Xfinity’s whole-home Wi-Fi setup. |
A Wi-Fi range extender does just what its name implies: It extends the Wi-Fi signal to less accessible areas in your home. If you can identify with any of the following conditions, you may benefit from adding a Wi-Fi extender to your living space:
- You use Wi-Fi outside your home.
- You have Wi-Fi dead spots in your home.
- Your wired internet connection is significantly faster than your Wi-Fi connection.
- Your home is more than 2,000 square feet.
8. Shop for Faster Internet Service
If you’ve tried all these Wi-Fi hacks and still aren’t satisfied with your internet speeds, you may need an internet service upgrade. The 100 Mbps that let you and your partner watch all your favorite Netflix shows might not cut it now that your kids are doing homework, gaming, and streaming on their devices, too.
But don’t worry. We’re sure there is competitively priced internet service with wicked-fast speeds out there with your name on it. Just type in your address below to find the fastest internet plan available in your area: