9 Proven Tips To Get Faster Wi-Fi

9 Proven Tips To Get Faster Wi-Fi

You’ve been waiting MONTHS for the new season of Stranger Things to drop on Netflix. You’ve got your popcorn, Milk Duds, and a large Diet Coke—everything you need for the perfect evening. Just as the Demogorgon appears in the most intense scen of the episode, your screen freezes. The buffering wheel taunts you.

Or maybe, you’re down to the final two in Fortnite. You’re scoping out your opponent, victory is within reach. You find them, line up the shot, and then—lag. Your character—the new Kim Kardashian skin—freezes for a second too long. That’s all it takes. When your screen catches up, you’re faced with “DEFEAT”.

These moments are more than annoying—they’re infuriating. Like, throw your Xbox controller at the TV screen type of infuriating. We don’t want you to have a shattered TV screen, so we’re here to give you the top 9 tips for faster Wi-Fi. Read on to save your sanity and internet speed.

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

It might sound too simple, but restarting your equipment is one of the most effective fixes for sluggish Wi-Fi. Over time, your router accumulates digital clutter, temporary glitches pile up, and its performance drags.

When you reboot your router, you’re giving it a fresh start. This clears out the temporary cache, closes unnecessary background processes, and resets connections that might have gone haywire. The process takes just a few minutes but can deliver noticeably faster speeds.

Here’s how:

1. Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet. Wait at least 30 seconds—this gives the devices time to fully power down and clear their memory.
2. Plug them back in, starting with the modem first. Wait for it to fully boot up (usually when all the indicator lights are solid), then power on the router.
3. Give it a couple of minutes to establish a connection, and you’re good to go.

Make this a monthly habit to prevent Wi-Fi headaches before they even start.

2. Position Your Router Effectively

Your router’s location heavily impacts Wi-Fi performance. Many people tuck their routers away in closets, stuff them behind furniture, or hide them in entertainment centers—because they aren’t exactly chic decor. While this keeps things tidy, it’s killing your signal strength.

Wi-Fi signals radiate outward from your router in all directions When you place your router against an exterior wall, you’re sending half of your signal outside to the neighbors. When you stick it in a corner, you’re broadcasting your bandwidth into empty space.

The sweet spot is central and elevated. Place your router as close to the center of your home as possible, ideally on the first floor if you have a multi-story house. Elevation matters because Wi-Fi signals spread outward and downward more easily than upward. A shelf or mounted position about four to six feet off the ground works great.

Keep your router away from walls, especially thick concrete ones. Avoid placing your router near metal objects, mirrors, or fish tanks (water absorbs Wi-Fi signals, creating unexpected dead zones in your coverage).

3. Update Your Router’s Firmware

Your router runs on software called firmware, and just like your smartphone or computer, it needs regular updates. These updates fix security vulnerabilities, patch bugs, and include performance improvements to boost your speeds.

Many people never update their router firmware simply because they don’t know it needs updating. Unlike your phone, which nags you constantly about updates, routers quietly sit there running outdated software until someone takes action.

Check for firmware updates at least every few months. The process varies by manufacturer, but generally, you’ll log into your router’s web interface by typing its IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your web browser. Look for a section labeled “Firmware," “Software Update," or something similar. Some newer routers update automatically, but it’s worth checking to make sure.

4. Switch Between Wi-Fi Bands for Better Performance

Most modern routers are dual-band or even tri-band devices, meaning they broadcast on multiple frequencies simultaneously. The two main bands are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

The 2.4 GHz band offers longer range and better penetration through walls and obstacles. However, it’s also more crowded because many devices—from baby monitors to garage door openers—operate on this same frequency. Plus, it’s slower, maxing out around 100 Mbps under ideal conditions.

The 5 GHz band delivers much faster speeds, potentially reaching over 1 Gbps with the right equipment. The trade-off? It doesn’t travel as far and struggles more with walls and barriers.

