Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Like most people, you probably don’t think too much about your internet and Wi-Fi speed. That is, until the movie you’re streaming crashes. Or when your work slows to a crawl every time you attempt to upload files to the cloud. Or when the page you want takes an eternity to load.
Some 4.66 billion people use the internet worldwide. That’s nearly 60 percent of the human population. Of this total, around 4.32 billion access the internet using mobile devices. That makes for crowded bandwidths just about everywhere.
Contents
- 1 How to Improve Your Wi-Fi and Internet Speed
- 1.1 1. Relocate your router.
- 1.2 2. Use a wired connection.
- 1.3 3. Change the channel or band you are using.
- 1.4 4. Upgrade your router.
- 1.5 5. Use Wi-Fi extenders.
- 1.6 6. Use a powerline kit.
- 1.7 7. Make sure you have a good password for your Wi-Fi.
- 1.8 8. Minimize the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
- 1.9 9. Check your PC’s settings.
- 1.10 10. Get rid of any malware in your computer.
- 1.11 11. Using a VPN service?
- 1.12 12. Reboot your router – or maybe not.
- 1.13 When to Call Your Service Provider
How to Improve Your Wi-Fi and Internet Speed
With that much traffic online, there is no such thing as too much bandwidth. Smart internet users will want to know how to improve their internet and Wi-Fi speed. To help, we’ve assembled some tips to improve the quality of your connection inside and outside your home.
The suggestions below might just allow you better online experiences – whether you are working from home or binging on Netflix.
1. Relocate your router.
The distance between you and your wireless router has a significant bearing on the quality of your connection. The farther you are from your router, the poorer the quality of the WiFi signal your device receives.
Electronic interference from other devices and obstacles such as walls, floors, and ceilings also affect your WiFi speed. All these things contribute to a sluggish Wi-Fi connection.
For the best signal, situate your wireless router out in the open on the main floor of your house. Make sure the router is away from walls and obstructions. If possible, position the router off the floor and above furniture.
The goal here is to get your main devices as close as possible to your router. Devices that don’t need much bandwidth, like smart thermostats, don’t have to be a priority in terms of proximity.
You should keep the router away from other electronics that might cause interference, as well. These include microwave ovens, baby monitors, and cordless phones. If your router has multiple antennas, the staff over at WIRED suggest that you arrange them perpendicularly. Some should be horizontal and the others, vertical.
2. Use a wired connection.
Hardware such as desktop PCs, streaming boxes, and gaming consuls don’t need a Wi-Fi signal to connect to the internet. You can connect them directly to your router. Experts will tell you that a wired connection to your router is always better.
Wired connections are faster and more stable. They are not affected by other devices in your network. The downside is that wired connections limit movement. But for hardware that needs the fastest internet connection possible, it’s always best to run a wire.
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3. Change the channel or band you are using.
Your router uses a particular Wi-Fi channel to communicate with the devices around your home. If you have neighbors with routers using the same channel, then your connection can get congested. Switching channels just might solve this problem.
If you don’t know how to switch channels, check your router’s documentation or look online. You should be able to find the option in your router’s settings. Channels 1, 6, and 11 usually have the least interference.
Most routers now use dual-band technology. They broadcast signals at both the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz frequencies. If your router settings allow you, you might be able to prioritize certain devices.
The 5-GHz band will get you a faster connection to the internet. But you’ll have to deal with a shorter range than 2.4 GHz. We suggest that you keep both frequencies enabled. Older devices will often work only on 2.4 GHz.
4. Upgrade your router.
There are routers and then there are routers. Each varies significantly both in terms of functionality and price.
If you have money for an upgrade, choose a router that sends a Wi-Fi signal farther than your current router. For a large house, you’re better off with a router that can pair with “repeaters.”
Repeaters can broadcast signals throughout your home. Most experts recommend a mesh network for larger homes. These systems involve multiple router nodes around your house.
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