Getting your hands on the latest tech is exciting. From the newest smartphone to awesome smart home gadgets, when you do have a new device in your hands, you’ll no doubt want to try it out right away.
But if can’t get your new device to connect to your WiFi, you may be left disappointed.
If you’re ready to get a great connection on the first try, keep reading to learn four tips to consider when adding new devices to your WiFi.
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1. Don’t Ignore the Instructions
When you’re excited to try out your new device, it’s tempting to try to immediately connect it to your home’s WiFi on your own.
However, unless you’ve connected the same type of device in the past, this will more often lead to some time-consuming trial and error.
Don’t waste time guessing at how to connect your device to the internet.
While the end goal may be the same, each internet-enabled device has a unique set of instructions that you’ll need to follow in order to get a good connection.
The steps you’ll need to follow to figure out how to connect Roku to WiFi will be very different than those you’ll need to connect your new printer to the internet.
2. Name Your Devices for Ease of Management Later on
When you do get your new devices connected to the web, take a moment to give your new tech a unique name.
This might seem like an unnecessary step — and when you’re eager to start using your new tech, you might be tempted to skip it.
But giving each device a unique name that you can easily identify will make it easier to manage your devices later on.
This is also a great security feature, as it will help you quickly identify any devices that you don’t recognize and that shouldn’t be connected to your WiFi.
3. Disconnect Devices No Longer in Use
If you’re struggling to get a steady, reliable internet connection, you might have too many devices vying for broadband at once.
Most routers can actually connect to up to 250 devices. However, while they may be capable of that many connections, it isn’t practical.
Too many devices on your network, and especially too many devices that demand a lot of bandwidth, can slow down your internet speeds.
You can use bandwidth monitoring tools to overview the bandwidth consumption of users, applications, services, and network devices.
To combat this, disconnect or power down any devices that you aren’t actively using.
Make sure that your devices are set to disconnect from the web when not in use; some smart devices continue to run updates while not in use, which can slow down the internet on your other devices.
4. Rethink Your Router Placement
Most modern routers are designed to send a signal throughout the average-size home.
But where you place your router can still have a big impact on your ability to get a reliable connection.
Place your router in a central location, and one that’s high enough to avoid obstacles like furniture.
Keeping your router away from other electronics can help to reduce disruptions as well.
Getting Your Devices Connected to the Web
Getting your new devices connected to your home’s WiFi doesn’t have to be frustrating or time-consuming.
Following the instructions for your device, choosing the right placement for your router, naming your devices, and disconnecting those not in use can all help to get you a great connection without interruption.
