Despite our incredible strides in modernizing and progressing telecommunications technology, slow Wi-Fi and internet speeds continue to frustrate and annoy us. These interruptions can significantly hinder our productivity and enjoyment, whether it’s a temporary buffer during a Netflix binge, a lag while in a League of Legends game, or lengthy download times.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve your internet connection. Below, we’ll explore common causes of slow internet and how to speed things up, including using a VPN like ExpressVPN while streaming gaming, or browsing.
Understanding the basics of your internet
To have a good online experience, speed and latency are two important factors to consider, as they impact your internet’s performance.
Speed: This tells you how fast data can be downloaded or uploaded. It affects how quickly you can watch videos, load websites, or download files. Speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
Latency: This measures the time it takes for your device to send data to a server and receive it back. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms). High latency can cause delays in activities like gaming and video calls, even if your speed is high.
It’s also important to consider the type of internet connection you have, whether it’s wired or wireless.
Wi-Fi: This is convenient for connecting multiple devices without wires, but it can be impacted by walls, furniture, and other electronic devices, which might slow it down or cause dropped connections.
Ethernet: This connects your device directly to the router with a cable, providing a more stable and faster connection. It’s best for demanding activities like gaming, video conferencing, and streaming HD videos.
Generally, use Ethernet for activities that need a lot of speed and Wi-Fi for casual surfing and light tasks.
One last thing to consider is your bandwidth and how much you have. Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data your internet can handle simultaneously—like a highway, where more lanes allow more traffic.
If several devices use the same network, they share the bandwidth. Activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls can slow down if the bandwidth is too stretched. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also reduce your speed during busy times or after you reach a specific data limit.
10 Ways to Improve Your Internet Speed
Now that you understand what impacts your internet, let’s look at how you can improve its speed.
1. Restart Your Router and Modem
A quick restart of your router can resolve many minor internet issues. Simply power off your router and modem, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This refreshes your connection and clears any temporary glitches that might slow you down.
2. Use ExpressVPN to Prevent ISP Throttling
Your ISP might slow down your connection when you stream, game, or download large files. ExpressVPN encrypts your traffic and hides your online activity, making it harder for your ISP to detect and throttle your speeds. With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, faster downloads, and a more reliable internet connection.
ExpressVPN also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content worldwide. Strong encryption and multiple device support enhance your online security while improving your browsing and streaming experience.
3. Disconnect Unused Devices
Having too many connected devices can really strain your network and Wi-Fi bandwidth, which might slow down your internet connection, especially when you’re streaming or gaming. To improve your speed, consider disconnecting devices you aren’t actively using, such as smart speakers or tablets. This can free up bandwidth and enhance your online experience.
4. Update Your Router and Devices
Outdated firmware and software can have a significant impact on both performance and security. By regularly updating your router and connected devices, you can help ensure they operate efficiently and securely. Fortunately, many modern routers come equipped with the option for automatic updates, making it easy to stay up to date. Be sure to check your settings and enable this feature for added peace of mind.
5. Optimize Your Router’s Position
The placement of your router plays a crucial role in determining the performance of your Wi-Fi. To achieve the best results, try to position your router in a central and elevated location within your home. This means keeping it away from walls, large pieces of furniture, and electronic devices that might interfere with the signal. By ensuring proper placement, you can enjoy stronger signal strength and more consistent coverage throughout your living space.
6. Switch to a Less Crowded Wi-Fi Channel
Wi-Fi channels often become congested, particularly in apartment buildings or densely populated areas. To improve performance, log into your router’s admin panel and choose a less crowded channel. You can also switch between frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, to enhance your connection.
7. Change Your DNS Settings
Switching to faster DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare can reduce the time it takes to load websites. You can update the DNS settings on your router or adjust them directly on individual devices. Here’s how:
- For your router: Access the admin panel (usually by entering 192.168.1.1 in a browser) and replace your ISP’s DNS servers with Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).
- For individual devices: Navigate to network settings on your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS device and enter the new DNS addresses.
8. Use Ethernet for High-Demand Devices
For optimal speed and stability, it’s best to connect high-demand devices such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, or workstations directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wired connections help eliminate Wi-Fi interference, ensuring faster speeds for essential tasks and a more reliable experience overall.
9. Install a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Network
If you’re struggling with Wi-Fi dead zones in your home, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network system. Wi-Fi extenders work by amplifying your existing signal, which helps to boost coverage in areas where the reception is weak. On the other hand, a mesh network consists of multiple nodes placed throughout your home, creating a seamless Wi-Fi experience with consistent and reliable coverage. These solutions are particularly useful if you notice weak signals in certain rooms, as they can help ensure a strong and stable connection no matter where you are in your house.
10. Upgrade Your Internet Plan or Equipment
Finally, sometimes improving your internet speed is as simple as upgrading to a faster option or internet plan through your ISP. Additionally, outdated routers can limit your speed, so investing in a modern router can significantly improve performance.
Try ExpressVPN’s Aircove, the first router with built-in VPN protection for an all-in-one solution. Aircove ensures fast internet speeds while keeping your network secure, protecting every connected device from potential threats so you’re not just getting a fast router, but a secure internet connection, too.
Enhancing your Wi-Fi speed can be straightforward. By implementing a few simple strategies, such as utilizing ExpressVPN, restarting your router, managing the number of connected devices, and optimizing the placement of your router, you can significantly improve your internet experience. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, diving into an intense gaming session, or working from home, having a fast and stable connection truly enhances everything you do online.
Why Choose ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is not your typical VPN. It encrypts your data, prevents ISP throttling, and provides access to restricted content, ensuring your connection is faster, safer, and more reliable. With new features designed to block intrusive display ads, trackers, malicious sites, and adult content, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy, security, and performance.
For users in the U.S., ExpressVPN also offers Identity Defender, our latest suite of products. This suite includes four essential tools: ID Alerts, ID Theft Insurance, Data Removal, and Credit Scanner. Together, these products provide a comprehensive, multi-layered solution for protecting your identity.
