This wikiHow teaches you how to increase the speed of a broadband Internet connection in general, as well as how to increase the connection speed on a Mac or Windows computer.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Common Method
Step 1. Disable other devices that are also using the internet
Any item that uses the internet at home can reduce the available speed, especially if the item is actively used. If possible, turn off certain items such as smartphones, consoles, tablets, and other household items that use the internet to increase connection speed.
You can also put certain items, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets into Airplane Mode to limit internet usage on those devices
Step 2. Turn off streaming or download programs
If you download large files or stream movies on your computer while using the internet on another device, your internet speed will be slow. Close the streaming program and pause the active download when you need internet speed for other more important things.
Step 3. Use the 5 GHz channel whenever possible
If you have a router that supports the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try using the 5 GHz band so you don't get distracted by the internet connection around you. A 5 GHz internet connection is usually located in the Wi-Fi menu on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other internet-connected device.
The 5 GHz channel name will vary depending on the router manufacturer. Usually, it says " Media ", " 5.0 ", " 5 ", or something similar next to the connection name
Step 4. Use an ethernet cable
If all of the above methods don't work, connect your computer directly to your router (or modem) using an ethernet cable. This action can definitely increase internet speed as it will remove some of the obstacles that usually interfere with wireless connections.
- This method does not work on tablets or smartphones.
- If your Mac or Windows computer doesn't have an Ethernet port, purchase a USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter (or USB-C on Mac computers) that plugs into any computer port you're not using.
Method 2 of 3: Changing DNS Settings on Windows Computer
Step 1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet
In order to change Internet connection settings, you must be actively connected to the Internet.
Step 2. Go to Start
Do this by clicking on the Windows logo in the lower-left corner.
Step 3. Open Settings
Click the gear icon in the lower left of the Start window.
Step 4. Click Network & Internet
It's a globe-shaped icon in the middle of the Settings window.
Step 5. Click Change adapter options
This option is under the " Change your network settings " heading at the top of the page.
Step 6. Select the network at this point
Double click connection Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you are using an ethernet cable) with the name of your network on it. This option, which looks like a computer monitor icon, is in the center of the page. A pop-up window will be opened.
Step 7. Click Properties at the bottom left of the pop-up window
This will open another window.
If you are not logged into an administrator account, enter the administrator password to continue
Step 8. Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option
This line of text is in the middle of the window. Select the option by clicking on it.
Step 9. Click Properties
This button is located at the bottom of the window. Another window will be opened which can be used to change the internet connection properties.
Step 10. Check the "Use the following DNS server addresses" box
This box is at the bottom of the window. By checking it, at the bottom of the window two text boxes will appear.
Step 11. Enter the DNS address
You can use a DNS address that is not the same as the one you normally use on your computer to speed up your internet connection. Both Google and OpenDNS provide free addresses:
- Google - Type 8.8.8.8 into the " Preferred DNS server " text box, then type 8.8.4.4 into the " Alternate DNS server " text box.
- OpenDNS - Type 208.67.222.222 into the "Preferred DNS server" text box, then type 208.67.220.220 into the "Alternate DNS server" text box.
- You can also combine and match Google addresses with OpenDNS. For example, you could enter 8.8.8.8 for the first server and use 208.67.220.220 for the second server).
Step 12. Save your changes
Click OK located at the bottom of the first " Properties " window, click Close at the bottom of the second " Properties " window, then click Close in the "Status" window.
Step 13. Clear (flush) the computer's DNS cache
This can be done by running the Command Prompt, typing ipconfig /flushdns, then pressing Enter.
This DNS cache cleanup will help resolve site loading errors that may occur when you launch your web browser later
Step 14. Restart the computer
Click Start
choose Power
then click Restart in the pop-up menu. When the computer has restarted and is connected to the internet, your internet speed will increase.
Method 3 of 3: Changing DNS Settings on Mac Computer
Step 1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet
In order to change Internet connection settings, you must be actively connected to the Internet.
Step 2. Open Apple menu
Do this by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner. A drop-down menu will be displayed.
Step 3. Click System Preferences… at the top of the drop-down menu
The System Preferences window will open.
Step 4. Click Network
This globe-shaped icon is in the System Preferences window.
Step 5. Select your Internet connection
On the left side of the window, click the Wi-Fi connection (or Ethernet if you're using a cable) that your Mac is currently connected to.
Step 6. Click on Advanced… located at the bottom right of the window
A pop-up window will be opened.
Step 7. Click the DNS tab
It's at the top of the pop-up window.
Step 8. Click located at the bottom left of the window
A text field will appear in the "DNS Server" field.
Step 9. Type in the primary DNS address
Type in the address for the primary DNS server. Both Google and OpenDNS provide free servers which can be used here:
- Google - Type 8.8.8.8 here.
- OpenDNS - Type 208.67.222.222 here.
Step 10. Type in an alternate DNS address
Click ＋ return, then type in one of the addresses below:
- Google - Type 8.8.4.4 here.
- OpenDNS - Type 208.67.220.220 here.
Step 11. Click OK located at the bottom of the window
The settings you made will be saved and the "Advanced" pop-up window will be closed.
Step 12. Click Apply
It's at the bottom of the window. From now on, these settings will be applied to your internet connection.
Step 13. Clear Mac computer DNS cache
This can be done by typing sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder;say DNS cache has been flushed into Terminal, then pressing Enter.
This DNS cache cleanup will help resolve site loading errors that may occur when you run your web browser later
Step 14. Restart the Mac computer
Click menu Apple
click Restart…, then click Restart when requested. If your Mac computer has restarted and is connected to the Internet, your Internet speed will increase.
Tips
- On a Windows computer, you can disable the DNS settings you made by going back to the Connection Properties window and checking the "Obtain DNS server address automatically" box.
- The DNS settings you created can be removed from your Mac by returning to the Advanced window for your connection, then selecting a DNS address, and clicking - under the DNS Server window.
