- Rebooting your router, phone, or network settings can refresh the connection and deliver faster speeds.
- If your internet is slow, you'll need to investigate the cause, which could be due to the number of apps on your phone or reaching your data limit.
- Clearing out your unused apps and staying up to date with software updates helps keep your phone and internet running smoothly.
Nothing is more frustrating than slow internet when you're trying to stream, browse, or get work done on your phone or tablet. Whether you're using Wi-Fi or mobile data, sluggish speeds can make everything take longer. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to boost your connection and speed things up. Keep in mind that the exact steps for some of these fixes may vary depending on whether you're using an iPhone, Android, or other device, but the approach remains the same.
Table of Contents
- Check Your Internet Connection
- Check Your Cellular Connection
- Optimize Your Apps
- Optimize Phone Operation
Check Your Internet Connection
Your first step is to check if your internet connection is the actual issue. A slow phone or tablet doesn’t always mean something's wrong with your device. Other factors could be at play.
Test Your Internet Speed
Check your internet speed using free tools like Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com. Run the test while connected to Wi-Fi and again using mobile data to compare results. If speeds are significantly lower than expected, your internet provider or cellular carrier might be the culprit. If speeds are normal but your phone still lags, the problem could be with your device.
Check Your Router Placement
Your router’s location can have a big impact on internet speeds. Place it in a central location off the floor and away from walls or large furniture. If your phone or tablet is far from the router, the signal weakens, which slows down your connection. Moving closer to the router can help, but if it's not convenient, consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender to boost your Wi-Fi signal.
Reboot Your Router
Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve slow speeds. Unplug your router for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This refreshes the connection and can resolve temporary speed issues. If your router is several years old, consider upgrading to a newer model for better performance. Or, if you're using a router provided by your ISP, ask if you can upgrade to a newer model.
Forget the Wi-Fi Network
If you're experiencing slow Wi-Fi, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, select your network, and choose “Forget.” Then, reconnect by entering the password. This forces your device to establish a fresh connection, which can improve stability.
Reset Network Settings
If you're still having trouble, try resetting your network settings. On most devices, you can find this option under the Reset or General Management settings. This clears saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and mobile settings, giving you a clean slate. Just be prepared to re-enter any saved Wi-Fi passwords afterward.
Check Your Cellular Connection
If you're not on Wi-Fi, your cellular connection determines your internet speed. Here are some quick checks to make sure your mobile data is working as it should.
Check Your Data Usage
Exceeding your data cap can lead to slower speeds. Check your data usage in your phone settings under “Mobile Data” or “Cellular.” If you're close to your limit, you may be experiencing data throttling from your carrier. Upgrading your plan or using Wi-Fi more often can help.
Check Your Signal Strength
A weak cellular signal can slow down your internet. Check the signal bars on your phone. If they’re low, move to an area with better reception. If you’re indoors, try going near a window or stepping outside to see if it improves. You might not be able to fix anything, but you can at least identify the root cause of what's happening.
Optimize Your Apps
Apps can consume data and slow down your phone, even when you’re not actively using them. Tweaking your settings can free up bandwidth and improve speeds.
Investigate Data-Draining Apps
Some apps consume a significant amount of background data. Check which ones are the biggest culprits in your settings under “Data Usage.” Disable background data for non-essential apps to prevent them from slowing down your internet. If an app is using too much data, even after adjusting its settings, consider using it only while connected to Wi-Fi.
Declutter Your Apps
Running too many apps in the background can slow down your device. Uninstall apps you don’t use to free up resources and reduce data consumption. Even if an app isn’t actively open, it might still be using background data or system resources. A regular app cleanup can help improve overall phone performance and speed.
Close Out Apps
Leaving multiple apps open can bog down your phone. Close out any unused apps to free up processing power and improve speed. On most devices, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and swiping away apps. This prevents apps from running in the background and consuming unnecessary bandwidth.
Clear Out App Data
The App Store stores temporary data that can accumulate over time. Clear cache and app data in your settings under “Storage” or “Apps” to help free up space and improve performance. Cached data helps apps load faster, but excessive caching can slow down your device. If an app starts lagging, clearing its cache can give it a fresh start without deleting important settings.
Optimize Phone Operation
Sometimes, a sluggish phone can make it feel like your internet is slow. Keeping your device in top shape can improve speed.
Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone clears temporary files and refreshes the system. This can solve minor connectivity issues and improve performance. Many slowdowns occur due to memory leaks or apps running for too long without being restarted. A simple reboot can free up system resources and help restore performance.
Check for Software Updates
Outdated software can slow down your internet. Check for updates in your settings under “Software Update” and install any available updates. These often include bug fixes and optimizations that improve performance and connectivity. Keeping your device up to date ensures you’re using the most efficient and secure version of your operating system.
Block Ads
Ads use up data and slow down browsing. Use an ad blocker or enable a browser’s built-in ad-blocking features to speed up page loading. Many websites load dozens of ads, which increases data usage and makes pages take longer to display. Reducing ad load can significantly improve browsing speed and smoothness.
Clear Browser History, Cache, and Cookies
Browsers store data that can slow down your internet. Clear your browser's history, cache, and cookies for a faster browsing experience. This removes stored website data that can slow down performance over time.
Change Your DNS
Switching to a faster DNS can improve speed. You can change this in your Wi-Fi settings under “Advanced” or “DNS Settings.” A faster DNS can reduce the time it takes for websites to load by resolving domain names more quickly. If your current DNS is slow, switching to a more optimized one can make a noticeable difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faster Internet on Phones and Tablets
Is iPhone internet faster than Android?
There’s no clear winner when it comes to internet speed between iPhones and Android devices. Factors like the processor, network compatibility, and optimization play a bigger role than the operating system itself. However, newer iPhones and high-end Android devices tend to support faster network speeds, especially with 5G.
How do I get high-speed internet on my phone?
Connect to a strong Wi-Fi network or ensure you have a good cellular signal. Restarting your phone, clearing the cache, and updating software can also help. If you’re on a mobile data plan, ensure that it includes high-speed access and isn’t throttled.
How do I add more high-speed data to my phone?
You can increase your high-speed data allowance by upgrading your mobile plan or purchasing a data add-on from your carrier. Some plans slow down speeds after a certain limit, so check your carrier’s options to avoid restrictions.
How many GBs of data do I need on my phone?
The amount of data you need depends on usage and how often you connect to Wi-Fi. If you mostly browse and check emails, 5 GB per month may be enough. For streaming videos and gaming, 15 GB or more is better. Unlimited plans are ideal for those with high bandwidth needs.
Why is my phone using so much data all of a sudden?
If your data usage has spiked, check for background app activity or automatic updates. Keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi when available to avoid excessive mobile data use.
What drains data the most?
Streaming video (especially in HD), social media, and automatic downloads use the most data. Apps running in the background and frequent updates can also contribute to data draining. Adjusting settings to limit background activity to help conserve data.