10 Ways to Improve Your Internet Speed

Is your internet slower than it should be? Before calling your ISP or upgrading your plan, try these proven optimization techniques. Many speed issues can be resolved with simple adjustments to your setup and usage habits.

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

The simplest solution is often the most effective. Routers and modems can develop memory leaks and connection issues over time.

How to Properly Restart

1. Unplug both modem and router from power
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug in the modem first and wait until all lights stabilize (2-3 minutes)
4. Plug in the router and wait for it to fully boot
5. Test your connection

2. Optimize Router Placement

WiFi signal strength dramatically affects your speed. Router placement can make the difference between full-speed connectivity and frustrating slowdowns.

Best Practices for Router Placement

• Central Location: Place your router in the center of your home
• Elevated Position: Mount it on a wall or shelf, not on the floor
• Open Space: Avoid closets, cabinets, or corners
• Away from Interference: Keep it away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors
• Avoid Metal Objects: Metal reflects WiFi signals and creates dead zones

3. Use a Wired Connection

Ethernet connections are faster, more stable, and more secure than WiFi. For stationary devices like desktop computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs, a wired connection is ideal.

Benefits of Ethernet

• Lower latency (important for gaming and video calls)
• Consistent speeds without interference
• No signal degradation over distance
• Better security (can't be accessed wirelessly)
• Frees up WiFi bandwidth for mobile devices

4. Update Router Firmware

Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and patch security vulnerabilities.

How to Update Router Firmware

1. Access your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Look for "Firmware Update" or "Router Update" section
3. Check for updates and install if available
4. Some routers support automatic updates—enable this feature

5. Change Your WiFi Channel

WiFi congestion from neighboring networks can significantly slow your connection. Changing to a less crowded channel can provide instant improvements.

Finding the Best Channel

• For 2.4GHz: Channels 1, 6, and 11 don't overlap—choose the least crowded
• For 5GHz: More channels available with less interference
• Use WiFi analyzer apps to see which channels neighbors are using
• Many modern routers have automatic channel selection—enable it

6. Limit Bandwidth-Hogging Applications

Background applications can consume significant bandwidth without you realizing it.

Common Bandwidth Culprits

• Cloud backup services (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud)
• Automatic software updates (Windows Update, app stores)
• Video streaming on multiple devices
• Torrent clients and file sharing
• Smart home devices constantly sending data

Solutions

• Schedule cloud backups during off-hours
• Set update times to late night/early morning
• Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings in your router to prioritize traffic
• Close streaming apps when not actively watching

7. Secure Your Network

Unauthorized users on your network steal bandwidth and slow your connection. An unsecured or poorly secured network is vulnerable.

Network Security Checklist

• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 unavailable)
• Create a strong, unique WiFi password (16+ characters)
• Disable WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)—it's a security risk
• Change default admin username and password
• Enable MAC address filtering for additional security
• Regularly check connected devices list for unknowns

8. Upgrade Your Router

If your router is more than 3-5 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer routers support faster WiFi standards and handle more devices simultaneously.

Modern Router Features to Look For

• WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Latest standard with improved speed and efficiency
• MU-MIMO: Handles multiple devices simultaneously
• Beamforming: Focuses signal toward devices for better performance
• Dual or Tri-Band: Multiple frequency bands to reduce congestion
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: For fast wired connections

9. Check for Malware and Viruses

Malware can consume bandwidth by sending data to remote servers, running crypto miners, or participating in botnets.

Security Maintenance

• Run full system scans with updated antivirus software
• Use anti-malware tools like Malwarebytes
• Monitor network activity for suspicious connections
• Keep operating system and software updated
• Be cautious with browser extensions—some track and transmit data

10. Contact Your ISP

If you've tried everything and speeds are still significantly below what you're paying for, it's time to contact your Internet Service Provider.

Before Calling

• Document your speed test results over several days
• Test with both wired and wireless connections
• Note specific times when speeds are worst
• Have your account information ready

What to Request

• Line quality check for connection issues
• Modem/router replacement if equipment is outdated
• Check for network congestion in your area
• Verify you're on the correct plan
• Request a technician visit if problems persist

Bonus Tips for Specific Situations

For Gamers

• Use wired connections exclusively
• Enable QoS to prioritize gaming traffic
• Close all background applications
• Consider a gaming router with optimized settings

For Remote Workers

• Schedule large uploads/downloads outside work hours
• Use wired connection for video conferences
• Set up a dedicated work network (guest network) for isolation
• Invest in a router with strong QoS capabilities

For Large Households

• Consider mesh WiFi systems for better coverage
• Upgrade to gigabit internet if available
• Use network-attached storage (NAS) instead of cloud storage
• Set up multiple SSIDs for different device categories

Measuring Your Improvements

After implementing these changes, test your speed again to see the improvement. Remember to:

• Test at the same time of day as your baseline tests
• Test from the same device and location
• Run multiple tests and average the results
• Test both wired and wireless connections

Conclusion

Improving your internet speed doesn't always require expensive upgrades or technical expertise. Many issues can be resolved with simple optimizations to your network setup and usage patterns. Start with the easiest solutions—restarting equipment and optimizing placement—before moving to more involved changes like router upgrades.

Remember, even the best optimization can't overcome a poor-quality ISP connection. If problems persist after trying these solutions, don't hesitate to hold your provider accountable for delivering the speeds you're paying for.