Here’s the smart strategy: connect devices that need speed and are close to your router—like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and work computers—to the 5 GHz band. Devices like smart home gadgets, security cameras, and printers, can stick with 2.4 GHz. This distributes the traffic load and prevents one band from becoming overcrowded.

5. Adjust Your Router’s Antennas Strategically

If your router has external antennas, their position isn’t just for looks—it directly impacts your signal coverage. Many people leave their antennas in whatever position they came in out of the box, missing out on a simple optimization opportunity.

Wi-Fi signals spread perpendicular to the antenna. When an antenna points straight up, signals radiate outward horizontally, covering the same floor effectively. If you need better coverage across multiple floors, try positioning one antenna vertically and another at a 45-degree angle. This creates a more three-dimensional coverage pattern.

For single-story homes or apartments, keeping antennas vertical usually works best. For multi-level houses, experiment with different angles. Try positioning some antennas vertically and others horizontally or at angles. The optimal configuration depends on your home’s unique layout, so don’t be afraid to test different positions and run speed tests to see what works.

Not all routers have adjustable external antennas. Many modern mesh systems and all-in-one units have internal antennas that can’t be repositioned. In these cases, router placement becomes even more critical since you can’t fine-tune the antenna direction.

6. Reduce the Number of Connected Devices

Your Wi-Fi network has a limited amount of bandwidth to share among all connected devices. When too many devices are connected, everyone suffers.

Take inventory of what’s connected to your network. Between smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart home devices, security cameras, and various other gadgets, many households have 15 to 20 devices or more constantly connected to Wi-Fi.

Disconnect devices you’re not actively using. If you’re not watching that smart TV, disconnect it. If a laptop is sitting idle, turn off its Wi-Fi. Many devices continue pulling bandwidth for updates, syncing, and background tasks even when you’re not using them.

For devices that need a constant, high-speed connection, consider using wired Ethernet connections instead. This frees up valuable Wi-Fi bandwidth for devices that truly need wireless connectivity. Gaming consoles, desktop computers, and streaming devices often perform better on wired connections anyway.

Set your devices to update during off-peak hours, typically late at night when you’re not using the internet. This prevents automatic updates from hogging bandwidth during critical work or entertainment time. Most devices allow you to schedule updates in their settings.

7. Eliminate Interference from Other Electronics

Many household electronics operate on the same 2.4 GHz frequency as your router, creating interference that can slow your connection. The worst offenders include microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, and even some LED light bulbs. When these devices are in use, they can cause your Wi-Fi speeds to drop dramatically or cause connections to drop entirely.

The solution isn’t to throw out your microwave. Instead, maintain some distance between your router and these potential interference sources. Keep your router at least six feet away from microwaves, cordless phone bases, and other wireless devices.

Consider switching to the 5 GHz band if interference proves problematic. Most of these household devices only operate on 2.4 GHz, so moving your critical devices to 5 GHz eliminates the conflict entirely. Alternatively, you might consider replacing old cordless phones with newer models that operate on different frequencies, like 1.9 GHz or 5.8 GHz.

Physical barriers matter too. Dense materials like concrete, metal, and even large amounts of water can weaken your Wi-Fi signal. Be mindful of where you place your router in relation to thick walls, metal filing cabinets, refrigerators, and aquariums.

8. Extend Your Wi-Fi Coverage with the Right Equipment

If you have a large home, thick walls, or a challenging layout, you might need to extend your network’s reach with additional equipment.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are an excellent choice. Unlike traditional routers, mesh systems use multiple units (nodes) placed throughout your home to create a seamless network. As you move around, your devices automatically connect to the nearest node, ensuring consistent speeds everywhere.

Traditional Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters offer a more budget-friendly option. These devices pick up your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it to extend coverage. However, they typically cut your bandwidth in half because they use the same channel to receive and transmit data. Position extenders where they can still receive a strong signal from your main router—typically halfway between the router and the dead zone you’re trying to cover.

