How to Increase Internet Speed: Troubleshooting Tips and Quick Fixes

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to boost your internet speed. From quick fixes to more in-depth troubleshooting, we’ve got you covered.

Why Is My Internet So Slow?

Before we get into ways to boost your internet speed, it’s important to understand what might be slowing it down. Each problem has its own solution, so let’s first pinpoint what’s causing the slowdown.

Here are the top 3 reasons why your internet might be slow: 

1. There’s an Issue With Your Device 

Slow internet can be a by-product of device performance issues. Common things that could be wrong are:

• • The software is outdated. Software updates keep your device running smoothly. They correct bugs and patch security issues found by the manufacturer. It’s always a good idea to have the latest version of your operating system. If you want apps to run smoothly, ensure they’re all up-to-date, too.
    
  • You have malware on your device. Malicious software runs quietly in the background and uses a lot of data. When your device is infected with malware, cybercriminals transfer hidden files to and from your device. This takes up processing power and slows down your device – including your internet connection.
  • Your device isn’t built for heavy-duty activities. If you have a low-RAM device and try to run heavy-duty programs, it’s natural to experience poor performance. For example, if you’re trying to run cutting-edge video editing software or video games on your old 2011 Windows laptop, your general computer speed will be slow. Older devices can deteriorate to a point where they just don’t function well anymore.
    
  • You’re running too many tasks. Every device has its limit, and if you run too many tasks simultaneously, your internet speed can suffer. Try closing some windows and shutting down unnecessary tasks in your task manager to see if things improve. 

2. Your Router May Have a Problem

If you’re sure it’s not a device issue, it’s time to check your router. Routers manage all your internet traffic and turn incoming internet signals into a wireless (Wi-Fi) signal using radio waves. As a result, lots can go wrong in the process.

Your Wi-Fi router can cause slow internet speeds for several reasons – here are the top 5:

1. Outdated router. If you have an old modem or router, it may not support fast Wi-Fi speeds or the latest Wi-Fi standards. The fix for this is simple – get a new router.
   
2. Poor placement. When your router or modem is far away from your devices or blocked by thick walls, the signal is weaker. Choose the most central location for your route where your main devices can pick up strong signals.
   
3. Number of devices. Having too many different devices connected at once can slow things down. If you can’t afford to disconnect devices, consider getting a second router to strengthen the signal.
   
4. Signal interference. Devices like baby monitors and microwaves can mess with your Wi-Fi signal – especially if they’re too close to your router.
   
5. Outdated Software. If your router’s firmware is outdated, it can lead to speed issues. You can contact your ISP to ask how to update your router’s firmware. In the worst-case scenario, get a new router.
   

3. Your ISP Is Throttling Your Connection

Your ISP can see almost everything you do online. If it notices you use a lot of data for high-resolution streaming, gaming, or downloading, it may throttle your connection. ISPs do this to preserve internet bandwidth, but you also have the right to enjoy service that works well.

You can use a VPN to stop your ISP from seeing your online activity. VPNs use strong encryption and reroute your traffic through secure tunnels. This stops your ISP from seeing your activity. That way, it won’t have any reason to throttle you. 

How to Check Your Internet Speed

Before you try to boost your internet speed, it’s a good idea to know exactly how fast your connection is. Running a speed test gives you a quick snapshot of your internet performance and helps pinpoint any issues. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Pick a Trusted Speed Test Tool

Head over to a trusted site like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Just hit “Go” to see your download, upload, and ping speeds in seconds.

2. Test on Different Devices

Run the speed test on multiple devices, like your phone, tablet, and computer. This can help you figure out if the problem is just with one device or if it’s your whole network.

3. Compare Wired vs. Wi-Fi

If you can, try testing both your Wi-Fi and a direct Ethernet connection. This will show if slow speeds are due to Wi-Fi issues or if there’s a bigger problem with your connection.

4. Check Against Your ISP Plan

Compare your results with the speeds your Internet Service Provider (ISP) promises. If you’re not getting what you pay for, it’s worth giving them a call.

5. Test at Different Times

Run tests throughout the day. Your speeds can vary based on network congestion and other factors, so testing at different times gives you a better overall view.

How to Increase Internet Speed

Ready to boost your internet speed? Once you’ve identified potential causes of slowdowns, it’s time to tackle them. Here’s how to increase your internet speed with simple troubleshooting steps and proven fixes:

1. Check Your Device

First, check your internet speed from multiple devices to know if the issue is coming from your device or router. If it’s from your device, try a simple restart. You’d be surprised how simply turning your device off and back can fix small bugs that cause big issues. 

It’s also important to restart your device after making any big updates or changes. Neglecting software updates, full memory, and long use can slow your internet. Clearing up storage space and updating your device to fix bugs improves your device’s performance.

