Wi-Fi Woes? Your Guide to Fixing an Unstable Connection
What Can Cause an Unstable Wi-Fi Connection?
As much as we love using the internet, it’s important to remember that technology is continuously growing and changing. As it evolves, we all experience connectivity issues within our daily routines eventually.
When our connection disconnects or slows down during an important job interview, parent-teacher conference, virtual yoga class or online gaming match, Wi-Fi issues can go from a minor annoyance to a major inconvenience.
An unstable Wi-Fi connection can be caused by a variety of issues that call for a range of solutions. This blog post will explore some of the most common Wi-Fi problems and provide tips on how to overcome them.
Top Reasons Your Wi-Fi Connection Is Unstable
Here are some of the most common reasons for an unstable Wi-Fi connection.
Relocate your Wi-Fi router if the connection is unstable
Your router is a device that helps connect work or personal devices to the internet. If your router is continuously disconnecting from your laptop or other devices, it’s possible the signal is being blocked by a wall or bookshelf.
Where you place your Wi-Fi router within your home has a major impact on the quality of your Wi-Fi since the objects around your router can severely interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
Using an outdated Wi-Fi router can cause an unstable connection
An outdated Wi-Fi router could expose your network to security threats and cause slower speeds and compatibility problems. It’s possible that the firmware installed on your Wi-Fi router just needs an update, but if your router is several years old, it may be time to buy a newer model.
Older routers lack support for the latest Wi-Fi technology, such as Wi-Fi 6, and may not be able to keep up with today’s internet speeds. Without the features offered by the latest router models, your connection may be slower and less reliable.
Upgrading to a modern router can unlock faster speeds and better security.
Your Wi-Fi channels might be overloaded if your connection is unstable
It’s possible that your network has more connected devices and traffic than your router can handle, which can lead to an unstable Wi-Fi connection. If too many devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi channel, your network can become congested and unstable.
Your internet can also slow down if you’re downloading large files or are updating too many smart devices at once. The average U.S. household has more than 20 connected smart devices inside their home, including security cameras, smart doorbells, smart light bulbs, plugs, thermostats, video game consoles, streaming TVs, laptops, computers and more.
If your connection is still unstable, your connected devices might not be configured properly
Your smart devices could be improperly configured for your Wi-Fi network. For example, some devices can be set to automatically disconnect from the internet to preserve their own battery life.
This setting can typically be adjusted in the power management settings. If your smart device is disconnecting from the internet repeatedly, check the power management settings and turn off this feature.
In rare cases, unstable Wi-Fi connection can be caused by malicious software
Malicious malware may be causing your unstable Wi-Fi connection. Once downloaded to your devices, malware can disable or negatively impact specific parts of your Wi-Fi network and cause an unstable connection.
This can happen after someone on your network clicks on the wrong shopping ad, spam email or pop-up window. It can also happen if your devices haven’t been updated recently, which leaves them vulnerable to cyberattacks. It’s a good idea to regularly scan your connected devices with antivirus software and quarantine or remove any contaminated files.
6 Easy Ways to Fix Your Unstable Wi-Fi Connection
In this section, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix your unstable Wi-Fi connection. Finding a solution can take some time, but with luck, you’ll be able to fix it yourself without any professional help.
Follow the simple steps below to improve your unstable Wi-Fi connection and the performance of your devices.
1. Check your modem or router for issues.
Your home’s Wi-Fi may become unstable if your modem or router is not properly connected. Before troubleshooting your equipment, try connecting different smart devices to your Wi-Fi network.
If you can’t connect to your Wi-Fi network at all, then the problem is more than likely with your router, not your modem. Not sure which is which? Read our helpful blog post: Modem Vs. Router: What’s the difference?
If you’re able to connect to your network, but you don’t have internet access, your modem may be to blame. If these issues are hindering your connection, reboot both your router and your modem.
Refreshing your device can potentially clear out technical issues that can occur from time to time. Need help rebooting your router or modem? This article may help: Best Ways to Reset a Home Network Router
2. Check for software updates on your router or modem
Your Wi-Fi may become unstable if your router’s software isn’t updated. Routine software updates include bug fixes and connectivity enhancements that can improve your internet connection.
If you’re unsure how to do this, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about potential software upgrades to your modem or router. Your ISP will usually help guide you through the process of updating your software. Or, you can use the app that came with your router to check for updates.
3. Check your network card drivers for updates
If you’re using a PC or MacBook, you may need to update your network card drivers. Malfunctioning or outdated network card drivers can cause Wi-Fi instability. Visit your device manufacturer’s website.
There you will find the latest network card drivers, along with instructions on how to download and install them. After you update your drivers, your device should automatically attempt to reestablish your internet connection.
For a step-by-step guide on how to test your Wi-Fi instabilities, check out the article: Testing Wi-Fi Instabilities.
4. Make sure your incoming internet is properly connected
To ensure your internet is properly connected, inspect the Ethernet cables, power cords or other wires plugged into your modem or router. Make sure they haven’t become disconnected, damaged or worn. If pets or pests have chewed your cables, or if the cables are damaged, your internet may become unstable.
Replace all damaged cables with new ones and plug in cables that have become disconnected. Reputable internet service providers will always use quality, durable cables or cords that last for a long time. You may be able to ask your internet service provider for a replacement cable if yours has become damaged.
5. Contact your Wi-Fi provider for help with unstable connection issues
If you subscribe to your ISP’s Wi-Fi service in conjunction with your internet service, call them for help. If your equipment is working properly, the issue could be something that only your Wi-Fi provider can fix.
Contact your Wi-Fi provider and set up an appointment to see if your internet connectivity issue can be resolved.
6. Consider switching internet providers if your connection is still unstable
If you’ve contacted your ISP for help and your internet connection doesn’t improve, it may be time to switch to a new provider. Before you sign up for the internet from a new provider, watch this EPB Tech ProsSM video: Major Questions to Ask Before Signing With an Internet Service Provider.
Fix Your Unstable Wi-Fi Connection For Good
An unstable internet connection can be a hassle and cause you continuous problems if the issue is not resolved. The methods above can help you quickly resolve your unstable internet connection and improve your Wi-Fi experience.
Remember: it’s important to put your internet modem or router at a central location in your home away from large appliances or electronics for a stable connection. Make sure your equipment and software are updated, scan for viruses and ensure all cables are in good condition and plugged in.
And if all else fails, reach out to your ISP to make sure that it’s not a connectivity issue on their end. These methods can offer you faster speeds and improve your overall experience.
Sick of dealing with Wi-Fi issues? If you have EPB’s internet, you can skip the effort of fixing your Wi-Fi and order EPB Smart Net Plus instead. Our EPB Tech Pros will install a warp-speed, whole-home Wi-Fi network with a mesh router system and Wi-Fi 6 technology to flawlessly power all your devices at once for just $17.99 per month or $14.99 per month if you have the Gig. And if you experience any issues or connect new devices, you can contact us anytime for around-the-clock, free EPB Tech Pros support. Learn more about EPB Smart Net Plus whole-home Wi-Fi.
