How can I improve latency? 10 Easy steps to reducing WiFi latency

High latency usually means there's a delay between when you do something online (like clicking a link or pressing a button in a game) and when it actually happens. This delay can be caused by many things, all of while can make websites feel slow or cause lag in online games or video calls.

One big causes of latency is your internet connection. If your WiFi signal is weak or if you're far from the router, your device might have trouble sending and receiving data quickly. Also, if a lot of people are using the internet at the same time in your house, like streaming videos or downloading files, it can slow things down for everyone.

Another reason could be the server you're connecting to. If the server is far away (in another country, for example), your data has to travel a longer distance, which takes more time. Or, if the server is very busy with a lot of users, it might take longer to respond to your requests, leading to high latency. Sometimes, the problem is on your device. If your computer or phone is running too many apps or has limited memory, it might not be able to keep up, which can cause delays.

Want to learn more about what latency is and what it means? Read our latency guide on everything you need to know about latency and how it impacts you online experience.

There's lots of things that impact latency, from your internet connection and WiFi strength to the distance from the server and your device itself. Here are just some factors you'll have to think about when it comes to improving your latency:

Understanding what affects your latency can help you find ways to improve your online experience and reduce lag. Sometimes, simple changes like moving closer to your router or restarting your equipment can make all the difference.

Testing your latency is easy! Just use our helpful broadband speed test, which gives you your device’s latency along with your bandwidth, Jitter, and download and upload speeds.

Our tool mimickis your online activities and testing how long it takes to come back, giving you your latency amount in milliseconds (ms).

There are several practical steps you can take to reduce latency and enjoy a faster, smoother connection. Here are 10 effective ways to improve your latency using simple adjustments to your setup and online habits.

1. Use a wired connection

Switching from WiFi to a wired Ethernet connection is one of the easiest ways to improve your latency. WiFi signals can be affected by walls, electronic devices, and even other nearby networks, and these obstacles cause delays in how quickly your data travels. With an Ethernet cable, you avoid most of that interference and get a direct, stable connection to your router, which especially important for tasks that require low latency, like online gaming, live streaming, or video calls.

2. Close background applications

Sometimes, your device might be running programmes in the background that use up your internet connection without you realising. Cloud storage services, automatic updates, streaming platforms, or open browser tabs all compete for your bandwidth and can increase latency by slowing down the data that needs to arrive quickly. Before doing anything time-sensitive online, closing unnecessary apps and pause any background downloads or updates can go a long way for reducing your latency.

3. Optimise your router settings

While most people never adjust their router settings, making a couple of tweaks to how your router works can be a great way to reduce latency. Look for a feature called Quality of Service (QoS)this allows you to priorities certain types of traffic, such as gaming or video calls, so they get the most bandwidth. You can also switch your router’s wireless channel to avoid interference from neighbouring networks. Make sure the firmware on your router is up to date too so you can benefit from the latest performance and security improvements that come with each update.

Got a Virgin Media router and aren't sure how to access settings? Read out guide on setting up your router and accessing advanced settings.

4. Move closer to the router

When using WiFi, the distance of your device from the router can make a big difference when it comes to latency. The further away you are, the weaker the signal, especially if there are walls or floors between you. A weaker signal means your data takes longer to send and receive, which increases latency. Try working or playing in the same room as your router, or at least where you have a strong signal. If that’s not possible, consider using a WiFi extender or a mesh system to strengthen the signal throughout your home.

5. Limit devices on the network

Every connected device on your network uses part of your internet’s bandwidth - even if it’s just a smart TV or a phone syncing in the background. When multiple people are streaming, downloading, or gaming at the same time, the network can get congested if you don’t have enough bandwidth for everyone, making your connection slower and increasing latency. Disconnect devices that aren’t in use, and if needed, set up a separate guest network to reduce traffic on your main one.

6. Use a better DNS server

The DNS helps your device find websites and services, and if the DNS server is slow or far away, it adds extra time to each request. Most people use their internet provider’s default DNS, which isn’t always the fastest. Switching to a public DNS, such as Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), can improve response times and make your browsing or gaming experience feel quicker and smoother.

7. Restart your router

Over time, your router can slow down if it hasn't been restarted in while, leading to higher latency or potential connection drops. Restarting your router is an easy way clears out temporary connection issues and gives you a fresh connection. It’s a good habit to restart your router and modem at least once a month. Simply unplug them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in and wait a minute or two for them to fully restart.

8. Use a gaming or low-latency VPN

While some VPNs can slow down your connection, others are optimised for performance and can actually improve latency in specific cases. For instance, if you’ve got an old router that routes traffic inefficiently, a VPN might provide a shorter or more direct path to the server you're trying to reach. This is especially helpful for online gamers or people accessing services in other countries. Make sure to use a trusted VPN with a good reputation for speed and low ping.

9. Use updated devices

Old routers, laptops, or smartphones may not support the latest WiFi standards or have the processing power to handle fast internet. This can limit your connection’s potential and increase latency. For example, devices using WiFi 3 or 4 may not perform as well as those on WiFi 6. Upgrading to newer equipment means you’ll get the best performance possible and can greatly reduce lag in modern applications and services.

10. Upgrade your broadband package

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your setup, it’s with the speed you’re paying for. If you’re regularly experiencing high latency, it may to be time to upgrade your broadband package to get those superfast internet speeds you’re after.

While speed isn’t the same as latency, faster broadband packages give you more bandwidth, and having more headroom allows your connection to handle multiple tasks more smoothly, reducing delays and ultimately, your latency. At Virgin Media, we’ve got a range of superfast and ultrafast broadband deals with speeds to suit every home – ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and beyond when you go gigabit.

Not sure what you can get? Check out all of our broadband deals and enter your postcode to see what’s available in your area.