Oftentimes, slow internet speed is caused by factors that can be easily fixed. Start by running a speed test to see what kind of data speeds you’re actually getting and compare that to what your provider advertises.

Also remember that data speeds are measured in megabits, not megabytes. If you’re still not seeing the speeds you want, call your provider to renegotiate a plan or upgrade.

1. Check Your Speeds

Your internet speed determines what activities you can do online and how many devices your network can handle at once. It’s measured in Mbps, and there are a variety of websites that can test your speed for you.

Testing your speeds is a good way to see how your connection performs and identify any problems. But it’s important to remember that the results can vary, especially throughout the day.

So, if you’re experiencing slow connections or lag while gaming, it’s worth running several tests to get an accurate picture of your speed. Once you know your average speed, it’s easier to decide if your current provider is the best fit for you. And if not, you can easily find other options in your area.

2. Upgrade Your Devices

Your computer, router, and any other devices you use to access the internet can impact your speeds. If your equipment is outdated, or the latest standards aren’t supported, your network will slow down. Newer routers and Wi-Fi hardware will use frequencies more efficiently, which can lead to faster connections.

You can also upgrade the firmware on your router or purchase a plug-in Wi-Fi extender to boost your signal strength. Clutter can impede your router’s performance, so keep it clean and make sure the devices closest to your router are positioned properly.

If you’re still experiencing slow Internet, it might be time to renegotiate your plan or switch providers. Be sure to check out ZDNET’s roundup of the best deals this month. You may be surprised at how much money you can save. Plus, faster internet is worth it.

3. Disable Unnecessary Programs

Keeping unnecessary programs running on your device can slow down internet speed and use up data quickly. To help prevent this, regularly scan your equipment for malware and disable any non-essential programs that are using up bandwidth.

Unnecessary software can also expose your device to hackers by introducing vulnerabilities into its operating system. By removing unnecessary programs and disabling default features, you can reduce attackers’ opportunities.

To identify unnecessary processes, you can use the Task Manager or third-party tools that monitor your computer’s resources in real time to notify you of any issues. Once you have identified and disabled unnecessary processes, your system will run more smoothly and efficiently. The resulting increase in performance can help you get more out of your internet service. This can be especially helpful if you play games online. It can keep your game experience smooth and lag-free while minimizing other internet users’ impacts on your connection.

4. Scan Your Device for Malware

Malware can slow down your connection and eat up data, so it’s important to run regular scans. Look for malware symptoms like ad popups, a device that gets hotter or slower than usual, or apps that you don’t remember downloading.

Avoid malware infections by installing and keeping up to date with security software, enabling automatic updates for your operating system, and staying clear of suspicious links and attachments. It’s also important to check and update your apps frequently.

If you’re worried about a specific app, you can renegotiate your plan, upgrade to a better one, or even switch providers entirely if the speed isn’t good enough for you. Check with your provider for more details. You can also try using Wireshark to analyze your network traffic to identify any unusual activity. You can then check your antivirus for any potential threats.

5. Upgrade to a Faster Plan

You may find that your internet speed isn’t quite fast enough for what you need. It’s worth re-running a speed test to see what your current speed is and then looking at the maximum speeds advertised with your provider.

For example, if you have a 10Mbps plan and watch lots of video, you may want to upgrade to something closer to 50Mbps. Also, make sure to check if your provider has any data caps or restrictions because they can really hurt your internet speeds.

Additionally, a quality router can help maximize your speeds so consider upgrading to one if you haven’t already. Finally, if you are still experiencing slow internet in certain areas of your house, it’s likely time to look at a faster connection type like fiber or DSL. This will help your entire home experience better.

6. Check Your Data Cap

Many broadband internet providers use data caps. These limits prevent users from overburdening the network by taking up too much bandwidth. While some ISPs offer unlimited data in their top tiers, others have caps as low as 1TB per month. If you have a cap, monitor your usage to avoid overage fees.

Streaming videos, uploading photos, and scrolling through social media all require megabytes of data. If you routinely exceed your data limit, consider upgrading to a higher plan or finding ways to reduce your consumption. You can also look for a soft cap, which throttles your speeds if you’re close to your limit. This can help you avoid costly overage charges and still enjoy a high-quality internet experience. This may take a little digging, but your provider should have a transparent way to track your data usage.

7. Check Your Router Settings

Many factors can affect your router’s performance. Wi-Fi speeds can slow if your device is too far from the router or if there are walls and other obstructions between you and the router’s signal. You might need to upgrade your router, or you might simply need a stronger signal. Adding a plug-in range extender can help, as can making sure your router’s security settings are up to date.

Your router might also have settings that can improve speeds, like the ability to change its channel so it doesn’t overlap with the channel of nearby neighbors. Many routers can also give different types of traffic priority, so video conference calls aren’t bogged down by someone else downloading a software update at the same time. Some routers offer these settings within a mobile app or the main administration panel.

8. Check Your Antennas

Whether you have wired or wireless connections, a weak signal will slow your internet speeds. Try repositioning your router’s antenna or upgrading to an external one for better performance.

You should also check the wires that connect your router to your phone jack, switch, or PC. If they’re old or chewed by pets, consider replacing them to improve speed. A deterrent like bitter apple spray can help keep pets away from your network, too.

If you still have slow speeds, call your service provider. They might want to send a technician to see what’s going on. In some cases, they’ll ask you to renegotiate your plan or upgrade to get faster speeds. If that’s the case, you should consider switching providers altogether. Getting the most out of your internet service takes time and effort, but it’s worth it when you can enjoy a fast connection that meets or exceeds your provider’s advertised speeds.

9. Update Your Firmware

Keeping your router’s firmware updated can help ensure the best performance and security. Firmware updates optimize the software, stomp out pesky bugs and fill in security holes.

If you have a modem/router combo unit (sometimes called a gateway), your ISP probably updates the firmware automatically. But if you have a separate router or a modem only, it’s important to update the firmware on a regular basis.

To update your modem firmware, first download the file from your router manufacturer’s website. It will likely come in a ZIP file, so make sure to extract it. Then, open the router NetCloud Manager UI and follow the on-screen instructions to start the process. The UI will provide progress updates as the upgrade completes.

10. Check Your Device Settings

If you’re still having trouble with your internet speed, it may be time to call your service provider. They might be able to send a technician out to help you pinpoint an overlooked issue. You might need internet for rural communities, specifically, Fast Satellite Internet.

Unnecessary background programs could be draining your bandwidth, slowing down your connection speeds. Check for programs that update automatically and shut them down if they don’t need to. You can also use a router’s QoS controls to prioritize certain devices or services over others.

If you’re regularly going over your data cap, talk to your provider about upgrading your plan or renegotiating your contract. They might be able to give you a better deal for a faster plan.