If waiting for this page to load was a true test of your patience, know that you've found the right story to fix that. We've all suffered an infuriatingly slow internet connection and felt like we had no choice but to suffer through it and find ways to occupy our time while we wait for each page to painstakingly load. If you're Wi-Fi feels more like your old dial-up connection, then these tips and tricks for a faster internet connection are for you.
The best part? Many of these tips are shockingly easy. Soon enough, you'll forget what the buffering symbol even looks like because you'll be busy browsing uninhibited by a temperamental connection.
Click through to read all of the tips and tricks we've found to fix a slow internet connection and get your Wi-Fi working at top speed.
Know What Plan You Have
Before you throw your head back, fists shaking to the heavens in anguish, check your plan. Sometimes your internet is slow because you are paying for slow internet. What might sound like a fast plan may not be the best fit for what you are using the internet for.
So, how do you know if your internet isn't all it should be, or if you're just paying for an insufficient connection speed?
First, either go online or call your internet service provider to find out what your current plan is. Once you have that, go to Speedtest.net to see if you are actually getting the most out of your internet. (Chances are, if you're reading this, you aren't.) If the number on Speedtest.net is lower than your plan, then the next few tips and tricks will help you close the gap. If it's the same as your plan and you still feel like it's too slow, then you might want to consider upgrading to a faster plan.
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to your Wi-Fi router, placement matters. As tempting as it is to put your router on the floor in the corner of a room, but that's one of the worst places you can put it.
If it's possible, put your router in a central location. The closer to the router, the stronger the signal, so the more central it is, the more likely it is that you'll make the most of a stronger signal. Additionally, putting your router in an elevated place such as a bookshelf will help boost the signal as well. Avoid metal, brick, or concrete walls. They will inhibit the signal.
Antennas haven't seemed to matter since the days of televisions with bunny ears, but antenna placement can noticeably boost your Wi-Fi signal. This sounds counterintuitive, but if you have a multi-story home, put the antennas horizontally. If you're trying to maximize your radius on a single floor, place the antennas vertically.
Make Sure It's Not Your Router
When it comes to a slow Wi-Fi connection, it's better to methodically eliminate than to guess. There's a chance that it's your router. As silly as it sounds, try turning it on and off again. Leave it off for a few minutes before rebooting it.
Still slow? It could be due to other routers nearby. This can particularly be a problem in apartment buildings where there are a lot of nearby routers. Signal interference or a lot of routers being on the same channel can slow down your connection speed.
Luckily, switching your channel is quick and easy. First, you need to access your router's web interface: Open a web browser and type in your router's IP address (you can usually find it on the bottom of the router near where they put the default network name and password). You'll likely be asked to type in a username and password (also usually printed on the router itself). From there, look for the Wi-Fi settings. This is where you'll see what channel your router is currently on. For the most part, routers are usually set to channels 6 or 11. If you set yours to a different channel, your router will be competing with fewer device signals, thus increasing your router's signal.
Is It Your Device?
If it's just one device that's slow and the rest are fine, then it could be a hardware issue rather than a Wi-Fi signal issue. Updating the driver software on your device can help improve Wi-Fi performance.
Go to System Preferences for Mac, and see if you have any software updates.
For Windows, select the Start button before clicking Device Manager. Then select Update Driver.
Be Proactive With Your Router
Instead of waiting until your Wi-Fi is already sluggish before rebooting your router, try setting it to restart on its own once a week or even once a day overnight. Consider buying a grounded outlet timer that you can set to restart at your chosen frequency. With all the devices you have connected to your Wi-Fi, it's easy for your router to get bogged down. Regularly rebooting it will help it from getting overwhelmed and slowing down.
Try Something New & Potentially Unexpected
If your Wi-Fi signal is fine in some places, but you have dreaded dead zones in your house where the signal inexplicably drops, you might need to strengthen your signal. This can be done in a couple ways, some of which are more traditional than others. You might consider a Wi-Fi signal extender; sometimes your router needs a little help to cover your whole house.
You can buy them in most stores with a tech section or online, but you can also build a makeshift signal booster out of an empty beer or soda can.
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