If your downloads feel as slow as a snail trudging through treacle there is one ludicrously simple Wi-Fi router hack that everyone should try. Virgin Media has just sent out some top advice for boosting speeds and one tip really couldn't be easier plus it should work no matter which Internet Service Provider you use.
"If your broadband is lagging, our first bit of advice is… to turn your Virgin Media hub off and on again," the company said in an email to customers.
"Yes, really. We know it’s not the most technical “hack” but sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective!"
All you need to do is find the power button on the back of the flashing black box that sits in the corner of the room and turn it off.
It's important to then wait for at least 10 seconds to give the router the space to fully shut down.
Once you've waited for long enough, turn the power back on and any bugs or gremlins that may have been slowing things down should clear up.
It's that easy, but this hack does come with one word of warning as it can take a while for things to fully reboot so make sure you only perform the reset when nobody in the home is about to make a work zoom call or in the middle of downloading an important file.
"The hub can take five to 10 minutes to reboot. You’ll know the connection is back up and running when the white light on the front of the hub is on."
Virgin also says that it's a good idea to give all of the cables that go into the back of the box a check.
"While you’re waiting, check over your equipment for faulty or damaged cables, which can cause problems with your network and slow down your internet speed. Also make sure your cables are tightly connected to the hub (finger-tight is all that is required, do not over-tighten as this could break the connector)"
Of course, there are plenty of other tips and tricks you can try to boost your broadband speeds.
Firstly make sure the router is out in the open and free from any obstacles - don't pop the box in a cupboard as this will block the signal.
If you can, get it off the floor as this help spread the internet further around the home and don't keep it in the kitchen as metal objects and appliances such as microwave ovens can all disrupt the Wi-Fi.
Finally, your internet signal hates water so keep your router well away from fish tanks!
