Hotspots are commonly used as backup connections during outages, traveling, or in other unpredictable networking situations.

It can be particularly frustrating when your hotspot connection is slow, especially if you’re working on something crucial.

Luckily, there are several methods to improve your hotspot speeds. Factors like the placement of your hotspot, its settings, and the devices connected to it can all affect performance.

This guide offers some simple tips to help you maximize the speed of your Wi-Fi hotspot.

Effective Ways to Enhance Your Wireless Connection Speed
We’ll explain each method in more detail below. Select a method for further information.

1. Improve Signal Strength
   Since wireless connections depend on nearby communication towers, ensure you have a strong signal for better speed.
2. Select the Optimal Frequency
   Wireless devices transmit data via different frequency ranges. Choosing the right range can drastically improve performance.
3. Turn Off Power-Saving Mode
   Power-saving features reduce device performance, including connection speed. Turn off this mode for better performance.
4. Stay Within Range
   Wireless devices have a limited coverage area. Stay close for a more stable connection.
5. Remove Physical Barriers
   Clear paths between your device and the source help reduce interference, improving connectivity.
6. Check Your Data Allowance
   Ensure you haven’t exceeded your data limit, which may reduce performance.
7. Update Software Regularly
   Regular software updates can boost device performance and help maintain smooth functionality.
8. Restart Devices When Needed
   Sometimes, restarting your devices resolves issues and refreshes the connection speed.

Boost your signal

Your connection depends on the strength of nearby towers, so your signal quality directly influences your connection speeds.

For a stable experience, aim for a high-speed signal, typically indicated by labels near your device’s signal display.

Monitor the signal strength with the indicators on your device, ensuring it reaches a reasonable level.

Here are a few practical steps to enhance your connection:

1. Elevate the device: Positioning it higher up can improve its connection to nearby sources. The higher the placement, the better the reception. Try moving to a higher floor if you’re in a multi-level building. Additionally, placing the device near a transparent surface may improve signal reception.
2. Keep the device unobstructed: Place the device on an open surface while in use, avoiding enclosed spaces. Keep objects away from the device that could block the signal. Minimize interference between the device and its source to strengthen the connection.
3. Move to a stronger signal area: If you notice a low signal, relocate to a place with better coverage. A weak signal often reduces performance, so finding a better spot can improve your speed.

Switch your device to the faster frequency band

A wireless connection generally has two frequency options: lower and higher. The higher frequency offers faster speeds, so it’s ideal when you need a quicker connection.

However, it has a shorter range compared to the lower frequency. As long as you’re near the device, this shouldn’t pose a problem.

Note: Some older equipment may not support the higher frequency. If you’re using outdated equipment, check its compatibility before switching to the faster frequency.

Change to the higher frequency on your device

• Step 1: Access the settings menu and select personal connection options.

• Step 2: Turn off compatibility maximization.

Change to the higher frequency on another device

• Step 1: Open settings and select connection options.

• Step 2: Choose the connection type.

• Step 3: Open connection settings.

• Step 4: Select the frequency band and choose the higher option.

Turn off the power-saving settings on your device

Deactivate energy-saving features when using your device as a connection source, as they can impact performance.

Deactivate energy-saving settings on your device

• Step 1: Access the system preferences and select the power settings.

• Step 2: Disable the energy-saving toggle.

Deactivate energy-saving settings on other devices

• Step 1: Open system preferences, then navigate to the power section.

• Step 2: Disable the energy-saving toggle.

Stay close to the device’s signal source

Position the signal source within a few feet of the receiving device to maintain a strong connection.

Keep the device close to the signal source for better performance, especially when using higher frequency bands.

Remove barriers and reduce signal disruption

Various substances can hinder wireless signals. Position your connection device away from materials like metals, stones, ceramics, and liquids, especially when these objects block a clear line of sight between your connection point and device (for instance, a bathroom with tiled surfaces between your device and connection point).

Keep the connection device away from electronics that could interfere with the signal, such as appliances, communication equipment, and automated systems that emit or transmit waves.

Make sure you haven’t exhausted your data

Depending on your service plan, your connection speed might reduce after using a certain amount of data, even if your service offers unlimited usage.

You may be able to bypass this by adjusting your plan, but typically, these speed restrictions apply to all plans from the provider.

Refresh All Settings

In today’s tech-heavy world, regular software updates remain crucial. When facing issues like reduced speed, always check for available updates.

Ensure both your mobile device and any connected equipment are up-to-date.

Reboot All Devices

Devices frequently switch between networks automatically, occasionally causing conflicts.

Restart your hotspot and all linked devices to clear any issues, likely resolving the problem completely.