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How to Improve Your Internet Speed

Most homes get noticeably faster internet without changing plans. Start with a test, try the free fixes first, and retest after each change so you know what helped.

Updated October 6, 2026 · How we write our guides

Measure first

Run a speed test on a cable and on WiFi so you know where you are starting. Write the numbers down. Without a baseline, it is hard to tell whether a change helped.

Free fixes (10 minutes)

  1. Restart the modem and router. Unplug both, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem, wait until it is fully online, then the router.
  2. Find the bandwidth hogs. Check for game consoles downloading updates, computers syncing cloud drives, and phones backing up photos. Schedule these for overnight.
  3. Move the router. A central, raised, open position beats a cupboard, a floor or the far end of the house. Keep it away from microwaves, cordless phone bases, thick walls and metal.
  4. Use 5 GHz. If your router shows separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, connect nearby devices to 5 GHz.
  5. Update the router firmware from its app or admin page.
  6. Update your device and browser. Old network drivers can limit speed.

Get better WiFi coverage

  • Change the WiFi channel on 2.4 GHz if neighbors’ networks crowd yours. Many routers can pick the least busy channel automatically.
  • Wire what doesn’t move. TVs, consoles and desktops on Ethernet free up WiFi airtime for phones and laptops.
  • Use powerline or MoCA adapters to bring a wired connection to a far room using your power or coax wiring, if running a cable isn’t practical.

Low-cost upgrades

  • Replace old Ethernet cables with Cat 5e or Cat 6. A damaged cable can drop a connection to 100 Mbps.
  • Replace an old router. If your router is more than five or six years old, or doesn’t support WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or newer, a modern router or mesh system may unlock speed you already pay for.
  • Choose a router with smart queue management if games or calls lag when others are online. It doesn’t raise Mbps but makes the connection feel much faster under load.
  • Check rented equipment. If your provider’s modem is old, ask whether a newer model is available for your plan.

When to change your plan

Upgrade when wired tests consistently reach close to your plan’s speed and that still isn’t enough for what your household does at the same time. Use the good internet speed guide to estimate what you need. If wired tests are well below your plan, a faster plan probably won’t help; follow how to fix slow internet instead.

Frequently asked questions

Does restarting the router really help?

Sometimes. A restart clears temporary faults and memory problems in the router or modem. If speeds return to normal after restarts but keep degrading, the router may be failing or need a firmware update.

Will a WiFi extender make my internet faster?

It can improve speed in a far room by giving a stronger signal there, but a basic extender can also halve the speed it passes on. Mesh systems or a wired access point usually perform better.

When should I upgrade my plan?

When wired tests regularly show you getting close to your plan speed and it still is not enough for what your household does at the same time.