Yes, we get it — the endless buffering, the low-quality video, the constant delay, and the frustration that comes with trying to enjoy your favorite shows or movies. We watch to relax and have fun, so if you’re not getting that because of extremely slow internet, it’s time to get moving and do something about it. After all, we all deserve to have a fast, stable internet connection, especially when streaming the latest movies or binge-watching our favorite TV shows.
If you are wondering how you can get fast internet for your streaming service, we’ve got you. In this blog post, we will be sharing several tips on how you can improve your internet connection, regardless if you have Netflix, Disney+, DIRECTV, Sling TV, or others. Let’s begin, shall we?
How Fast Should Your Internet Be for Streaming?
For basic streaming, like watching videos in standard definition, you don’t actually need super fast internet. A speed of around 3 to 4 Mbps should do the trick. However, to watch HD content, it’s best to aim for speeds of at least 5 to 8 Mbps. This will help prevent buffering and make the picture look clear. For 4K streaming, which has the highest video quality, you’ll need a much faster connection, usually around 25 Mbps or more.
But you have to understand that these are just base internet speeds. You also have to consider the other devices that are connected to the internet, like your smart TV, tablet, laptop, phones, etc. If this is the case, you will need higher internet speeds, but 25 Mbps should be a good starting speed. This should prevent lags and delays on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, or even pay as you go TV services.
Tips for Getting Fast Internet for Streaming Services
The easiest way to get fast internet for streaming services is to upgrade your current internet plan. However, if it’s not an option right now, there are a few ways for you to improve the speed of your internet. It may require some patience and a little elbow grease, but hey, at least you don’t have to increase your expenses, right?
- Restart your router.
Too basic, right? Well, restarting your router regularly can actually do wonders, especially if you make it a habit. Isn’t it what we do with our phones if we encounter a problem—turn it off and on again? The same principle applies to your router. Restarting it can help clear up any small glitches or connection issues that might be slowing things down. Over time, routers can get bogged down with traffic or temporary bugs, and a quick reset can give it a fresh start.
- Use a wired connection if possible.
WiFi connections are more prone to interferences, so if you’re streaming from a different room and you’re a bit far from the router, you might notice some buffering or slower speeds. Wi-Fi signals can get weakened by walls, furniture, or other electronic devices in the way. So if possible, it’s best to use wired connection whenever you’re streaming to prevent slowdowns and buffering.
- Update your streaming app.
Streaming platforms often release updates to fix bugs and glitches within the app. Sometimes, these bugs may involve issues that can affect streaming quality. By the way, this isn’t just for on-demand streaming platforms. If you have one of DISH TV packages for example, the same rule applies. Make sure your app is up-to-date so you can take full advantage of any new features or improvements they’ve added.
- Disconnect other devices.
Sometimes, we don’t realize how many devices are connected to the internet at the same time. Phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles – all these devices use up bandwidth, and when too many are active at once, it can really overwhelm your network and slow it down. Even if someone isn’t actively using a device, it could still be running background apps, updates, or syncing data. When streaming your favorite TV show or movies, it’s best to disconnect devices that aren’t in use to free up bandwidth.
- Use 5GHz Wi-Fi.
If your router has the option, switch to the 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz. The 2.4GHz band is used by a lot of devices around your home, so it can get crowded very easily and slow your internet down. But the 5GHz band is usually less busy, which means faster speeds for you. This is a great option, especially if you’re streaming 4K content.
Wrapping Up
We understand how annoying it is to experience internet slowdown especially when streaming TV shows and movies. There’s nothing worse than getting into a good episode and then getting interrupted by buffering or poor quality. So, we hope you give these tips a try, and hopefully, your internet connection will improve for now. Good luck!
