If you’re having trouble accessing the internet at a lightning speed like you normally do, its probably because your wi-fi just developed an annoying issue. But not to worry, just check out this 13 tips and apply them whenever your Wi-Fi is loading up web pages really slow.
1. Switch your router off and then on again
It sounds like common sense, but we all know its not so common these days. So many of us forget to do this before we start pulling everything apart.
Switch your router off completely and give it a minute or two (in most cases, wait for up yo 10 minutes) before switching it back on again. If your router is covered in dust, wipe it over with a microfiber cloth while it’s switched off. That way, the fan won’t have to work so hard.
2. Try adjusting the antennas (if yours have them)
Modern routers now come with antennas and of course they are not for fancy. Whenever you’re experiencing network issues, try adjusting the antennas. But if yours doesn’t have antennas, just skip to the 3rd tip below.
Antennas send signals in the opposite direction of how they are pointed, so if they are up, the signal will be down, and vice versa. So if you need a better signal upstairs, try directing them horizontally.
3. Run a wi-fi speed test
Test your Wi-Fi and internet speed with the best speed test apps from different points around your home. Using this, you can work out where the signal is strongest, and conclude whether there’s an issue in a specific room or if the signal is generally poor.
How to Carry out Wi-Fi Speed Test
The simplest steps to do a wi-fi speed test are;
- Open your browser
- Google search “Wi-fi speed test”
- Click on “Run speed test”
- Allow to load so you will see your current wi-fi speed
4. Turn off other devices that may be using the Wi-Fi
Even if left on standby, a lot of gadgets will continue to access your Wi-Fi and ultimately slow down the available signal, be it smart light bulbs, robot vacuums or smart appliances. So reduce the load on your wi-fi by letting only apps or gadgets you often use access it.
5. Add a strong password to your Wi-Fi
If your Wi-Fi doesn’t have a password, others nearby may also be accessing it. Perhaps you are willingly sharing it, but the more that access it, the greater toll it will take on the speed. Also, when choosing a password, ensure it is a very strong one as wi-fi can be easily hacked and tapped into.
6. Switch your channel or band
Your router will be using a specific channel to connect with devices around your home. It should automatically pick the best channel, but if others in the area are using the same one, it can lead to congestion. If that’s the case, you might want to try changing channels manually. You can check your manual for guidance on how to go about this.
If you want to find the best channel options, you can use the Wireless Diagnostics feature on a Mac computer or Windows PowerShell on Windows computer.
These will each summarize the local channels which you can compare to find the best. You then need to access your router to switch channels. You can do this by typing in the router’s IP address in a web browser.
Modern routers also use dual-band technology; 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Whichever band you’re using can affect the speed of your internet. You might be able to switch between the two via your router’s settings for a better performance.
5 GHz provides a faster connection, but won’t stretch as far. You can be selective about which band you want to use for different devices depending on placement and type of product.
7. Make sure the router’s software is up to date
This should be updating automatically for most modern routers. But, it’s worth logging in to your router to check that these updates are being downloaded as they become available. If they’re not, update it as soon as possible and make sure it’s automatic going forward in the settings.
8. Change the location of your router
It’s important to know where to place your router for the best Wi-Fi signal; walls, doors and cupboards will slow the signal, so don’t hide it away in a closet. It’s best to place it centrally in your home for the most effective reach, and make sure it’s not too close to other devices which could interfere with it, such as the TV or any speakers. You can even wall-mount some routers if you want them out of the way.
9. Change internet providers
You should also check if you can get a better deal from another provider. Ask yourself, what internet speed do I need? Then, do your research to find the best options. WhistleOut is a good comparison site to check prices.
10. Upgrade your router
If none of the above helps, it might be time to upgrade your router to one of the best Wi-Fi routers. Depending on your Wi-Fi use, one of the best gaming routers might be of interest.
However, if speed is your main concern, then look out for a router with a Wi-Fi 6 rating. This standard is designed to handle more devices — and thanks to its more efficient handling of device connections, it can even improve battery life for those devices.
11. Purchase a Powerlink kit
If your signal is just dropping in one room, then one of the best Wi-Fi extenders or a powerline kit might be the answer. These are fairly simple to set up — you essentially plug it into the wall and the extender does the rest. The signal won’t be as strong as directly from the router, but it will be better than trying to access the router from a long distance.
12. Your computer needs to be cleaned
Sometimes, your problem might not even be the router; perhaps your computer needs to be internally cleaned up. With everyday use, including unseen downloads and software updates, your computer takes on a lot. This can result in a cluttered hard drive and programs constantly running in the background. Clear your hard drive and take a look at your Task Manager to ensure there aren’t any unnecessary updates.
13. Try an ethernet cable
Expomaster’s final tip is to try using a good old-fashioned ethernet cable. While Wi-Fi is very convenient, there’s always a chance it can drop out. If you need guaranteed connectivity, get out the old ethernet cable and hook yourself up directly. You will of course need to sit near your router, but the connection will be stable and constant.
If after trying out these 13 tips to make your wi-fi load faster and it still is not responding as it should, try contacting your service provider, it might be a general issue. you can as well ask your neighbours if they’re experiencing the same annoying issue
