How to improve your broadband speed

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Top tips to boost your internet speeds

If the speed you're currently getting is way off what you need, you may have to move to a new deal or provider (see below for switching help).

But if you're generally comfortable with the average speed, there are a few things you can do to marginally increase it.

1. Make sure your router is in the best place

   When using Wi-Fi, obviously the nearer you are to the router, the better your signal will be, and therefore the faster your broadband. Because Wi-Fi signals can't travel through large objects such as thick walls, it's crucial you have a clear path for the signal to travel to your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

   Signal noise from other wireless electronics, such as a TV, can interfere with the connection between your device and router so it may be worth switching these off if you have an important video meeting and are experiencing slow broadband speeds.

   The position you place your router can therefore make a massive difference to the speeds you get. Where possible, try to:

   • Choose a central location.

   • Position it high up with no obstacles around it.

   • Don't hide your router away in a cupboard or drawer.

   • Place your phone far away as possible from electrical equipment such as baby monitors, speakers, TVs or monitors.

   • Don't camouflage it with picture frames or ornaments.

   It's also worth making sure it's plugged into the best socket. Try using multiple phone sockets to see if you can get better speeds, though plugging your router directly into your main phone socket will generally work best. Just remember the distance between your router and devices should be kept to a minimum where possible.
   
   Other things to check

   

   What is a microfilter?

   A microfilter is a small device that can be plugged into a socket. They may come in handy if your broadband is slow, you have noise on your phoneline or if you keep having drops in connection. They stop your telephone and broadband signals from interfering with each other. 

   Why do I need an ADSL microfilter?

   Your provider should give you adapters that split your phone and broadband signals. The ADSL port will allow you to connect it to your router and stop the broadband interfering with your telephone. It's advisable that these are plugged into every phone socket you use, not just the one you use for broadband.

   If after plugging the filter in your regular phone line becomes noisier, try plugging in a second filter or investing in a better quality filter (you can find them online for as little as £2).

   Do I need a microfilter if I don't have a telephone?

   It depends on the type of socket you're using to plug your broadband into. If it has just one socket, you'll need a microfilter. If it has two, where one is marked 'broadband', then you don't need a microfilter.

   Most Wi-Fi routers operate on a 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequency spectrum, which are then split into 'channels'.

   As most routers use the same channel by default, it's worth switching to another if your Wi-Fi is patchy or slow – as it's likely your neighbours will all be using a single channel at the same time. Your router's manual should show you how to do it, or you can try this Tech Advisor guide.

   Use microfilters in each phone socket

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   Try changing your router channel for better Wi-Fi

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2. Opt for wires, not Wi-Fi

   

   It may not be an immediately appealing option, but if you're desperate, reverting to good ol' cables should boost your speed. An Ethernet cable is able to transfer data at a faster rate than Wi-Fi can because it doesn't encrypt data as wireless routers do.

   What is an ethernet cable?

   An ethernet cable does the same thing as your Wi-Fi connection does except it uses a cable to do it. So an ethernet cable lets you physically connect your computer to the internet. They're able to transfer data at a faster rate than Wi-Fi can because it doesn't encrypt data as wireless routers do.

   Other benefits include much less interference, so you don't have to worry what frequency your neighbour is on, and a more reliable connection for devices such as games consoles and PCs, which don't need to be moved around the room.

3. Try a wireless booster

   Wireless boosters are designed for folks with big homes or those with signal black spots where the signal isn't strong enough. However, the gadget just extends the wireless signal – it won't improve your general broadband speed or bandwidth. Boosters generally work with any provider, so you don't have to be with one in particular to use them.

   Check before buying though, as your supplier may send you one out for free if you're having difficulties connecting in certain rooms. Also, if you've signed up to either Sky Boost, WiFi Guarantee or the BT Complete package, these guarantee Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home, which means you can request an unlimited amount of wireless boosters.
   
   If not, you could try something like the:

   • Netgear booster*– a decent cheap option available from Amazon from £26.25

   • TP-Link booster* – a big brand name, also available from Amazon for £16.99.

4. Use your home electrics to extend your router's range

   Virgin Media recommends powerline adapters over boosters, which use your electric wiring to send the router signal to other parts of your home. This is how it works:

   1. Connect your router to the nearest plug socket using the adapter.

   2. Your internet connection is then routed around your home through the electrical wiring.

   3. Plug another adapter into a socket, ideally where you are experiencing weak signal, and you should see a noticeable improvement in the connection strength.

   4. You can then connect your laptop or another device either by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, depending on the kit you choose.

