Old software or hardware Too many other computers or mobile items on the network Ongoing downloads Signal interference from walls or other appliances Low Internet speed from your Internet Service Provider
Many Internet Service Providers advertise speeds of “up to” a certain number, meaning that the top speed itself isn’t guaranteed. Most of the time, your computer’s highest upload or download speed will be a little bit lower than the advertised speed. If the actual speed is close to the advertised speed, your ISP isn’t the problem.
If you haven’t upgraded your internet in a long time, you may be able to find faster internet for lower prices. Check all of the providers in your area. Don’t fall for the megabit/megabyte trap. ISPs advertise in megabits, not megabytes. There are 8 megabits (Mb) in a megabyte (MB), so if you are paying for 25 megabits per second (Mbps), then that’s just over 3 megabytes per second (MBps) of actual transfer speed. [3] X Research source
Make sure that your router and your computer have plenty of room all the way around to prevent overheating.
If your router is on a different floor than you, you may not even be able to receive a signal.
It isn’t always feasible to limit Internet access to one computer, but you can turn off and unplug things like smart TVs, extra computers, video game consoles, and anything else (e. g. , an extra smartphone or tablet) that maintains an Internet connection even when turned off.
If you use a Mac computer, you’ll most likely need an Ethernet to USB-C adapter if you want to plug your computer into the router. You cannot connect mobile platforms (e. g. , smartphones and tablets) to Ethernet.
Unfortunately, the best solution to old technology is purchasing new technology. Another situation in which you’ll notice problems is if you recently installed a brand-new operating system on an old computer or mobile platform. Especially if your router and/or modem is more than three years old, you’ll want to upgrade to a more recent model.
You can program your router to restart itself daily from within its settings page.
This is especially important if you just bought a brand-new router, or if you use a router that’s more than a year or two old.
This is especially important if you just bought a brand-new router, or if you use a router that’s more than a year or two old.
This is especially important if you just bought a brand-new router, or if you use a router that’s more than a year or two old.
Your router should also be up relatively high. If your router is at a lower level that the level at which you use your computer, phone, tablet, and so on, you’ll probably run into Internet connection issues.
You can always make your own range extender if you have a spare aluminum can. [10] X Research source Make sure that your selected range extender will work with your model of router before buying one.
Make sure that you check out the next section of this article before spending any money.
Windows Mac iPhone Android
It’s a good idea to run antivirus scans once a week or so, even if everything seems to be running fine.
Update Google Chrome Update Firefox Update Safari
Websites will be a little bit slower to load the first time visiting them after clearing the cache; this is normal.
If the phrase next to “View by” is “Large icons”, skip this step.
If the phrase next to “View by” is “Large icons”, skip this step.
Google — Type 8. 8. 8. 8 into the “Preferred DNS server” text box, then type 8. 8. 4. 4 into the “Alternate DNS server” text box. OpenDNS — Type 208. 67. 222. 222 into the “Preferred DNS server” text box, then type 208. 67. 220. 220 into the “Alternate DNS server” text box. [13] X Research source
Google — Type 8. 8. 8. 8 and press ⏎ Return. OpenDNS — Type 208. 67. 222. 222 and press ⏎ Return.
Google — Type 8. 8. 4. 4 and press ⏎ Return. OpenDNS — Type 208. 67. 220. 220 and press ⏎ Return.
