You can improve your internet speed through various methods, such as keeping your browser up to date, detecting and eliminating malware, rebooting your devices, installing a Wi-Fi extender, or switching to a different Wi-Fi channel.
Here are 15 methods to enhance internet stability on your phone, computer, or home network.
1. Reduce the Distance Between the Router and Your Device
Getting closer to the router or repositioning it to a better location is an effective way to improve internet stability. The greater the gap between your device and the router, the more your internet speed tends to drop. Your device doesn’t need to be right next to the router, but reducing the distance makes a difference. Verify that no thick walls or other barriers are blocking the signal between your router and your device.
Not all routers are created equal; some provide a strong signal, while others are weaker. If the signal is still weak even when you’re close to the router, it might be time to consider purchasing a new one. Browse available router options in your area and choose one that suits your needs.
2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Browsing History
Accumulated cached data can slow down website loading or cause partial loading. Clearing the cache removes conflicting files, contributing to improved internet stability. Keep in mind that clearing this data might sign you out of websites, so be sure to have your login details ready.
Follow these steps to remove cached data in Chrome:
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Launch Chrome and select the three-dot icon located in the upper-right corner of the window.
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Select “More Tools,” then “Clear Browsing Data.”
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Make sure you’ve checked all relevant cache options, including browsing history, cookies and site data, as well as cached images and files.
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Click “Clear Data.”
Clearing the browsing history on your smartphone or tablet can also help improve your internet connection’s stability.
3. Update Your Browser
A sluggish browser could simply mean it’s not up to date. Updating your browser helps fix bugs, enhance security, and improve performance. Try updating Chrome or any browser you use and check if it resolves the issue.
To update Chrome:
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Open the three-dot menu, navigate to “Settings,” and select “About Chrome.” To update Firefox, follow these steps:
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Click the menu icon with three horizontal lines, go to “Help,” and then click on “About Firefox.”
4. Scan Your System for Viruses
Viruses and malware can infiltrate your device in various ways, from using unsecured public Wi-Fi to phishing attacks. Infections can consume significant bandwidth, especially when spying on your personal files or downloading malicious code. To prevent this, use a security program to scan your computer thoroughly, detecting and removing malware and other threats to ensure improved internet stability.
5. Close Bandwidth-Consuming Programs and Applications
When your computer or laptop has a sluggish internet connection while other devices perform well, it’s a good idea to review background processes. Some unused applications might be consuming bandwidth and causing slow speeds. Stop these background programs and close unused applications to potentially improve internet stability.
Follow these steps to shut down background apps and programs that can slow down your internet connection on your computer:
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Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
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Click the “Network” column under the “Processes” tab to identify processes consuming the most bandwidth.
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Close unnecessary programs.
6. Fix Network Congestion in Your Home
Multiple devices on your network can cause Wi-Fi signal interference, leading to performance drops. Here are some tips to reduce congestion:
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Disconnect unused devices: Disconnecting unused devices redirects resources to actively used ones. Devices like gaming consoles and smart home gadgets often download updates silently, which can greatly reduce your internet speed unless you regularly take steps to maintain a stable connection.
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Use QoS to prioritize traffic: Most routers offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings, allowing you to prioritize bandwidth for specific activities instead of splitting it evenly. For example, you can allocate more bandwidth to streaming, significantly improving internet stability.
Find more:
What Do You Know About QoS Standards?To enable QoS:
- In your web browser, enter the router’s IP address, typically found on a label on the router itself, into the address bar.
- Log in with the router’s username and password (typically found on the router).
- Look for a menu option titled Quality of Service (QoS), advanced configuration, or network traffic control.
- Activate QoS; this option might appear as a switch or a checkbox you can select.
- Schedule bandwidth-heavy activities: If you know you’ll need significant bandwidth, schedule it for specific times based on other household members’ activities. If another person is consuming a large portion of the bandwidth, consider waiting or kindly requesting them to pause any non-essential activities.
- Create a guest network for visitors: Set up a guest network using the 2.4 GHz band for visitors. This limits their access to basic tasks like checking social media, which should suffice.
7. Restart Your Router or Modem
Rebooting your router or modem can frequently resolve slow internet speeds. Performance issues may stem from cached data or minor software errors. Unplugging the router clears these issues.
