Nothing is more aggravating than trying to watch a video. Using your PC becomes frustrating when the Internet is slower than molasses flowing uphill in winter.

For our clients, we have many solutions to make your Internet connection faster, more reliable and secure. But what about at your home? Wi-Fi can be spotty and unreliable. This usually happens at the most inconvenient time. Imagine being about to watch a great movie on a Friday night.

Here are our top 7 fixes for slow home WiFi signals.

Step 1: Make sure your Internet Service Provider (ISP) isn’t having issues.

Most ISPs will have outages published on their website using your phone’s mobile network instead of your home Wi-Fi. If there are no outages or known problems, you can move on to the next steps.

Side Note: If you haven’t talked to your ISP in over a year, you should call. They might have new plans that offer more bandwidth for less money. You might also shop other providers to see if they have recently upgraded their network. They might offer better, faster service than your current ISP.

Step 2: Update your router, especially if you haven’t done so in the last 2 to 3 months.

This will reset your router with the latest (and fastest) connection speeds. It will also ensure you’re up-to-date with security patches and other preventative programs. You might just reboot it as well, powering it off and on again. Sometimes that’s enough to fix the problem.

I would also suggest you get a new router if yours is over 3 years old. Aim for one with Wi-Fi 6. It should have dual or triple band capabilities. These features allow your router to connect with multiple devices without sacrificing any speed or bandwidth.

Step 3: Change the channel.

Download the app Network Analyzer to help find the most appropriate channel for your connection. If you’re using the 2.4 GHz frequency, change to another less “noisy” channel. How you do this depends on your router’s brand and model. Refer to your router’s manufacturer for details.

Step 4: Upgrade to a mesh Wi-Fi router.

When too many devices connect, Internet speeds decline. One option is to get a mesh router like Google Mesh routers, NETGEAR’s Nighthawk Mesh, or eero Mesh from Amazon.  Unlike a traditional router, a mesh router uses multiple units. These units are strategically placed around your home to emit a signal.  In smaller homes, upgrading to a single, more expensive router like a Nighthawk could help.

Step 5: Turn on QoS, or Quality of Service.

This is a router feature that lets you prioritize traffic and apps, such as Zoom or gaming programs. Essentially, your router will prioritize certain uses over others. Of course, how this is done varies by router, so you’ll have to check your router’s manual for details.

Step 6: Check that you haven’t been compromised.

If your Wi-Fi network is open without security or is using WEP, WPA or WPA2, change your settings immediately. Go with WPA3 encryption (which is the most secure) and disable any remote management options on your router. Viruses and hacks can suck up resources and may be the reason for your network grinding to a halt.

Step 7: Change your router’s location.

The basement might not be the best place to store your router. Try placing it up high and as close to the center of your home as possible. Ensure it is free from obstructions, appliances, mirrors, concrete walls, and metal materials. These can cause signals to bounce or be blocked. If you put your router on a wall of your house, your signal is only impacting half of your home. If you have a large house, you will probably need Wi-Fi extenders to boost the signal. Place them around the house.

If your business Wi-Fi is slow, spotty, and problematic, it may be time for a diagnosis. Click here to request a free diagnostic of your office Internet connection. Discover what’s causing the problems you’re experiencing. Business Wi-Fi is crucial compared to home Wi-Fi. Not fixing it can lead to significant frustration and diminished productivity. Contact us today!