5 Tips to Increase Download Speeds

Does it take an eternity to download games or stream your favorite TV shows? Well, if it does, then specifically, slow download speeds are the problem. Download speeds are responsible for streaming videos, playing music, downloading files, and more. And if all these tasks are taking time, then it’s time to learn how you can amp up internet download speed. 

In this article, I will discuss five ways you can increase the download speeds so all the tasks that require a stunning download speed can get done like a breeze. Let’s start:

Upgrade Your Plan or Switch to a Better ISP

Sometimes, we overburden our connection’s bandwidth by connecting more devices. Not just that, heaving online activities such as 4K streaming can also decrease the internet’s bandwidth. As your connection’s bandwidth decreases, so do its download speeds.

I believe, upgrading your internet plan or switching ISP can help you get more download speeds. Now, if you have the budget, I recommend you go for a fiber connection as they’re known for offering blazing symmetrical speeds.

However, affordable and reliable alternatives to fiber internet are also available. For recommendations, you can look into Spectrum Internet plans for high download speeds at cheaper rates.

Use an Ethernet Cable

Using an ethernet cable can be a solution for spotty download speeds. 

In a wireless connection, signals move through the air as radio waves. While making their way to our devices, these signals may get disrupted by obstacles such as heavy furniture, walls, or electronic devices. Hence, as a result, you won’t get solid download speeds in your devices.

On the other hand, such obstructions are eliminated when we use an ethernet cable. So, switch to using an ethernet cable to get more download speeds.

Your Router Needs to be Fixed

The routers play a big role in determining the internet speeds we get. 

Like most electronic devices, our routers get frequent software and firmware updates. Modern routers may install updates automatically. However, if your router cannot install updates automatically, then you may need to keep tabs on those updates. And manually install them whenever they’re available.

Also, your router’s placement around the house also affects your internet download speeds. As discussed above, signals emitting from routers need a clear path to our devices. To place your router in an ideal position, make sure no walls, heavy furniture, or electronic devices interrupt its signals.

One more thing: look out for any physical damage to the router, modem, or wiring as it can also result in lower download speeds. 

Close Unnecessary Apps and Disconnect Idle Devices

Our smartphones consume bandwidth even if they’re idle while connected to the internet. For instance, even when we’re not using our smartphones, we still may receive notifications from social media platforms. Also, our smartphones may automatically update the apps and use the download speeds for that purpose.

So, it’s best to disconnect the idle devices to ensure that the downloading speeds are not consumed unnecessarily.

Remove Cache Memory and Check for Viruses

Web browsers store cache and cookies from websites. As the cache memory piles up, our devices utilize more bandwidth to keep up with our online activities.

Also, malware or viruses can hide inside cache memory and sneakily use bandwidth. As most viruses steal data, they may use the available download speeds to send it to their host. And as a result, our download speeds drop.

So, it’s best to clear the device cache memory once in a while to ensure that no virus stays inside the cache memory and affects download speeds.

Bonus Suggestion: Install a Download Manager

Download managers can help you download multiple files quickly. This tool splits large files into more digestible chunks of data, allowing them to be downloaded quickly, no matter the speed. You can even pause different downloads and resume a single file. Since all the other downloads are paused, the tool won’t consume the all downloading speed.

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