Is your provider slowing down? Here’s how to check

Websites seem sluggish and downloads take an eternity. This is annoying – especially if you pay for high speed internet.

First, make sure it’s not just you. If I’m not sure that slow speeds or timeouts are part of a bigger problem, I press Down Detector to see if others report the same problem. Click or tap to get a direct link and a few other tricks when the website is not loading.

If that’s not the case, then it could be a commotion. Yes, your neighbors or someone else can disconnect you. Click or click here to check what is related to youg network.

There may be another culprit that you may not have considered. Perhaps your ISP is slowing down your speed. Here’s a smart way to check out what’s going on behind the scenes. All you need is a VPN.

First of all: find the right VPN

VPN creates a secure bridge between your devices and the Internet, encrypting your Internet traffic from all forms of interference, surveillance and censorship.

Usually a free VPN will sell your data and collect everything – and I mean everything – that you do when you use it. A free VPN will slow down your connection by collecting all your data. It’s free for a reason. You pay with your data, and the boom, it starts. You get more spam, targeted advertising and maybe even more car calls.

You want a VPN that does not collect or sell your information and runs on multiple devices. Most of all, it should be easy to use. I use and recommend ExpressVPN, sponsor of my national radio show.

Is your ISP slowing you down?

Check your internet speed before enabling VPN. You can search Google for “speed test in your browser, but I use Speedtest.net.

• Go to Speedtest.net and tap “Go” in the middle of the screen. It will automatically detect test servers near your location.
• For the first test, use the server he chooses. After that you can try other servers across the country if you want.
• It will quickly inform you ping, download speed and download your connection. Write it down.

Now that you know your internet speed, turn on VPN. Run Speedtest.net again and compare speeds with and without an active VPN.

In most cases, when connecting to any VPN, the internet speed will be a bit slower. A VPN hides the IP address that ISPs use to see who is connected. Here’s a hint: if your internet speed is slower without VPN is active, your ISP will most likely stop you.

I suggest doing tests if you and your neighbors do not talk on video and do not broadcast video. Avoid the morning when everyone is going to a meeting, or the evening when we are all running Netflix. Repeat this test several times over several days to find an average.

If you find that your speed is much better with a VPN, call your ISP to find out what’s going on. In many cases, they can speed up your communication without even calling home.

How to speed up the internet if you are not stopped

If your speed test shows a higher speed without VPN, it’s time to get started to improve your connection.

First, try updating the router’s firmware. You will get additional features and improvements to the new firmware, and your router will receive the necessary security updates.

You usually have the option to check, view, download and install the new router firmware on the administration page. The exact steps depend on the make and model of your router, so check the router manufacturer’s support site for detailed instructions.

Not sure how to access your router administrator settings to upgrade? Click or click here for the easiest way to find your router’s password and IP address.

This is just the beginning. Tap or click here to get 9 more steps to speed up your Wi-Fi. I’ll show you how to detect obstacles, where to place a router and more.

In this podcast, I help three subscribers who are in difficult situations. One wants to protect her son from angry gamers. Another wants expensive cameras for cheap prices. I share a few techniques that you can use to save money and protect your privacy. I also got information about Facebook’s secret setting that stops tracking.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today”. Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotifyor your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or where you get podcasts. Just find my last name “Team”.

What questions about the digital lifestyle do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and click or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen or watch Kim Commando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Either click or click here to get Kim’s free podcasts.