Everybody wants faster internet and Wi-Fi. But there’s a lot of info out there and a lot of potential solutions you can try, and not all of them work. Some tips are straight-up fake and others are really technical and/or expensive.
We’re here to help you speed up your Wi-Fi and internet on the cheap, and without having to spend a million hours figuring out how your router works. We looked at everything from your router, and device, to your browser, and even your internet provider. Let’s dig in.
1. Keep in mind your data cap
One of the main causes of sluggish internet speed today is data limitations. For obvious reasons, ISPs don’t publicize their bandwidth limitations, although they can drastically damage your connection.
There is a monthly limit on the quantity of data you can use, which can range from a few hundred megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes. Your ISP will severely slow down your internet if you go over your data cap. You’ll see, too.
Check your bill to see whether you have a data cap if you are unsure. Most likely you do, and the details will be in the small print. Talk to your carrier about a higher data plan if you consistently go over your monthly data limit.
2. Take a vacation from your router
Refresh your internet connection and give your router a break around once a month. If you frequently have problems with upload and download speeds, you might think about daily router resets.
Reset your modem if it’s separate from your router. Turning the modem on and off again resets the device, which improves your connection to your ISP. You don’t wish to add any more tasks to your list of to-dos. Simple: buy a programmable outlet timer like the one from Century. You can use a timer to turn on and off the system by plugging in your modem and router. Every night while you are in bed, set the timer to restart the system.
3. Adjust your router.
Quick question: Is your router located in a far-off area of your home? Then move it.
Your internet connection speed will deteriorate if the router’s Wi-Fi signal can’t get to you. Place your router in the middle of your home, preferably on the floor where you spend the most time. Place your router on the same level as your living room, if that’s where you spend the most of your time.
4. Adopt Ethernet
Nowadays, Wi-Fi is used by everyone, which is fantastic. Although wireless connections are fantastic and practical, they are not necessarily quick. Ethernet and other cabled connections will always be quicker and more dependable than wireless ones. Instead than depending on over-the-air transmissions, the cable delivers the signal directly to your connected device.
If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect your most crucial gadgets to the internet.
You can use ethernet to link the following various devices:
TV
Xbox, PlayStation, or another gaming system
a desktop or laptop computer
Cable connections are the finest, especially if you frequently watch data-intensive material like videos on your TV.
And ethernet is naturally more secure than Wi-Fi, which is a perk. If you wish to completely protect the privacy of your banking information,
5. Disallow these adverts
Nearly all content providers show adverts. You can find unending advertisements, images, GIFs, and automatically playing videos wherever you go online.
Your internet connection speed matters even if you don’t mind watching or seeing ads. Your internet connection becomes slower as a result of ad media, therefore sometimes it’s just simpler to block them. Install an ad-blocking plugin to stop those data-intensive auto-play movies, and your connection will have more breathing room as a result.
Adblock Plus is the ad-blocking plugin we advise using. Most online browsers support it, and it is free. A few VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, also provide ad blocks.
6. Make use of a quick browser
If you’re anything like us, you frequently have hundreds of browser tabs and windows open. (You will actually read that 2014 Buzzfeed listicle. We are aware.) But since so much open content can slow down your internet connection, we advised keeping a backup browser like Opera.
Opera simplifies all the information on web sites to make browsing faster for you. Although we wouldn’t advise using Opera every day, you can switch to it without affecting your tab ecology if you truly need to search something up and your Wi-Fi connection is really bad.
7. Install malware and virus scanners
We strongly advise installing antivirus and malware-scanning software if you haven’t already. It should go without saying that any viruses or spyware on your computer will significantly slow down your internet speed. Additionally, you should typically have protection software installed.
Once you’ve installed some reliable software, configure it to automatically run periodic malware and virus scans. If the software does uncover any malware or viruses that are already there (the cause of your poor internet connection), have it uninstalled by a computer professional and resume simple browsing.
8. Add a plugin that will “clean cache”
It’s time to learn what a “cache” on your web browser is if you’ve never heard of one. Browsers gather tidbits of information about you as you visit websites and enter data, frequently in the form of cookies. Based on your surfing habits, marketers utilise your data to give you relevant advertising for products you might wish to buy. This idea is probably already known to you if you’ve ever had the same advertisement follow you over the internet.
You must “clear the cache” on your browser in order to remove all of those cookies and trackers. Manually performing this task is possible, but using a plugin like Clear Cache for Chrome makes it simpler.
9. Speak to your internet service provider and bargain
There may be more than one ISP in your town, even though there is only one. Your internet provider may offer a higher download and upload speed plan that would be more beneficial to you if you are unhappy with your current internet connection. Although paying more each month is not enjoyable, if your internet is making you crazy and there is no better provider in sight, it can be your only choice.
To learn what other customers are paying for comparable plans, call your provider and inquire about alternate options. You can also conduct some online research. Additionally, you might be able to uncover offers online that the business won’t disclose to you over the phone.
10. Switch internet service providers
The largest issue can occasionally be your internet service provider. Although this advice isn’t always quick or simple, it is useful and may end up saving you money over time. Consider switching if your current internet provider is going to supply you with a slow internet connection no matter how many other solutions you try.
It should be very easy to check to see if the other provider that covers your area offers lower costs for higher internet speeds as there are often just a few Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in each location. Examine this list of the top ISPs and this month’s internet specials to see if another provider might offer you a lower rate.
ow