So, what are the major culprits behind that frustratingly slow internet ? Is it your equipment? Is it a computer virus? Or do you just need a new home internet provider? While there's not a one-size-fits-all answer, here is a handy to-do list that'll help you get the speed you need:
- Check your router. One of the first ways to ensure you’re getting the fastest internet speeds possible is also the easiest: Turn your router off and turn it back on again. In order to help eliminate bugs, simply restart your system by unplugging your modem and router, waiting a minute, and then plugging them back in again to see if that improves internet speeds. Make sure all lights on the back are flashing and then check speeds again. Sounds almost too simple, but that’s actually the first thing your internet service provider will suggest. Even if you’re not noticing any issues with your router, resetting it once a month could help reset your connection, resulting in faster internet speeds.
- Hardware on a router doesn’t last forever. If you’ve noticed that your router is overheating or your Wi-Fi sometimes disappears only to mysteriously reappear later, it might be time for a new router. Also, if your router doesn’t support newer devices, it’s time to upgrade.
- Change your router location. Sometimes routers just aren’t in a good physical location to offer support for an entire home. In order to deliver connectivity to devices across a large physical location, you may need to move it around until you find a good spot. If that’s not possible and there are a few areas that simply do not get a good signal, look into buying a Wi-Fi extender. These relatively cost-effective devices connect to and then re-broadcast your Wi-Fi signal over a larger area than most home routers cover. If you have T-Mobile Home Internet, you’ll know exactly where to get the best signal. Simply download the app and it’ll walk you through the process.
- Know your data cap. Did you know that your home internet plan can sometimes include a data cap, just like a mobile phone plan? Thanks to the rise of online streaming and a growing number of connected home devices, the amount of data the average person uses is on the rise. When home internet users exceed caps, the result could be overage fees and throttled internet speeds. Check your bill and your plan: faster internet speeds could be a matter of finding a plan with enough data.
- Test your speed. Likewise, if you're noticing lag in your games or more frequent buffering for streaming video, it’s possible you’re not actually getting the speeds required for a seamless connection. Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), which marks the amount of time it takes for data to make the roundtrip from devices to server and back again. You can check your actual internet speeds using one of the many free speed tools available online.
- Check your browser. Sometimes what we think of as "slow internet" is actually a browser problem. One hidden culprit behind slow loading websites and tasks that seem to take forever is sometimes a surplus of hidden extensions. Figure out how many add-ons, such as plug-ins and extensions, you can live without, and you might be surprised by how quickly things seem to move.
- Too many open tabs. Having too many tabs open at once can also slow things down and you’ll likely notice that web pages on your devices aren’t loading as quickly. Instead of keeping tabs open for future reading, try downloading a "read it later" service to keep track of news stories, recipes, etc. without slowing down your browser. You can also periodically uninstall and reinstall your browser in order to make sure you’re working with the most up-to-date version.
- Update your antivirus software. One scary cause of slow internet could be viruses or malware. If you don’t currently have antivirus- or malware-detecting software installed on your devices, you should definitely consider it. If you do already have protection, make sure you have the latest version, then set it to scan on a regular basis. If you do find that malware or viruses are the culprit, take your device to an expert to remove them.
- Clear your cache. If you’ve ever had an ad for a bathroom rug you searched for once chase you around the internet for weeks, then you know what a cookie is. Cookies and other tracking devices use little bits of information you’ve left as you’ve browsed the internet to serve you ads for related products. But too many of those cookies and trackers can slow down your browsing experience. While it doesn’t necessarily result in faster internet speeds, adopting a plugin that can clear your cache in one click may improve speeds on your device.
- Consider ethernet (as a last resort). If you don’t have a reliable internet connection, you may have to throw up your hands and give in to good-old-fashioned ethernet. Sure, the wires are clumsy, it's less convenient, and it severely limits where you can put your devices—but if you've tried everything else with no success, it may be the last resort. Plugging directly into the router via ethernet cable could help fix issues like video game lag, smart TVs that are always buffering, or desktops and laptops that take centuries to download data.
If none of these suggestions works for you, it may be time to switch internet service providers . If you live in a big or medium-sized city, you probably have several to choose from. Even apartment renters, once relegated to using whomever their landlord forced upon them, now have a say in choosing their own providers, thanks to an FCC rule that kicked-in in 20221,2.
New technologies like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 have also opened-up a world of new opportunities for those who want to "cut the cord" with their old internet service providers.
T-Mobile is America’s fastest growing Home Internet provider. Check to see if T-Mobile Home Internet is available in your area and then try it free for 15 days to see if it works for you.
Cancel within 15 days of Home Internet service activation. Limited-time offer; subject to change. Qualifying new Home Internet line and timely gateway return required. Refund via one-time bill credit. Max 1/account. May not be combinable with some offers or discounts.
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