Is bad Wi-Fi slowing you down? Wi-Fi problems are at the top of the list of technology problems. From sluggish web pages, to buffering videos and files that won’t upload; it’s frustrating. But you’re not alone, Wi-Fi problems happen to all of us. Now, more than ever do Americans need high speed internet service for work and school.
Here are five common internet problems you’ll encounter sometime in your life and what you can do to fix them.
There Is No Wi-Fi
If you find out there is no Wi-Fi, check another device in your home first. Sometimes devices like smartphones and tablets that stay on for hours at a time need to be rebooted. If none of the devices in the household can connect to Wi-Fi, the next step is to check your internet via an Ethernet cable. If you still don’t have internet, it’s not your modem, it’s your internet provider. If you do have internet, it’s likely your router is broken or unplugged.
One Device Won’t Connect To The Wi-Fi
If one device won’t connect to your Wi-Fi, but the rest of the devices in your home do, it’s likely your device. To fix it start by rebooting your device. Usually a simple reboot will help your device resolve whatever the problem is and it will fix itself.
Connected To Your Wi-Fi But No Internet
If your device says you’re connected to your Wi-Fi network, but you somehow don’t have internet, it’s likely your internet provider has or had an outage. There isn’t much you can do to fix this problem besides call and wait it out. When you call, your internet provider can see the status on your modem. If there was an outage, but they’re back up, the technician on the phone will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get you connected again. If you don’t want to sit on hold and prefer to just wait it out; most internet providers will notify you of an outage in your account. This isn’t helpful if you don’t have an internet-enabled device without 4G access though. Sometimes you really do just have to pick up the phone and call.
Slow Or Wi-Fi No Access In Certain Rooms
If you’re experiencing slow or no Wi-Fi in only certain rooms of your house, it’s likely your router’s range isn’t big enough to fully cover your home. You can fix this by moving your router closer to the center of your home or buy a Wi-Fi extender. If installing new equipment is something that scares you or you don’t have time to do, try calling your internet provider. Most internet providers have whole home Wi-Fi service available for an extra fee per month. Their tech will come to your home, run a few initial tests and install the best solution that ensures the very best coverage everywhere in your home. While no one likes additional charges on their bill every month, this service is worth it because it can save you a lot of time and frustration. The technician won’t leave until your Wi-Fi is installed and working properly.
Slow Wi-Fi Everywhere In Your Home
If your Wi-Fi is slow throughout your entire home, it’s time to do a hardwired speed test. To run a speed test, you’ll have to unplug the ethernet cord from your router and plug it into your laptop. Once you do that you can run an internet speed test from just about anywhere like your internet provider’s website or an independent test like on speedtest.net.
If your internet speeds are still slow, it’s likely a problem with your internet connection, not your router. Call your internet provider to let them know. Their technical support will run some troubleshooting with you to identify the problem and then they’ll go from there.
If your speeds are where they should be, you likely have a problem with your wireless router. First start by unplugging it for about a minute and plugging it back in. A lot of times a simple restart will fix any trouble you’re having with your router, especially if your internet speeds are normally really good. If this still doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time for a new router.
