Maximize your internet speed with everyone at home
Limit the number of devices connected at the same time
The list may be way longer than you realize, including not only smartphones and computers, but also:
- Google Home/Amazon Alexa
- Smart Home devices
- Security devices (cameras, Ring doorbells)
- Tiles and other GPS trackers for keys, etc.
- Smart Air purifiers
- Smart TVs
- Smart appliances such as refrigerators and ovens
Whenever possible, try to turn some of these devices off when not in use to maximize available bandwidth. Consider having family members stagger their online schedules or work in “shifts,” for instance.
Minimize streaming during work and school hours
Similarly, try to alternate work and leisure time so that you're not trying to stream your favorite shows while someone else in the family is on a video conference. All of these media services tend to use high bandwidth, and so will impact the performance of other activities in the home:
- Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV and other video streaming services
- Online gaming systems
- Music streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify
- Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV
In addition, it's helpful to turn those separate devices off when not in use (not just let them go into "sleep" mode).
Minimize VPN usage
Finally, limit your uploading and downloading of large files during the work/school day, and schedule cloud-based backups to happen overnight to free up daytime bandwidth.
It may take some planning and practice, but by following these guidelines, you can optimize your home connection and make it possible for everyone in your household to keep your lives running online.
Still not getting the internet strength you need?
Have you tried everything and are just not getting the performance you need? There are a couple of popular solutions you might consider:
- Check our full list of troubleshooting ideas to fix slow internet.
- Some households may decide it's time to upgrade to a faster internet speed or add a second internet line to be used exclusively for streaming media or working/schooling from home. This may be a good solution when it's simply not possible to limit connected devices or adjust the hours you need to be online.
- In some cases, it is your WiFi signal that is slowing you down, not your internet connection. Start by optimizing your WiFi performance. If you find that your service is weak in parts of your home that are farther away from your router, a WiFi extender kit can increase your signal coverage over a larger area.
