Is Your Internet Slow? Try This Speed Test NOW!
Feeling like your internet is crawling at a snail's pace lately? We've all been there. You try to stream your favorite show and it takes forever to buffer. You hop on a video call and the image is pixelated. It's beyond frustrating! But how can you really tell if your internet speed is slow or if it's just in your head? Don't worry, we've got your back.
To begin, click the large Start button. The tool will connect to the nearest test server and transfer data back and forth at maximum speed for a few seconds. It will then measure and calculate your internet transfer speeds.
Why Your Internet May Be Slow?
There are a few common reasons why your internet connection may be crawling.
Outdated Equipment
If you're still using the router and modem that came with your internet plan five years ago, it's probably time for an upgrade. Technology changes fast, and newer models are much more capable of handling the demands of streaming, gaming, and a house full of connected devices.
Too Many Connected Devices
Speaking of which, the more gadgets you have connected to your network, the more congested it gets. Between laptops, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and smart home devices, the average household has over 10 connected devices. Make sure your router can handle the load
Distance From the Router
The further away your devices are from the router, the slower the connectivity. Wi-Fi signals can degrade over distance, so for the fastest speeds, make sure your frequently used gadgets are in the same room as the router. You may need a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the signal to more remote areas of your home.
Heavy Bandwidth Usage
If you have multiple people streaming 4K video, downloading huge files, and playing online games at once, your network is going to choke. There's only so much bandwidth to go around, so try scheduling some of these high-bandwidth activities for off-peak hours when possible. Upgrading to a faster internet plan may also help in homes with many heavy internet users.
With regular speed tests, you can pinpoint issues and make tweaks to get your connection running fast again. And if there are still problems after trying the usual fixes, it may be time to call your internet service provider for help.
How can I fix a slow internet connection?
There are a few things you can try to speed up your internet:
Restart your router and modem - Resetting these devices can often resolve temporary network issues. Unplug them for a few minutes and then plug them back in.
Disconnect extra devices - Turn off devices like tablets, streaming sticks and gaming consoles when you're not using them. The fewer devices connected, the less bandwidth is used.
Change your Wi-Fi channel - If you notice your Wi-Fi slowing down at certain times of day, try changing to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel. Channels 1, 6 and 11 usually work best.
Upgrade your equipment - If your router or modem is more than 3-4 years old, it may not handle your internet plan's top speeds. Newer models will provide faster, stronger Wi-Fi coverage for all your connected devices.
Contact your internet provider - If problems persist, call your provider to report the issue. They can test your connection, reset equipment if needed and determine if an upgrade to your internet plan or equipment would help boost your speeds.