- PPF Points
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When you're trying to stream a video, participate in a video call, or simply browse the internet without any disruptions, slow Wi-Fi can be extremely annoying. I've experienced my share of times when everything starts buffering or loading slowly out of the blue, leaving me to wonder what went wrong. I've discovered a few easy solutions over the years that usually help me get faster Wi-Fi, and anyone can try them.
The first thing I always do is restart my router. It sounds too simple, but sometimes your router just needs a quick refresh to fix small bugs or clear up network congestion. I unplug it, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This alone has solved many of my speed issues.
Next, I check where my router is placed. I initially kept mine behind some furniture in a corner close to the floor. However, I discovered that routers function best when positioned high, in the middle of the house, and away from metal objects and walls. Just moving it to a better spot improved my signal strength in different rooms.
I also set a limit on the number of connected devices. A TV, phone, laptop, smart bulbs, and even a Wi-Fi speaker were all online at the same time, and I once noticed that my Wi-Fi was crawling. The speed instantly increased after I unplugged the ones I wasn't using.
I also found that changing Wi-Fi channels was effective. Routers can operate on various channels, and occasionally your neighbors may be using the same one, which could lead to interference. I changed the channel after logging into my router's settings, which usually involves entering 192.168.1.1 into the browser. It had a significant impact and took less than five minutes.
I keep my router’s firmware updated. Manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and improve performance. I once ignored a firmware update for months, and when I finally installed it, my connection became more stable overnight.
These fixes might seem small, but they’ve saved me a lot of headaches. Now whenever my Wi-Fi gets slow, I go through this checklist. Most times, I get everything back up and running smoothly in just a few minutes.
The first thing I always do is restart my router. It sounds too simple, but sometimes your router just needs a quick refresh to fix small bugs or clear up network congestion. I unplug it, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This alone has solved many of my speed issues.
Next, I check where my router is placed. I initially kept mine behind some furniture in a corner close to the floor. However, I discovered that routers function best when positioned high, in the middle of the house, and away from metal objects and walls. Just moving it to a better spot improved my signal strength in different rooms.
I also set a limit on the number of connected devices. A TV, phone, laptop, smart bulbs, and even a Wi-Fi speaker were all online at the same time, and I once noticed that my Wi-Fi was crawling. The speed instantly increased after I unplugged the ones I wasn't using.
I also found that changing Wi-Fi channels was effective. Routers can operate on various channels, and occasionally your neighbors may be using the same one, which could lead to interference. I changed the channel after logging into my router's settings, which usually involves entering 192.168.1.1 into the browser. It had a significant impact and took less than five minutes.
I keep my router’s firmware updated. Manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and improve performance. I once ignored a firmware update for months, and when I finally installed it, my connection became more stable overnight.
These fixes might seem small, but they’ve saved me a lot of headaches. Now whenever my Wi-Fi gets slow, I go through this checklist. Most times, I get everything back up and running smoothly in just a few minutes.