There are times when the internet does not work as smoothly, and this disrupts your entire day and keeps you hanging at a cold & hot tempo.
This can include frozen video calls, endless buffering, slow downloads, and sudden disconnects that test your patience. While many people think of contacting the internet provider like Spectrum customer service, knowing it’s available 24/7 in these situations, the truth is that most of these issues don’t even require tech support.
The majority of these issues are common internet problems people fail to notice or aren’t knowledgeable about, but are fixable at home.
Below are five of the most common internet problems people face, along with practical solutions you can try in just a few minutes.
1. Slow Internet Speeds
One of the most common problems you can face with your internet is slow speeds. You notice your Instagram is hanging, your webpages are taking too long to load, or buffering happens in these advanced times. Why does this happen?
This may be due to the network congestion (if you’re a cable user), outdated devices cause poor signals, your router is just in the wrong place, or background apps are feeding on your bandwidth like zombies.
Some Quick Fixes:
- The simplest solution is to restart your modem or router. For this, you need to unplug your device to cut power for 30 to 60 seconds and then plug it back in. The quick reset can clear small glitches and refresh your connection.
- Second, you relocate your router to an open space that falls in a central location of your home. These routers, even the latest one’s performed best when not blocked by walls, furniture, and large electronics. Finally, disconnect devices that aren’t being used, as they may still be consuming bandwidth in the background.
2. Weak Wi-Fi Signal in Certain Rooms
This is a very common issue to have a strong Wi-Fi connection in one room or part of the home, but a weak and almost non-existent connection in the others. The thicker walls, floors, metal objects, and even mirrors can interfere with the wireless signals, which can create some dead zones in the bedrooms, kitchens, basements, or upper floor rooms.
Some Quick Fixes:
- You can move your routers to open or higher locations, such as on top of the shelf, not under or between it.
- It is a practice to keep the router or internet modems away from the appliances or microwave, or cordless phones. These can cause interference with the signals.
- Also, if your home is large or with multiple floors, you should consider using a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh system, especially if you have smart devices throughout the home too.
These will help even out the signals and distribute them across all the spaces, and there won’t be any dead zones in them.
3. Internet Keeps Disconnecting
The internet keeps cutting out during meetings, maybe an interview, your online class, or that one game you’re leveling on?
This is the single most frustrating thing and even embarrassing in these times of high-speed internet solutions. But you must know why it is happening to resolve it faster. It could be because of disconnections that can be caused by loose cables, outdated router software, or even overheating hardware.
Some Quick Fixes:
- You must check all physical cables connected to your modem and router. Making sure they are intact, as even a small change to them can disrupt signals.
- Then you can restart your modem and router regularly. Do this in the morning once, and you will thank the tip.
- Also, do point 2, especially if you experience frequent dropouts.
- Lastly, you should also check for firmware updates through the router’s settings or your apps, as updates often fix bugs and improve performance rapidly.
4. Too Many Devices Connected at Once
Today’s homes are filled with connected devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and all sorts of smart home devices. When too many devices are using the internet at the same time, your connection can become slow and unstable.
This happens when you’re using cable internet, as fiber delivers the same speed across devices and area, as the connection isn’t shared. So, for larger usage, you must opt for only fiber options, especially with large households.
But the lag with the cable happens when, usually in the evenings, everyone is streaming, gaming, or downloading content simultaneously. That distorts the signals, and not everyone or all devices get the same speed quality.
Some Quick Fixes:
It is best to limit the larger downloads and auto updates during peak hours. If possible, schedule updates for late at night or early in the morning when users are lower. If you want to update in the evening, then you can reduce streaming video quality from 4K to HD to lower bandwidth usage.
But if the slowdowns are happening daily, upgrading to a higher-speed internet plan may be the best long-term solution, or get a fiber – it’s an investment.
5. Router Overheating
The problem with the issues with routers, of restarting and heating, is normal, as they are also mechanical devices that need attention. Most people overlook this and thus cause the device’s performance to not be optimized.
This happens because when the router gets too hot, it can throttle performance, drop signals, and disconnect devices without warning. It happens when the router is placed in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. This includes spaces such as in a cupboard that may heat up due to heat or another space that can heat up, like another device.
Some Quick Fixes:
- You can place the router in an open, well-ventilated area where air can circulate.
- You should avoid cabinets, drawers, or tight corners that can warm the device.
- You should regularly clean dust from the router’s vents and the surrounding area. With a cooler router, the performance is better and provides a consistent connection.
Lastly, when it comes to having internet problems, you don’t always need a technician or some complicated fixes. People should learn to be observant about an issue happening, and only when there is no solution should they find solutions that are technically based.
The smallest of adjustments in your router’s movement, restarting the equipment, or tightening cables, and managing the connected devices make all the difference. Try these simple tips to troubleshoot and then get worked up to calling support. But in most cases, your speed improves, and you’re back to what you were doing with these DIY tips.