Powerline adapters offer another alternative. These clever devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit network data. You plug one adapter near your router and connect it via Ethernet, then plug another adapter in a room with poor Wi-Fi coverage. This second adapter can then broadcast Wi-Fi in that area. Powerline adapters work particularly well in older homes with thick walls that block Wi-Fi signals.

9. Upgrade Your Equipment

If your router is three to five years old, it probably lacks the capabilities to deliver the speeds you’re paying for.

Technology has advanced dramatically. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers speeds nearly three times faster than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), with better performance in crowded networks and improved battery life for connected devices. Wi-Fi 6E extends these benefits into the 6 GHz band, offering even more channels for less congestion. The newest Wi-Fi 7 standard pushes speeds even higher, though compatible devices are still emerging.

Before upgrading your router, check whether your internet plan justifies the expense. If you’re paying for a 100 Mbps connection, a basic Wi-Fi 5 router will handle it fine. But if you’ve upgraded to gigabit internet, you need a router that can deliver those speeds.

Find the Internet Plan That Matches Your Speed Needs

Now that you have optimized your router, it’s time to make sure you have the internet plan that can keep up with your household’s demands. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current plan, or perhaps faster options have become available in your area since you last checked.

Finding a better internet plan is easier than you think. New providers enter markets regularly, existing providers upgrade their infrastructure, and competitive pricing means you might access faster speeds for the same or even less than you’re currently paying.

Ready to discover what’s available at your address? Enter your ZIP code below to compare internet service providers in your area. You’ll see actual speeds, current promotions, and honest pricing—all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Wi-Fi slow even though I have a fast internet plan?

Your internet plan determines the maximum speed your provider delivers to your home, but your Wi-Fi router acts as the bottleneck between that connection and your devices. An outdated router, poor placement, interference from other electronics, or too many connected devices can all prevent you from reaching the speeds you’re paying for. Additionally, the distance between your device and router, the number of walls in between, and even the time of day can impact your actual Wi-Fi speeds. Start by running a speed test with a device connected directly to your modem via Ethernet cable. If those speeds match your plan, the issue lies with your Wi-Fi setup rather than your internet service.

How often should I replace my Wi-Fi router?

Most routers remain effective for three to five years before technological advances make them outdated. If your router doesn’t support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) at minimum, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. You should also consider replacing your router if you’ve significantly increased your internet speed (like upgrading to gigabit service), if you’re experiencing frequent connection drops or dead zones that optimization can’t fix, or if your router no longer receives security updates from the manufacturer. Newer Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers offer substantial improvements in speed, capacity, and performance, especially in households with many connected devices.

Will a Wi-Fi extender slow down my internet speed?

Yes, traditional Wi-Fi extenders typically reduce your bandwidth by about 50 percent because they use the same channel to both receive and rebroadcast your signal. However, this trade-off can still be worthwhile if you’re dealing with complete dead zones where you currently have no usable connection. A 50 percent reduction of your full speed is still better than zero connectivity.

What’s the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and which should I use?

The 2.4 GHz band offers longer range and better wall penetration, making it ideal for devices farther from your router or in different rooms. However, it’s slower (maxing out around 100 Mbps) and more prone to interference from other devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and neighboring Wi-Fi networks. The 5 GHz band provides much faster speeds (potentially over 1 Gbps) with less interference, but it doesn’t travel as far and struggles more with walls and obstacles. For the best experience, use 5 GHz for devices that need high speeds and are close to your router—like gaming consoles, streaming devices, and work computers. Reserve 2.4 GHz for smart home devices, security cameras, and gadgets that are farther away or don’t require blazing speeds.

Sources

[1] Astound.com. “Improving WiFi Speeds (11 Steps To Make Your WiFi Faster)"

[2] Intel.com. “How to Increase WiFi Speed: Learn How-to Boost WiFi Speed, Signal and Range"

[3] Optimum.com. “Trying to Find the Best Router Placement? Here’s How"