Lags are always an inconvenience to many of us. Whether we’re playing an online game, streaming our favorite shows on Netflix, or simply browsing the net, experiencing lags is frustrating. It’s even more annoying when you don’t know what’s causing the lag. There are a variety of factors that can cause lags. It could be your internet connection, your device, the app or program you’re using, or even the server you’re connected to. For all these reasons, you can do some things about it before calling your internet provider.
In this article, we’ll provide you with tips to avoid lags on your home internet. Let’s begin!
- Check your device for malware and viruses.
Lags can be caused by malware or viruses in your system. This malicious software can bog down your device and connection, leading to a slower internet speed. To check if this is the case, run a virus scan on your devices using an anti-malware program. Once you’ve eliminated the viruses, restart your device and see if the lagging has stopped.
- Update your apps and programs.
Outdated apps and programs can also be a common cause of lags. Make sure that all the apps on your devices are up-to-date to ensure that they’re running smoothly. To update your apps, go to the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) and look for updates. For your programs, check if there are any available updates on the manufacturer’s website.
- Clear your browser cache.
Over time, your browser can accumulate a lot of temporary data, which can slow down your internet speed. To clear your browser cache, go to your browser’s settings and look for the “Clear browsing data” option. Select the timeframe for which you want to clear the cache and hit the “Clear data” button.
- Perform a speed test.
Performing a speed test is a must if you’re constantly experiencing lags. It will show you your current internet speed along with the ping rate. If you notice that your internet speed is lower than what you’re paying for, it might be a cause of concern. What you can do is observe first and see if it improves because it can be that your network was only congested when you performed the initial speed test. If it doesn’t improve, it’s time to call your internet provider.
- Restart your router.
Like all devices, routers also need to be restarted from time to time. When you do this, it can help clear up any issues that might’ve cropped up and improve your internet speed. To restart your router, simply unplug it from the power outlet and plug it back in after a few seconds. It’s worth noting that you will have no internet connection when doing this, so make sure you’re not doing anything important via the web before restarting your router.
- Check your data cap.
If you don’t have an unlimited internet plan, we recommend you check your data allowance to see if you’ve already reached it. Once you’ve reached your data limit, your internet speeds will be throttled, resulting in lags. To avoid this, keep track of your data usage or switch to an unlimited internet plan from reliable providers like Verizon, Spectrum, or AT&T.
- Disconnect unused devices.
If you have devices that are connected to your router but are not in use, disconnect them. These devices can still use up your bandwidth even if they’re not in operation, which can lead to internet lagging. So, check your old devices or other smart appliances that are not necessary.
- Get a WiFi extender.
If you live in a large home and your router only has a limited range, we recommend getting a WiFi extender. This will amplify your existing WiFi signal and extend its reach to cover more ground. As a result, you’ll have fewer dead zones and a stronger connection overall. However, if you have a small home and your WiFi coverage is just fine, then it’s unnecessary to purchase an extender.
Conclusion
We understand the frustration of dealing with a laggy internet connection. That’s why we’ve created a simple list of how to boost your internet speed without actually upgrading your internet plan. These tips are based on our experience, so we highly recommend these troubleshooting tips to everyone. Go try them out, and let us know if it fixed your lag issues!
