Internet problems are a pain. When you pay for your monthly internet plan, you should expect that your connection is smooth and reliable. However, that’s unfortunately not the case, and we often have to deal with slow, lagging internet. Here are five common reasons your internet is slow and how to fix it.
Too Many Devices Are Connected
Do you experience periods of slow internet, lagging, or glitchy videos during certain times of the day? Your problem may be that you have too many devices connected at once. Every internet plan will be able to stand a certain number of devices connected at once. If you have too many devices connected or running on your Wi-Fi, your internet connection will be slow and unstable.
To fix this issue, you can try a number of things. First, you may want to tweak your internet plan so that it can support a more significant number of devices being connected at once. This should help with internet speeds. Alternatively, you may:
- Turn off the internet connection on devices that are not currently being used
- Create a schedule for when devices should be connected to the internet. Fewer devices connected means faster internet speeds!
You Don’t Have Fast Enough Download Speed.
Another common reason you may experience slow internet speeds, long periods of lagging, and out-of-sync virtual calls is that you don’t have a fast enough download speed. Your download speed is measured by megabits per second (Mbps) and is generally listed on your internet plan.
If you don’t have a high amount of Mbps on your internet plan, you may have slow Wi-Fi. This is especially true if you are using virtual calls, multiple devices are connected at once, or you are downloading videos, which use a lot of data.
To fix this problem, first, you should try disconnecting devices that you aren’t currently using. Disconnecting these devices both from Bluetooth and the internet can help with download speeds. Additionally, you may want to try:
- Connecting your devices directly to the router via ethernet cable, which can help boost your internet connection and therefore download speeds
- Buying a more supportive internet plan that fits your needs
Your Wi-Fi Signal Doesn’t Extend Far Enough
Do you commonly experience slow internet speeds in one room while other rooms have fast, reliable internet connections? Your Wi-Fi may not extend far enough from your router. Rooms with obstacles such as heavy doors, cement walls, or even water struggle to maintain an internet connection.
Additionally, many internet plans only allow for their signal to extend a certain distance, which may be causing you to experience this pesky problem. A good internet plan will ensure that you have a connection wherever you are in your home.
To address this issue, you may want to try buying a Wi-Fi booster or extender, which can help you get Wi-Fi in square footage. Boosters or extenders can be added to any room that is experiencing slow Wi-Fi or download speeds. You may also try:
- Moving your router to a different location in your home, especially to a more central location that will help your Wi-Fi cover the square footage
- Removing or relocating obstacles that may be disrupting your internet connection, such as baby monitors or your TV
Your Router Is Outdated
One of the most common reasons your internet is slow is that you don’t have a good router. Old routers can cause slow speeds. Most companies recommend replacing your router every 3-5 years to guarantee that it has the best technology. If your router is older than that, you may have found the cause for slow internet.
To fix this problem, the most obvious solution is to buy a new router. You must purchase a router that is compatible with your connection needs. Some routers only handle a certain number of devices and will only send a signal to a certain amount of square footage. Make sure that your router can handle what you are looking for.
Alternatively, you may update your internet plan in conjunction with buying a new router. This can help ensure that you aren’t going to be dealing with slow internet speeds and that your internet plan and router are equipped for your internet needs.
You Have Exceeded Your Data Cap
Have you noticed that you have a slow or dropped internet connection toward the end of the month? You may be exceeding your monthly data cap. Almost any internet plan comes with a data cap. This is a certain amount of data that you can use before your internet becomes slow or disconnect altogether.
Every device, website you visit, and anything that requires internet access, use a certain amount of data. Some devices and actions, such as downloading videos or streaming services, will use more data than others. Once your data cap is exceeded, your internet speed will worsen until the cycle renews.
To fix this issue, you should first use a smaller amount of data throughout the month. One of the best ways to fix slow internet is to set a cap on apps such as streaming or gaming services. You may want to schedule a time with your family members for when they can access these applications or simply set a limit on the application itself. Alternatively:
- Increase your internet plan to have a larger or unlimited data cap
- Install apps such as Samsung Max that will allow you to save data while using your apps that use a lot of data at a time