10 Easy Ways To Speed Up Your Internet Today

Is a slow internet connection getting you down? We’ve all been there! Internet is a necessity and when it’s slow, it can stop you from working, watching, and online shopping! Luckily, here are 10 pro tips on how you can speed up your Internet connection!

1. Move Your Router

Sometimes, the solution is really straightforward! If connection speeds are low, try moving your router. A central position within your house is the best bet, and if a particular floor is where your household accesses the internet most frequently, move it to that one.

2. Check Your Data Cap

You may not realize, but in many cases the amount of data you can access monthly can be limited by your provider. Data caps are rarely advertised, but when they kick in, your connection speed can slow down to a bare minimum.

To find out whether a data cap applies to your contract, take a look at your bill. It’ll most often be written in the small print. Consider speaking with your provider to increase the data cap if it’s going to be a recurring problem.

3. Reset Your Router

Okay, this might sound like your IT department’s default advice, but it’s worth doing it anyway!

Although routers are resilient machines, they should be reset or restarted on a regular basis to make sure they continue working properly. And if you have a separate modem, make sure to reset that, too.

Doing this prompts a refresh of your connection, which can boost speeds substantially if that’s the root of the problem. There are also timers available that will automatically reset your router at an interval of your choosing.

4. Lighten Your Browser’s Load

Sometimes, your browser may be working so hard that it can’t deliver the best speed and responsiveness. Switching to a lightweight browser, such as Opera, Torch, or Lunascape, for at least some of your tasks can ease the burden of your usual browser and speed up your overall online experience.

It may also be because of the type of content you are trying to view. Websites or apps with heavy video or multimedia can make a page slow to respond, as can having a ton of website ‘tabs’ open at once. Consider closing some if you want a speedier experience.

5. Use an Ad Blocker

Adverts on web pages are often intrusive and annoying, but there’s another reason to give them the chop: they slow your browsing speed right down.

Autoplay videos and image-dense ads are particularly draining, but you can avoid them by using an Ad Blocker extension on your browser. They’re easy to install, and you’re likely to see an immediate improvement in performance.

6. Plug In for Faster Speeds

The humble Ethernet cable may have lost its shine due to the dominance of Wi-Fi, but an Ethernet connection is always faster and more reliable than wireless, with enhanced security.

It’s a good idea to connect your non-portable internet-enabled devices via Ethernet; desktop computers, games consoles, and smart TVs are ideal candidates. And if your laptop still has an Ethernet port, plug it in when you have connection issues. The difference can be startling!

7. Scan for Viruses and Malware

The cause of your connection problems may be the presence of malware or a virus. It’s important to have protection software anyway, but if you suspect a virus has made its way into your computer, there’s no harm in double-checking. Enlist the help of a computer technician if there is a problem.

While you have your protective software running, set up automatic, regular scans. This will prevent further issues in the future.

8. Clear Your Cache

A cache is basically the holder of all the pieces of information that your browser collects while you’re online. It helps marketers deliver ads that are relevant to your searches and browsing history.

However, the data stored within a cache also has a tendency to build and slow your browser down. Luckily, the fix is quick and painless. Simply clear the cache – either manually or using a plugin – to improve browsing speeds. Do this regularly to prevent further slowdowns.

9. Speak to Your Provider

Once you’ve exhausted all the possible at-home solutions, your best shot at speed improvement is to speak directly with your provider.

They may have different plans that give you access to greater speeds; although they will come at a higher cost, the investment is worthwhile if slow connections are causing you problems.

Don’t forget to do some research before you speak to your provider – there may be deals online that tick all of the right boxes.

10. Find a New Provider

If all else fails, the problem might be with your internet provider itself. If they’re unable to resolve your connection issues with other solutions, and your provider doesn’t seem interested in helping, it’s a good time to switch.

Taking on a new contract with a different provider – and getting into the practice of making price comparisons every time a contract is up – can save you serious money in the long run. Even if you don’t end up switching, sharing the intent with your provider can prompt them to give you secret special offers.

Many areas have a limited number of ISPs, so comparing their features and pricing shouldn’t be a burden. The time investment is worthwhile, and although this isn’t the first action you should take, it’s an ideal solution if nothing else works.

We’d love to know which tactics have worked for you; leave a comment below!