Slow internet can derail your day, whether you’re on a video call, streaming a movie, or downloading important files. The good news is that most issues can be diagnosed and fixed without needing to call your provider. By testing your internet speed and addressing common problems, you can restore your connection and keep things running smoothly.
Start with an Internet Speed Test
Testing your internet speed gives you a clear picture of your download, upload, and latency performance. Free tools like Speedtest or Fast.com by Netflix provide instant results. Compare these numbers to the speeds promised by your internet service provider. If there’s a significant gap, your provider may need to address the issue.
Understand What the Numbers Mean
- Download speed: Determines how quickly you can receive data. Essential for streaming, browsing, and video calls.
- Upload speed: Measures how fast you can send data. Important for file sharing, live streaming, and video conferencing.
- Latency (ping): The delay between sending and receiving data. A latency under 50 ms is best for activities like gaming or virtual meetings.
Common Fixes for Slow Internet
- Restart your router: Power cycling your router can clear out temporary issues.
- Check for bandwidth hogs: Streaming, gaming, or large downloads on other devices can slow your connection.
- Improve Wi-Fi coverage: Place your router in a central location or upgrade to mesh Wi-Fi systems like Eero or Google Nest Wi-Fi.
- Switch to Ethernet: A wired connection provides more stability than Wi-Fi, especially for gaming or video conferencing.
- Update firmware and devices: Outdated routers or devices can bottleneck your connection.
When to Call Your Provider
If your speeds remain consistently lower than advertised, or if outages occur often, it may be time to contact your provider. In some cases, upgrading to a higher-speed plan or switching to a more reliable provider may be the best option.
Save on Internet-Related Expenses
Beyond troubleshooting, you can also save on the services and tools you use alongside your internet. Cashback apps make this easier. For example, you can earn cashback with a Best Buy gift card when upgrading your router, or get rewards with a Target gift card for smart home devices that improve connectivity. To maximize these savings, download Fluz and start earning cashback instantly.
Final Thoughts
Testing and troubleshooting your internet speed doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and fixes, most problems can be solved at home. Pair those improvements with cashback savings on upgrades, and you’ll enjoy faster, more reliable internet without overspending.
