The Super Bowl is about to begin. You must make sure your online relationship is up to par if you want to supply the big sport this year. No one wants to trail and lose a last-second winning score, especially if you’re hosting a watch party at your home.
The uncannily real is that when you’re streaming significant events at the same time as everyone else, there will always be a little latency or delay. You and your neighbors are not able to overcome the fundamental slowdown that exists in the world. It simply is a function of how your online relationship operates. However, the chances are that your home system may become sluggish if your applauding neighbors upstairs constantly seem to be some seconds ahead of you.  ,
We’ll move you through the steps you can take to improve your internet in the next few minutes. If you still struggle with , you may have to create long-term adjustments, like upgrading your Wi-Fi network. Let’s stick to simple, rapid enhancements for the time being so you can get ready for the big game.
Move a speed check
Finding out what online speed you’re really getting is the first step in the quest for a faster internet connection. If you’re not certain what speed you’re getting, verify your accounts online and check what you’re paying for. I have a sneaky suspicion that many of you aren’t confident.
Next, conduct a quick check to see if your room’s are enough. Running multiple tests at different times of day is the best, most comprehensive way to get a clear picture of your net’s speed. Why? Make sure you’re aware of factors like that when assessment, as regular vary depending on how crowded the system is. You want to have data that is representative of that system gridlock because your neighbors are likely to be streaming the great game as well.
There are plenty of free , world rate tests, but I most often use the Ookla velocity test. ( Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis. ) You can run the app in your browser or use a complimentary speed test software on your or unit, but I only have the benefits on my Apple Television.
In our CNET link to , how many net speed you really need, we recommend a minimum of 25Mbps for streaming 4K video , but that’s your starting point. Most households should aim for at least 100Mbps of download speeds overall, especially given how many smart devices are connected to our homes ( which we’ll discuss later )!  ,
Now that you’ve tested your speeds, compare them to the speeds you’re paying for. If the figures are inaccurate, it might make sense to get in touch with your internet service provider to see if a problem exists. Or, if possible, try to than you currently pay. If you’ve been with your ISP for a while, you may be surprised to discover what better, cheaper plans are now available.  ,
Check your layout
Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient, but it could slow you down if your equipment isn’t centrally located. Simply put, the slower your streaming device will be the further away from the your streaming device will be. If the streaming device struggles to pull the video content over the air quickly enough to show it to you in real time, you’ll start to notice buffering.  , For context, my colleague at CNET pays for gigabit speeds but wasn’t getting those speeds until .
I mentioned earlier that I used my to conduct my Ookla speed test. Instead of using a Wi-Fi connection, my wife and I decided to use an Ethernet cable to connect our directly to our router. We wanted our streaming services – , , , Plus, etc. — to access the fastest speeds in our house, which isn’t possible via Wi-Fi. A will increase the speeds of any device you connect it to, such as your TV, if you can manage to set it up that way.
The best way to on a device or TV in the same room as your modem and router is if you can’t connect via Ethernet cable. Your chances of uninterrupted performance are increased by the smaller distance between your router and your Wi-Fi streaming device.
Use your router to check the bandwidth usage in your home.
Your router might be having trouble if you keep having issues even though your download speeds seem to be up to par. The oldest method for turning it off and back on is what you should try first. I am aware of how frustrating that can be, especially if you’ve ever gotten assistance from a tech service rep and heard,” Have you unplugged it and plugged it back in?”
Truthfully, restarting your router can make it function and reset more effectively at times.
The number of people and devices that are using your network is another factor worth considering. We previously stated that the ideal download speed for 4K video streaming is 25 Mbps, but each device on your network uses more space, making it more difficult for your TV to consistently reach the 25 Mbps required.
Our homes are now filled with a myriad of connected devices, including , and . There are also , , , , , and countless other . These are all vying for bandwidth.
Take stock of the smart devices in your home and decide what can be temporarily removed from your network to create a more congested stream as you try to stream the Super Bowl with your partner, roommate, kids, or anyone else there.
On that note, if you have people in your home who aren’t fans of football and would like some counterprogramming, speak with them first and see if you can compile a list of shows or movies that can be downloaded before the big game. Perhaps you can get some episodes for kids to download. Or perhaps the non-football fans would enjoy watching some or classic episodes. Take the time to get your family involved and those alternatives downloaded early so you can avoid conflict, arguments, and backed-up bandwidth on game day.
Consider using a VPN
Finding the best place to stream the NFL becomes difficult as more and more people switch to streaming services. ( spoiler alert: it’s ExpressVPN).
Please take note that is a paid service that costs$ 13 per month. Currently, offers a one-year promotional price of$ 7 and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Make sure you check the terms of service for the streaming services you’re using in order to stay within its guidelines if you choose a VPN.
Run a final checklist
OK, you’ve done several practice runs. Now it’s Go Time. It’s one last time to check your internet is set up to handle the big game when it airs on Sunday, February 9.
Rerun that speed test
The incredible download speeds you registered several days prior won’t do you any harm if they don’t work when you need them most on game day. Before ticking off any other items on your list, it’s always a good idea to check your download speed.
Return to your router and double-check the bandwidth status
If your speeds are slow, run back through that checklist: Can you remove any smart devices from your network? Do you have to remind other family members to stick to the game plan and leave the gaming-related streaming services or websites? Making sure everything is in order before the game begins will help to reduce any lag and annoyance during the game.
You’re set to get the best experience possible for your home’s current setup. You’ve done all you can. So relax, grab your favorite snacks, a bowl of your favorite snacks, and your ice-cold beverage.
Don’t suffer the buffer FAQs
Is watching the Super Bowl online a bad idea?
Should I upgrade my router to get a better connection?
Before purchasing a brand-new piece of hardware, you should try the other methods listed in this article, even though your router might be holding you back from a perfect stream. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the speed you’re capped at will always be the same as the speed you’re still capped at depending on what you’re paying your provider for.
What can I do to increase my connection speed the quickest?
One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase your connection speed while watching the big game is to remove other devices that are using up your bandwidth. If you can connect an Ethernet cable to your TV, you will notice a significant improvement in stream quality.