How to Check Internet Speed 

How to Check Internet Speed 

If your movies are freezing or your video calls look like a slideshow, you probably want to know: “Am I getting the speed I pay for?”

You don’t need to be a computer expert to find out. Here is the simplest way to check your internet and fix it in under five minutes.

1. How to Test Your Speed (The 5-Second Way)

The easiest way is to use Google.

1. Open your phone or computer and go to https://www.google.com/search?q=Google.com.

2. Type “internet speed test” in the search bar.

3. Click the blue button that says “Run Speed Test.”

The result will give you a number: Look for Mbps (Megabits per second). The higher this number, the faster your internet.

2. What Do the Numbers Mean?

Think of internet speed like a water pipe. The “Download” speed is how much water (data) can flow into your house at once.

• Under 25 Mbps: Slow. Good for one person checking email or browsing. You will likely see “buffering” circles if you try to watch a high-quality movie.

• 100 Mbps: Good. This is the “sweet spot” for most families. You can watch Netflix in one room while someone else plays a game in another without many issues.

• 300 Mbps or Higher: Fast. Perfect for heavy users, large families, or people who download massive files for work.

3. Three Easy Fixes for Slow Internet

If your test result is much lower than what you pay for, try these “magic” fixes before calling your provider:

• The “Magic” Restart: Unplug your router from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This fixes about 50% of all internet problems by clearing the router’s “memory.”

• Move Closer: If you are testing via Wi-Fi, stand right next to your router. Walls, bookshelves, and even microwaves can block your signal.

• Kick Off Unused Devices: Every smart TV, tablet, and lightbulb in your house “sips” a little bit of your internet. Turn off the Wi-Fi on devices you aren’t using.

4. When to Call Your Internet Provider

If you’ve restarted your router and you’re standing right next to it, but the speed is still terrible, it’s time to call customer service.

Tell them: “I pay for [Your Plan Speed], but I am only getting [Your Test Result] on a speed test. Can you check my line for a signal issue?”

Summary for the Busy:

• Test it: Search Google for “speed test.”

• The Goal: Aim for at least 100 Mbps for a smooth experience.

• The Fix: Unplug it and plug it back in!

TechCity