How to Optimize Internet for Streaming at Home

A lot of things depend on our home internet. Because, admit it or not, it has become a necessity in one’s household. We use it to search for information online, order food, hail a ride, call a loved one, play games online, watch movies and TV shows, and many more. You might not notice it at first, but we’ve been relying on a stable internet connection for a lot of important things. One of the most common issues people face with their internet connection is buffering while watching favorite movies and TV shows.

Since you’re here, it’s safe to assume that you’re already experiencing internet troubles when streaming at home. And we’re pretty sure that you don’t want to waste your streaming deals with low video quality and constant buffering. Here are a few ways to optimize your internet for streaming at home:

1. Reduce Connected Devices

Every device connected to your Wi-Fi shares the internet speed. Phones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, and even smart appliances all use a bit of bandwidth. If too many are connected at the same time, it will obviously slow down your internet connection, which means your streaming slows down too. Before watching a movie or show, disconnect devices you’re not using.

2. Reposition your Router

We all want to have fast internet at home, but sometimes, even if we have the best internet plan, a little help can make a big difference. Wi-Fi works best when it can spread evenly in all directions. If your router is stuck in a far corner or hidden behind furniture, the signal has to travel through walls and objects, which makes it weaker and harder to reach your devices. A weak signal means more buffering when you watch videos. Try placing your router in a central, open spot so the signal can reach every room more easily.

3. Avoid Streaming During Peak Hours

Internet speeds often drop when many people in your neighborhood are online at the same time, usually in the evenings. This is called “peak hours.” If your video keeps buffering during these times, try watching earlier in the day or later at night when fewer people are using the network. You’ll likely notice faster speeds and smoother playback. However, you also have to know if your current internet is not providing what you need, and you have to switch to better options like Boost plans, for example.

4. Limit Background apps that are Running

Sometimes your internet feels slow, not because of your connection, but because other apps or programs are using it without you realizing. Before you start streaming, close apps you don’t need and pause any big updates. This frees up more internet speed for your movie or show so it loads faster and plays smoother. It’s also a good habit to close unnecessary apps regularly to lighten your internet load.

Final Thoughts

You can do a lot of things to optimize your internet at home for TV streaming. It might not magically turn your internet speed from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps, but it can significantly improve your connection, which would be enough for your streaming activities. However, you also need to know the limitations of your internet plan. If it’s not enough, make sure to upgrade your plan so you don’t have to deal with lags and delays.

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