2. Restart Your Router

If the speed test shows your internet is slow and the problem definitely isn’t your device, it’s time to check your modem or router. Like all tech devices, sometimes, they just need a restart. Unplug it from the power, wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. 

You’d be surprised how often this works! This short pause can fix minor glitches or problems and help you get faster internet. 

3. Update Your Router’s Firmware

The software on your router is called firmware, and as with all software, it’s important to keep it updated. Staying on track with updates can help improve internet performance and fix security issues. 

You can usually find available updates on your ISPs or router manufacturers’ websites. It’s not too challenging and you don’t need to be a tech buff to do it. If you have any doubts, just contact your ISP and they should talk you through the process. 

4. Move Your Router to a Central Location

The location of your router is very important. If it’s hiding in a corner or behind furniture, you are probably not getting a strong signal. Routers work better when they are in the open and in a central place in your home. 

Putting it up high, like on a shelf or on a wall, can be helpful. Also, keep it away from other electronics, like baby monitors or microwaves, because they can mess with the signal. A properly placed router means faster speeds and a stronger wireless connection in your home.

5. Upgrade Your Router

If you have an old router, it may be time to upgrade it. Older routers can’t always handle the fast internet speeds we have today. They can also have trouble supporting more devices. 

Newer models work with quicker Wi-Fi standards and protocols, such as Wi-Fi 6. If your home is large and has areas with no signal or “dead zones”, a mesh network might be a good idea. Mesh networks have multiple nodes that can communicate with each other to expand the signal area. 

6. Adjust Your Router Settings

Tuning your router settings can help you get faster internet. You can usually do this by logging into your ISP website with your credentials. Try lowering the RTS threshold. This can help reduce traffic, especially in busy places like apartment buildings. 

You can also turn on Quality of Service (QoS). This lets you prioritize important tasks, like video calls or gaming, over things that can wait. You can also try adjusting the channel width. This can boost your speeds but may lower the range a little. These simple changes to different settings can make a big difference in your connection speed.

7. Check for Malware

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your internet connection itself. It could also be a sign of malware on your device. Malware can secretly use your data and resources. 

To check where your processing power is going, open your Task Manager if you’re using Windows. If you’re on a Mac, open Activity Monitor. 

Look for any programs you don’t recognize and check online to see if they’ve been associated with malware by other netizens. It’s also a good idea to run regular malware scans. 

You can find plenty of free anti-virus options online (always check reviews) and even the free scans help. However, for more thorough malware detection, you might want to consider a paid option if it’s within your budget.

8. Change Your Wi-Fi Channel

Wi-Fi channels have different levels of traffic, and some are less crowded. Switching channels might boost your internet speed. To change your Wi-Fi channel, go to your router’s settings. 

Every router is a bit different, but look for an option called “channel.” You’ll see a list of numbers. Channels close together often overlap, so choose one further away from your current channel.

9. Limit Background Programs

Background programs on your devices could be using up too much bandwidth. This can slow down your internet. You can see this by opening Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac. 

Close any programs that are taking up too much bandwidth. You can also turn off programs that open at Startup unnecessarily. This frees up bandwidth and makes your internet run faster for other tasks.

10. Limit the Number of Connected Devices

Too many devices linked to your Wi-Fi can make it slow. If you do not use some devices, disconnect them. Think about making a guest network for your visitors. This will help limit how much internet they use. 

If you have tasks that need a lot of internet, like big downloads, do them when fewer people are online. Fewer devices will give better speeds to the ones that need it most.

11. Use a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Network

A mesh network is a system of multiple devices working together to spread Wi-Fi evenly throughout your home.

To fix weak signals or dead zones, you can use a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network. Extenders boost your router’s signal strength, while mesh systems add extra access points for seamless coverage, even in hard-to-reach areas like basements or garages.

12. Upgrade Your Internet Plan

Sometimes, the only way to get faster internet is to upgrade your plan. If your home needs more than what you have now, talk to your internet provider about better speed options. 

You can also use your ZIP code to check for the best internet providers where you live. Not all ISPs can provide the same level of signal to areas. While one provider may work perfectly in one district, it might be poor in another area. Ask around to find the best internet plan for your area.

13. Use a VPN to Prevent ISP Throttling

If you think throttling is causing slow internet but don’t want to switch your ISP, a VPN could help. VPNs send your internet traffic through secure servers. This might slow things down slightly, but they can actually make your connection faster.

A VPN stops your ISP from throttling your speed by hiding your IP address. This makes it harder for your ISP to track how much data you’re using. 

As a result, your internet may run faster. A VPN also protects your privacy and lets you access your favorite content at home or on the go. 

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