   Here are a couple of options we've found:

   • The Netgear Powerline* range of adaptors cost £42 to £50 (including postage) direct from Virgin. They can also be bought from other retailers that stock computer equipment, such as Argos.
     

   • The TP-Link* powerline adaptor starter kit (two pack) is usually around £31.99 from Amazon.

5. Turn off Wi-Fi on devices you're not using

   

   The more devices attached to your Wi-Fi, the lower the speed you'll get. Even if you have a decent fibre or cable connection, you may think you're not prone to slow speeds, but devices such as tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching Wi-Fi reception off on these when you're not using them.

6. Working from home and need a quick fix?

   If you're carrying out video calls or meetings and you're having problems, turning the video off and only using audio will require much less of your internet connection. But if things are working fine, for your general wellbeing you may opt to keep your video on so you can better interact with colleagues – particularly important now as many of us are working from home more.

   Another trick is to try starting conference calls at less common times, rather than on the hour or half-hour.

   You might also want to manage your family's online activity, so that different people aren't carrying out data-heavy tasks (such as HD streaming, gaming or video calls) all at the same time. Downloading video in advance, instead of streaming it, can also help.

7. Make sure everything is up-to-date

   You may be surprised by the effect of updating your software and settings. A few simple things to check and try are:

   Some viruses, adware, spyware and other nasties can use your broadband connection to report back to their masters in cyberspace, taking up precious bandwidth as they gather information on you and slow down your computer – the cheek!
   

   It's therefore important to check you've got decent antivirus protection switched on, and to do a full system scan each week.

   You needn't pay for it, either – check out our Free antivirus software guide.

   If you're still using – or haven't updated – the web browsing software that came with your device years ago, switching is a must.

   The newest generation of browsers are faster, more secure and totally free. Try upgrading Microsoft Edge or installing a different one for free, such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari.

   If your wires are old but still in good condition, not to worry, your broadband speed won't be affected. However, if your wires have degraded in any way, they could be slowing you down.

   It is natural for your wiring to degrade over time, exposure to extreme temperatures or various chemicals or pets are some of the common causes.

   If you have downloaded apps on your phone, like Facebook or Spotify, check your settings to prevent them from running automatically in the background. This can significantly improve your connection speeds.

   Through your main settings menu, you can typically manage which apps you allow to run in the background or disable this option altogether, preventing them from connecting when not actively in use.

   Is your anti-virus up-to-date?

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   Is your browser up-to-date?

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   Are your wires in good condition?

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   Turn off background apps on your iPhone or Android

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Can you ditch & switch to a speedier provider?

If you've tried all the tips above and you still see no improvement – or your connection just can't keep up with your internet needs – then you may want to consider a new deal, or a new provider entirely.

To keep costs down, don't go for a faster connection than you need. Check what broadband speed you need in this table. Whether you're in or out of contract will determine how easy it is to switch, so we've the different steps below.

If you're out of contract, you're free to leave

When your initial promo deal is over, it's highly likely you'll already be overpaying, as most providers hike costs. Yet have no fear, you're actually then free to switch away to a different provider, or to haggle a new deal if you'd prefer to stick with your current one.

Simply give your provider notice that you're leaving (usually 30 days) and start comparing deals that are available to you. Though always remember that advertised speeds are just an indication of the speed you may get – they're based on the average speed received by at least 50% of a provider's current customer base between 8pm and 10pm.

It's trickier if you're still within your minimum contract period – but there is a way

Even if you're in contract – which means you are tied in for a set period (often 18 or 24 months) and would be charged to leave early – there could be a way to ditch and switch penalty-free, depending on when you signed up to your current broadband deal. See Can I leave my broadband contract early?

Providers signed up to Ofcom's voluntary code – including BT, EE, Hyperoptic, Plusnet, Sky, TalkTalk, Utility Warehouse, Virgin Media, Vodafone and Zen Internet – will give an estimate of the speeds you will likely receive, plus a minimum speed that they guarantee you'll get before you sign up. If something goes wrong, you could be due compensation.

If your speeds drop below this minimum for three consecutive days, you can ask your provider to check for a fault – and get it fixed if so. If it remains unresolved for 30 days, you should be able to leave your contract penalty-free.

This code applies to broadband-only deals AND packaged deals that include TV and landline phones. If unhappy with your provider, try free complaints handling tool Resolver.

If you're in contract and experiencing slow speeds – but above the guaranteed minimum – your provider may allow you to upgrade or send better equipment to boost your speed.

Boost broadband speed FAQs