How to boost your Wi-Fi connection.
Nobody wants funky Wi-Fi. Buffering mid-video? Stalled downloads? No, thank you.
Here are some things you can try to make sure your connection is always as strong as possible.
Wi-Fi Checkup Tool.
Having Wi-Fi issues? Our Wi-Fi checkup tool in the My Account app will analyze your Wi-Fi network and provide recommendations for optimizing performance. Most issues can be fixed in under 5 minutes.
Scan the QR code to launch the tool in the My Account app
Can't scan the QR code? To launch the Wi-Fi checkup tool, open or download the My Account app, select Support on the bottom right of the screen, then select Wi-Fi checkup.
Modem location.
Your Wi-Fi connection is strongest the closer you are to your modem. Ensure that your modem is located where you use Wi-Fi most in your home.
Wi-Fi radio waves are affected by:
- Distance from the modem.
- Obstructions such as walls, furniture, etc.
- Signal interference from other electronics (small appliances, microwaves, etc.).
Test your Wi-Fi.
Test the reach of your Wi-Fi signal by running multiple speed tests as you move away from your modem.
Use the device that is experiencing slow speeds, if possible.
Use a laptop or other portable device
- Run a speed test standing next to the modem and note the results.
- Move to the location where your device is experiencing slow speeds and run another speed test.
- Compare the speed test results.
Tip: Try to ensure that no other devices are consuming high bandwidth while testing (i.e. streaming videos or online gaming).
Try these tips to boost your signal reach.
- Remove obstructions from around your modem (cabinets, boxes, etc.)
- We recommend adding a signal boosting device/Wi-Fi mesh system to extend the range of the Wi-Fi signal in your home.
Number of devices.
The more devices you have connected to your Wi-Fi network, the more likely it is to slow down.
Higher speed internet packages deliver stronger Wi-Fi to multiple devices.
To avoid this | Try this |
---|---|
Devices may still use your Wi-Fi even when you’re not using them. | Disconnect from Wi-Fi or turn devices off when you’re not using them. |
Certain activities use a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming videos in 4K. | Reduce your viewing quality to HD. |
You may have more devices connected to your Wi-Fi network than your Internet package can support. | See if a higher-speed Internet package is available. |
To avoid this: Devices may still use your Wi-Fi even when you’re not using them. Try this: Disconnect from Wi-Fi or turn devices off when you’re not using them. |
To avoid this: Certain activities use a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming videos in 4K. Try this: Reduce your viewing quality to HD. |
To avoid this: You may have more devices connected to your Wi-Fi network than your Internet package can support. Try this: See if a higher-speed Internet package is available. |
Device age and quality.
Different types of devices support different types of Wi-Fi speeds. Check out what your device is capable of on the chart below.
Device type | Age | Max. speed range |
---|---|---|
Computers Heads up! To reach the speeds shown you need an Internet package of equal or greater speed. For example, to achieve speeds of 50 Mbps you must have a package of at least 50 Mbps. |
5+ years old | 10 to 50 Mbps |
3+ years old | 50 to 150 Mbps | |
1+ years old | 150 to 250 Mbps | |
New | 250 to 750 Mbps | |
Mobile devices |
5+ years old | 10 to 25 Mbps |
3+ years old | 25 to 75 Mbps | |
1+ years old | 75 to 200 Mbps | |
New | 200 to 400 Mbps |
Computers Heads up! To reach the speeds shown you need an Internet package of equal or greater speed. For example, to achieve speeds of 50 Mbps you must have a package of at least 50 Mbps. |
Age: 5+ years old Max. speed range 10 to 50 Mbps |
Age: 3+ years old Max. speed range 50 to 150 Mbps |
Age: 1+ years old Max. speed range 150 to 250 Mbps |
Age: New Max. speed range 250 to 750 Mbps |
Mobile devices |
Age: 5+ years old Max. speed range 10 to 50 Mbps |
Age: 3+ years old Max. speed range 25 to 75 Mbps |
Age: 1+ years old Max. speed range 75 to 200 Mbps |
Age: New Max. speed range 200 to 400 Mbps |
Try these tips to boost your device’s wi-fi speed.
- Power your device off completely and power it back on after 30 seconds.
- Clear your browser history and chase (if applicable).
- Remove any unused apps. Apps can run in the background, slowing down your device.
- Upgrade your device.
Signal interference.
Your Wi-Fi signals are always competing for the best spot in the connection.
Here are the most common reasons for interference and tips to improve your device’s Wi-Fi speed:
Reasons for interference | Tip |
---|---|
High density living area | Try to use your device where it has a clear line of sight to your modem. |
Peak activity hours | Test your Wi-Fi speed at peak hours and non-peak hours and compare the results. Slow speed during peak hours will confirm signal congestion is reducing the speeds to your device. Consider using a wired connection during peak hours to improve your speed. |
Older devices | Grab a newer model of your device to ensure proper connectivity. Check out our selection of phones and tablets here. |
Other electronics | Move other electronic devices away from your modem. |
High density living area Tip: Try to use your device where it has a clear line of sight to your modem. |
Peak activity hours Tip: Test your Wi-Fi speed at peak hours and non-peak hours and compare the results. Slow speed during peak hours will confirm signal congestion is reducing the speeds to your device. Consider using a wired connection during peak hours to improve your speed. |
Older devices Tip: Grab a newer model of your device to ensure proper connectivity. Check out our selection of phones and tablets here. |
Other electronics Tip: Move other electronic devices away from your modem. |