Internet speeds have gotten faster and faster over the years. Gone are the days of measuring download speeds in Kilobits per second (Kbps) – these days, some mobile 5G networks have recorded speeds of over 2 Gigabits per second (Gbps).
However, consumers still desire even more when it comes to their download speeds. If you’re a heavy gamer, it can be frustrating when you experience lag during gameplay. And what if there’s no 5G coverage in your area? What if you’re in rural Australia where 3G mobile networks are still common? And in many cases, you might not begetting the speeds you were promised when you bought your plan anyway.
If you’re experiencing any of these frustrating scenarios, you might think it’s time to upgrade or change your SIM plan. That might be a great idea, but there are some steps you can take to boost your download speed before making that decision.
If you’re looking for some tips, tricks, and hacks to increase your Internet speeds, this guide is for you. Read on to find out.
Understand your Internet network and device
Before we get into the tips and hacks to boost your download speed, we’ll start with some general advice about your network and device to help you understand exactly what you have, so you’ll know what to expect.
If you’re using a modem or WiFi device, always consider the number of devices connected it. There’s a common belief that each connected device will get the same speeds regardless of how many they are, but that’s certainly not the case.
For instance, as a general rule of thumb, if you purchase a plan with 100 Mbps download speed and connect five devices to that network, your speeds on each device could see a five-fold decrease. So before attempting any tips and hacks, you might want to lessen the load on your Internet plan by reducing the number of devices connected to your network.
Further, if you’re unable to access the full speeds as advertised in your plan, it could be due to an outdated device. For instance, you won’t experience increased speeds if you are using a 5G plan on a 4G device. In that case, you will be limited to 4G speeds or less. The same goes for any device and its capabilities if they fall short of your network’s requirements. If you want to access more speed, consider the possibilities of upgrading your devices.
3 Tips to Boost Your Download Speed
If you’re still experiencing slow download speeds after taking the advice we outlined above, then try the following 3 tips to boost your download speed.
1. Disable VPN (Or use a premium VPN provider)
Indeed, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) reinforce your security and even help you browse and use geolocked websites and apps. They make you an anonymous user, giving you access to blocked or restricted content from your location and beyond. However, VPNs come at the cost of cutting down your download speed.
A VPN works through various layers of security and redirected server connections, which can significantly slow down your speeds. If you want faster speeds but still insist on using a VPN, then you’d need premium high-end VPN providers like Nord, ExpressVPN, and so on. Such top VPN providers, although costly, could help you boost your Internet download speeds.
So if you’re facing a low-speed issue during VPN use, either eliminate VPNs altogether or opt for premium alternatives.
2. Perform a system scan
Whether you’re using a PC, laptop, phone, or tablet, always run a system scan. Check for security leaks, viruses, malware, etc. These days, viruses and malware content are updated to feed off your Internet and system speed. If you’re facing slow download speeds and issues with connectivity, a system scan is certainly worth a try.
Make it a habit to scan your system once a week, at least.
3. Take the load off your Internet
Check if you have multiple tabs open in your Internet browser. The same applies to various applications that use the internet, such as social media apps. If you do have multiple tabs open, consider closing whichever tabs and apps that are not in use.
Apps and tabs passively consume memory and internet speed while running in the background. This means you could have more speed distributed across various programs, leading to slow download speeds.
This also applies to multiple downloads – if you have numerous downloads active, your Internet speedswill get distributed across each pending download. Try to stick to a single download at a time, and see if it boosts your overall speeds.
Final words – Other ways to boost download speeds
Still searching for more tips on how to boost your download speed? Try clearing your device’s and browser’scache. Also, find the best settings for your router and modem from your Internet Service Provider. And remember, reduce the number of devices utilising the same connection.
If nothing seems to work, you can always upgrade or change your Internet plan and/or device.