Broadband users must try Wi-Fi router hack to get free speed boost

With the Easter holidays now in full swing you may find your broadband is taking a bit of a battering. Movies being streamed, games downloaded and music blasted out of smart speakers can put a strain on the Wi-Fi so now is a good time to try a very simple hack to make sure things are working to their full potential.

Virgin Media recently sent out a message to its customers offering an easy tip that anyone can follow even if they don’t get their broadband via Virgin.

“If your broadband is lagging, our first bit of advice is… to turn your Virgin Media hub off and on again,” the Internet Service Provider said. “Yes, really. We know it’s not the most technical “hack” but sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective!”

It’s some ludicrously straightforward advice but it’s definitely worth trying especially at such a busy time of the year.

To reset your router, just feel around the back of the box for the off switch.

Hit that button and watch all of the flashing lights go out. Now, you’ll need a tiny bit of patience as you need to give the router a little bit of time to shut its circuit boards down and clear any bugs that may have been affecting performance.

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Wait for at least 30 seconds before tapping the power button back on.

It really is that easy. However, this hack does come with a word of warning as it can take up to 10 minutes for the whole house to get back online again.

“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 explained.

Whilst things are rebooting you won’t be able to use the web, download anything or stream content so make sure the family are all happy to lose access to avoid any Easter arguments.

During the wait, 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),” the ISP added.

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!