Tips 3 min. read

6 Ways To Fix Your Slow Internet Connection

6 Ways To Fix Your Slow Internet Connection

why is my internet slowing down and how to fix it

The internet is a part of your everyday life. You use it both at work and at home, so it’s frustrating when your connection slows down for whatever reason, and you don’t know how to fix it.

You don’t need to worry, though. This article has got you covered. To help you solve the problem, here are 6 things you can do to fix your slow internet connection:

1. Check your internet speed.

When troubleshooting your slow connection, it’s best to check on the small things first. Start by testing your internet speed. You can use web-based speed testing tools such as SpeedOf.Me, Ookla’s Speedtest, and Bandwidth Place. The great thing about them is they’re all fast, free, and easy to use.

2. Use a better browser.

Your issue could be as simple as the browser you’re using, since not every browser performs in the same way. If you’re still using Internet Explorer, maybe it’s time to consider switching to something like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Several modifications have been made to the two browsers to make them faster and use up less resources (RAM).

3. Remove or delete unnecessary background applications.

When you have a slow connection, sometimes the issue does not lie with your internet service provider (ISP) or the internet itself. Rather, it could be that you have too many applications running in the background. Disable any unimportant applications or better yet, delete them.

4. Place your router in the best possible spot.

A slow internet connection can be caused by your Wi-Fi signal not reaching every corner of your home or office. This could be due to an object impeding the signal (like a wall) or improper placement of the router. Avoid placing your router in corners or in places near walls and other solid objects. To maximize your Wi-Fi signal, place them on an elevated object (table or shelf) in the center of the room.

5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN can help increase your internet speed if your ISP is throttling your connection. Throttling is now common practice among ISPs, and using a high-quality VPN can counter it. When you utilize a VPN, it will encrypt the data going in and out of your network. That means your ISP can’t detect your data and would be unable to throttle your connection.

6. Consider changing your plan or ISP (or both).

Have you done all of the aforementioned ways to speed up your internet to no avail? Maybe you simply have a slow internet plan. If that’s the case, you may need to switch plans or even ISPs. Upgrade your plan to a faster speed or change ISPs altogether. Choose an ISP that can provide you with better value—one who doesn’t practice bandwidth throttling (or at least make it so obvious).

Speed up your connection with Hotspot Shield VPN.

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Tired of having internet that crawls like a snail? Then Hotspot Shield VPN is perfect for you. Our VPN is chock-full of features that not only provide security and anonymity online, but also help to speed up your connection. With our VPN’s data encryption, your ISP will no longer be able to throttle your internet.

Visit our website to download Hotspot Shield VPN today. It’s available for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS. You can also get more helpful tips by reading our blog.

 

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