Top Tech Tricks To Have Higher Internet Speeds

Are you wondering whether your internet speed is as fast as it could be? Do you want to know the secret to increasing internet speeds?

Since it began, the internet has come a long way, with over 4.72 billion people using the internet in 2021. But not all internet speeds are equal. 

Maybe your internet is so slow that you can make coffee while a webpage is loading. Or your provider’s internet speed promises are fading faster than Netflix is loading.

Either way, do not give up just yet. There are ways you can boost your internet speed. Read on to learn the top tips to do so. 

1.  Restart or Reset Your Router 

Resetting or restarting your router is one of the quickest ways to try to boost internet speed. It is not a resolution for all internet problems, but it is the best place to start.

Restarting your router is when you unplug it from its power source, then plug it back in. You can do this once a month, or even every day if it seems to be increasing internet speed. Sometimes after a storm, this can be helpful too. 

When you reset your router, you restore it to factory settings. This can be useful if a restart has not improved speed. There is usually a button on your device to do this.

Any settings, such as the password and network name, will reset. It can also help boost internet speed, but it is a more technical step. 

2. Move Your Router or Upgrade

The best position for your router is in the middle of where you live. Ideally, place it in the room or on the floor where you use the internet most. The signal strength reduces with distance, so the closer you are, the better.

If your router is old or worn, speak to your Internet Service Provider about upgrading the router. 

3. Check Your Security Settings 

You must protect your wifi network. If people can access your Wi-Fi, your internet speed will reduce. Check your settings and ensure you have password protection, ideally with a password that is not easy to guess. 

You can also scan for viruses, as malware can slow internet speeds and use up bandwidth. Use a simple antivirus program to do this. 

4. Change Browsers and Block Ads 

Many people have multiple tabs open at one time. But did you know those tabs can slow down your internet speeds? 

You may have browser add-ons or extensions. Or the multiple pages are using up your computer’s memory. Whatever the cause, it is worth trying a different browser to see if it makes a difference.

Browsers such as Brave and Opera offer streamlined browsing that improves internet speeds. They have Adblock features, which can also optimize internet speeds. Ads, such as videos, often use up data. 

5. Clear Cache 

It is never a bad idea to clear the internet cache once in a while. It is where browsing history, passwords, and other saved web data are stored. Clearing the cache can improve internet speed.

The steps to clear cache depends on your browser. But usually, you select the history or tools tab at the top of the browser. You then select ‘clear all history’ and adjust options to remove everything or only some items.

6. Disconnect Devices

US households own an average of 11 devices. You may notice a faster internet speed when you start to disconnect devices that you are not using. If many devices are connected, the bandwidth is used up, which slows down internet speeds. 

7. Clean Devices

Devices such as computers and laptops slow down when many tasks are running. If you notice specific devices have slower internet speeds, check the task manager. Close any tasks that do not need to be running. 

8. Change Wi-Fi Channels

If you live near many people, such as in an apartment, routers might be competing. Wi-Fi has different channels to prevent overlap. Some routers automatically select the best channel to avoid signal conflict.

If you think many Wi-Fi connections are using the same channel. If you do not feel confident doing this, it is best to contact your internet provider. 

9. Ethernet for the Win

Cabled connections such as Ethernet usually offer faster internet speeds. The internet goes directly to your device with the cable. Streaming videos and playing video games with a wired connection will be faster.

10. Buy an Extender

A Wi-Fi extender uses a wall socket and can extend the range of the wifi from the router. It is a great tip to optimize internet speeds in home areas where wifi does not reach or seems slower. They are also simple to set up. 

11. Consider Data Caps 

A data cap is a limit on the internet amount you can use every month. It is worth checking if your internet provider has a data cap. If you do, and you need more internet, talk to your provider about changing plans.

12. Negotiate or Change Providers

Do an internet speed test. Check your internet is the speed it is supposed to be. If it is not, and you have tried all the other tips, it is time to talk to your provider. 

Ask your internet provider if they offer different internet speed plans. Speak to them because not all deals will be listed online. 

If your provider is not offering solutions, consider changing providers. It will provide a long-term solution.

Check what your area offers. For example, cable and DSL internet can provide faster internet speeds.

Optimize Internet Speeds with These Tips

Slow internet is painful. Not just when it freezes at a film cliffhanger, but when it impacts daily tasks such as work or study. Do not settle for slow internet speeds!

One or more of these hacks will boost your internet speed. Have patience, and take your time to find what works for your situation. Before you know it, your internet speed will come back faster than ever. 

Do you want to learn more? Be sure to check out all of Bandwith Place’s resources for more internet tips and tricks.