To restart the router, disconnect it from the power source for at least 30 seconds to clear any cached data. This simple step also contributes to improving internet stability for all devices connected to the network, acting as an internet speed booster for your home Wi-Fi network. If your internet speed remains slow on a particular device, look for programs consuming excessive bandwidth and close them to improve the connection speed on that device.
8. Check Your Router’s Firmware
Your router’s firmware may need an update. Access the router’s interface via your browser. Refer to the router’s manual or the label on its back for guidance. After you log in, search for an option or button labeled “Check for Updates.
Follow the steps to download firmware updates. If the connection issue stems from a slow router, this may resolve internet speed problems.
9. Use a Wired (Ethernet) Connection Instead of Wi-Fi
If your Wi-Fi remains slow over time, consider using a wired connection instead. Simply connect your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. A physical cable provides the fastest possible speeds for your connection, potentially reaching several gigabits per second.
Ethernet cables offer a faster and more stable internet connection than Wi-Fi, helping to permanently improve internet stability.
10. Get a Wi-Fi Signal Booster
If your Wi-Fi router can’t maintain a strong, stable signal throughout your home, consider using a Wi-Fi signal booster or extender to bring the router’s signal closer to you. Wi-Fi extenders connect to the router’s Wi-Fi signal and repeat it to expand your wireless network’s range, eliminating dead zones and weak Wi-Fi spots. If you can’t get closer to the router or move it, a Wi-Fi extender is a great way to improve internet stability throughout your home.
11. Change Your Internet Service Provider
Your internet service provider (ISP) may not be delivering the required performance. They might throttle your connection for various reasons, such as excessive bandwidth usage. Even with an unlimited gigabyte plan, your ISP may limit your speed if they deem your usage excessive.
Internet providers might also have to allocate bandwidth more effectively. If you notice recurring slow internet speeds at specific times, it could be due to ISP throttling. Before switching, learn how to bypass ISP throttling and check if it improves your connection speed and stability. Your current ISP may offer a better plan you can upgrade to.
12. Use a Fast VPN
If you think your connection is being throttled and prefer not to switch providers, using a VPN could be a useful solution. A VPN routes your internet traffic through secure servers, which can technically slow things down slightly. However, a VPN can speed things up by preventing your ISP from throttling your connection. It hides your IP address, making it harder for ISPs to monitor your bandwidth usage.
A VPN also allows you to browse privately and access your favorite content, whether at home or on the go.
13. Set a Wi-Fi Password
If your Wi-Fi network is unprotected, strangers or neighbors may exploit your connection, slowing it down. Most routers come with a default password, but it’s not always strong.
To change your router’s Wi-Fi password:
- Type the router’s IP address in the browser’s address bar.
- Log in with the router’s username and password.
- Find the option to change the Wi-Fi password and create a strong one. Choose WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for the strongest security to ensure improved internet stability.
14. Change Your Device’s DNS Server
A DNS server functions as the internet’s directory, converting website names into IP addresses that your devices use to connect. Google’s public DNS server is fast and reliable, making it a good choice if you want to change your DNS server to potentially achieve faster internet speeds.
How to change your DNS server to Google’s public DNS on Windows:
- In Windows 11: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings, then click “Additional Network Adapter Options” under Related Settings. Proceed to step 3.
- In Windows 10: Type “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” (depending on your connection) into the search bar and press Enter. Click “Change Adapter Options.”
- Right-click the connection you’re using and select “Properties.”
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4” to highlight it, and then choose “Properties.”
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 in the first and second fields, respectively.
This change can speed up browsing and contribute to noticeably improved internet stability.
15. Change the Wi-Fi Channel
Different Wi-Fi channels offer varying data transfer capacities, and some may be less congested than others. Changing the Wi-Fi channel can help increase internet speed. You can adjust the Wi-Fi channel by accessing your router’s configuration page. The process varies by router, but look for a setting labeled “Channel.” You’ll typically see a list of numbers. Channels close to each other tend to interfere, so choose a number far from the current channel for better speed and to continuously improve internet stability.
Conclusion
Improving internet stability and connection speed is not a complex task if you follow the right steps. By applying these methods, you can significantly enhance your network's performance. Whether you use the internet for work, study, or entertainment, these tips will help you enjoy a faster and more stable connection.
Try these solutions step by step and choose what suits your needs to ensure a smooth and efficient internet experience.
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