Buffering Again? 5 Tips for Faster, More Reliable WiFi at Home

Is there anything more frustrating than the spinning wheel of death when you're trying to watch a movie? Or when your video call freezes during an important meeting? In today's connected world, slow and unreliable WiFi is a major headache.

Many people blame their internet provider, but often the culprit is the WiFi setup inside your home. The good news is that you can often make a huge difference with a few simple tweaks.

Before you spend hours on the phone with customer support, here is The I.T. Bear's checklist for conquering your WiFi woes.

1. The Classic: Turn It Off and On Again

We know it's a cliché, but it's the first step for a reason! Your router is a small computer, and just like any computer, it can get its wires crossed. Restarting it gives it a fresh start and can often solve a sudden slowdown.

• Your Action Plan: Unplug your router from the power, wait a full 60 seconds (be patient!), and then plug it back in. Wait for all the lights to come back on and stabilise before testing your internet again.

2. Location, Location, Location

Where you place your router has a massive impact on your WiFi signal. Tucking it away in a cupboard or at the far end of the house is a recipe for bad reception.

• Your Action Plan: Try to place your router in a central, open, and slightly elevated position in your home. Keep it away from thick concrete walls, large metal objects (like the fridge), and even the microwave or a fish tank, as these can all block or interfere with the signal.

3. Kick Out the Uninvited Guests

Is your WiFi password simple, like your old phone number or "password123"? Your slow internet could be caused by neighbours using your connection without you knowing.

• Your Action Plan: Log in to your router's settings and change your WiFi password to something strong and unique. This is also great for your security! While you're there, make sure your network security is set to "WPA2" or "WPA3".

4. Hunt Down the Bandwidth Hogs

Sometimes, the internet is slow because one device is using up all the bandwidth. This could be someone streaming a 4K movie, a gaming console downloading a massive update, or a computer backing up files to the cloud.

• Your Action Plan: If the internet suddenly grinds to a halt, do a quick check of the main devices in the house. Pausing a large download can often bring everyone else's speeds back to normal.

5. Is Your Gear Past Its Best?

Technology moves fast. If your router is more than 5 years old, it might be the bottleneck. An old router can't deliver the fast fibre speeds you're paying for to all your modern devices.

• Your Action Plan: Check the model of your router. If it's the one you got from your provider many years ago, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern routers and "mesh systems" are much better at covering a whole house with a strong, stable signal.

Still Stuck in the Slow Lane? The I.T. Bear Can Help!

If you've tried these tips and you're still battling with buffering, it might be time to call in an expert. The problem could be a bit more complex, needing a WiFi extender, a modern mesh system, or a professional assessment of your home's layout.

With our friendly Bear Support service and Sweet as Honey Internet packages, The I.T. Bear can:

• Perform a "WiFi health check" on your home.

• Recommend and install the right equipment to eliminate dead zones.

• Ensure your network is secure and optimised for your family's needs.

Stop putting up with frustratingly slow internet. Contact The I.T. Bear today, and let's get your WiFi running at full speed!