When cord cutters experience buffering on their favorite streaming service, they often blame Netflix, YouTube TV, etc, when the real issue is their Wi-Fi network. Or maybe it is better to say how you have set up your Wi-Fi router.
The problem with that is it likely means you need a new Wi-Fi Router, but many don’t want to change the router because that would mean reconnecting all of their devices. The good news is there is a very easy way to change your Wi-Fi router to a new one and have all your devices auto-connect to the new network.
Most devices, when looking for a Wi-Fi network, do two things. They first look for the name of the network and if that matches one saved to that device, they will auto-connect to with the password it has saved.
So, if you set up your new Wi-Fi router with the same network name and password, your devices should auto-connect without issue. In a day when almost everything is on Wi-Fi, this is great news.
We have successfully tested this with phones, doorbells, smart TVs, Rokus, Fire TVs, and more. All the devices are easily switched between a Netgear router, Google Wi-Fi, and Google Wi-Fi Pro to name a few.
To change the name of your network and the password, make sure to look at the setup guide that comes with your new router.
Still, having trouble with your Wi-Fi network? The good news is there are a few things you can do to improve your Wi-Fi network to make sure you have the best possible streaming experience.
#1 The Best Location for Your Wi-Fi Router
A weak Wi-Fi signal will give far lower speeds than a strong Wi-Fi signal, so you want to do your best to have the strongest possible signal. For most, that likely means putting your router in the center of your house; however, you may want to take some time and explore different locations for the strongest possible signal.
If you still have weak Wi-Fi in some areas, consider switching to a mesh router like the Google Nest Wi-Fi routers.
#2 Keep Your Wi-Fi Router Away from Other Electronics
It is best to avoid putting your Wi-Fi router right next to metal and other electronics. Avoid placing your router next to a refrigerator or behind a TV, because they will block some of the signal the router sends out reducing performance in some parts of your house.
You would be amazed at how refrigerators can block Wi-Fi signals.
#3 Use the 5Ghz Network
Most new Wi-Fi Routers offer a 2.4Ghz and a 5Ghz (5G) network. For streaming, it is best to use the 5G option. You will find far better speeds on the 5Ghz network over the 2.4Ghz network.
Switching to the 5Ghz network will likely reduce the amount of buffering you will find on your favorite streaming service.
It is important to note that many newer routers like the mesh network ones will auto-switch to the best option.
#4 Upgrade Your Router
If you have an older Wi-Fi router, I highly recommend you upgrade to the new one and maybe consider a mesh Wi-Fi router. The stronger the WiFi signal the better the streaming experience.
In my house, I use the Google Nest WiFi routers to make sure we cover the full house.
#5 Use an Ethernet Cord
This is not really a Wi-Fi tip, but if you can use an Ethernet cable to connect to your streaming and gaming device. I often find people have their router feet from their streaming player but still use Wi-Fi. Ethernet will always give a far better streaming experience.
Many electrical companies will happily run an ethernet cable to your TV. Just make sure your streaming player accepts ethernet before you pay them to do it.
There you go… several easy tips for improving your streaming experience.
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