9 ways to make your home internet faster

Your favorite singer is coming to town, and you're determined to get tickets. You set your alarm clock, sign in at the right time and—boom—good seats are available. But when you go to pay, your screen freezes and you may lose your spot in the queue. Infuriating, right?

Here at Asurion, we're here to help you get the most out of your tech—from wireless internet and smart home devices to laptops and tablets. Here's how to increase your internet speed so you can get those front row seats you've always wanted.

1. Restart your modem and router

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Restart your devices. That includes your modem and router. Doing so forces your device to turn off safely and start up again properly, giving it a chance to update its software and reset its memory, often fixing routing issues.

2. Get an ethernet cable—and plug it in

Being physically connected to the modem through an ethernet cord limits the path it takes for the internet to get to your device. If you play video games on your device or stream a lot of movies, consider connecting it directly to the modem to make your internet connection stable and faster.

3. Move your modem

One way to make your internet faster is to set up shop next to the modem. Moving your modem and router around could mean having to reach out to your internet service provider for help. You could also try adding a Wi-Fi extender or setting up your own wireless mesh network.

4. Get in the right band

What Wi-Fi frequency band are you using? Take a moment to find it by opening the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your device. Look to see if similar network names are listed with a number at the end. For example, you might see something like "My_Home_Network" and "My_Home_Network_5G."

Most routers use dual-band technology, broadcasting at the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Think of the frequencies like a highway; 2.4GHz has the bulk of your everyday devices connected to it—even the non-Wi-Fi ones—so it moves slower due to higher interference. 5GHz is the HOV lane—fewer devices mean faster speeds Depending on your router, you might be able to prioritize one or the other. Check out our guide to learn more about how to connect your smart devices to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

5. Turn off your devices

When you need peak internet speeds to fuel your online gaming addiction (no judgment), turn off your tablet or laptop. The number of devices connected to your network can affect your internet, spoiling any attempts to speed it up. The more devices you connect to, the less internet there is to go around.

6. Lock down your network

We're not telling you to be rude, we just want you to be careful with who you give access to your network. Too many connected devices can slow down the internet you have. This includes any devices you weren't aware of—like your neighbor's Xbox®.

Want to keep your Wi-Fi safe with a strong password? Check out our guide.

7. Get a Wi-Fi extender

Wi-Fi extenders are a good option for areas in your home that are farther away from your modem and only get access to slower internet. Many extenders can be plugged into an outlet right where you need them, and if the extender matches your network's bandwidth, it won't be reduced.

8. Upgrade your equipment

Most modems last 5–8 years, so it may be time to give yours the retirement it deserves. With a newer modem, you'll get faster internet speeds, better performance, and more advanced network security.

Not sure what to do with your old modem? You may be able to recycle it. Check out our guide to what to do with your old tech.

9. Upgrade your home internet plan

Sometimes there's only so much you can do to improve your internet speed. You might have to reach out to your internet provider and change your current plan. Ideally, you'll want one with a higher number of megabits per second than you're now getting.

Download an app, like Cloudcheck® or Speedtest®, to a device connected to your network, and run a speed test. This'll give you a better idea of what speeds you're getting now, making it easier for you to find a plan that's a better fit.