Instantly speed up your Wi-Fi by moving router away from 1 item in the house

If your Wi-Fi feels slower than usual, the culprit might be sitting right next to your router. While sluggish speeds can often be caused by your internet provider or an outdated plan, the items surrounding your router might also affect your internet connection.

According to tech experts, the placement of your router can make all the difference between a smooth online experience and constant buffering, whether you're streaming films, gaming, or working from home. The Audio Technica experts warned that keeping gadgets like Bluetooth speakers too close to your router could be a bad idea, because Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals could interfere with each other.

This is because Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers use similar radio frequencies. When multiple devices compete for the same signal space, it can create a kind of traffic jam, which can then slow down your internet.

Its support page explained: "Many Wi-Fi routers transmit on multiple channels simultaneously, and if there are excessive Wi-Fi signals in close proximity taking up most of the spectrum, your Bluetooth devices may not have any open spectrum to frequency hop to.

"This is a common cause of Bluetooth interference. Moving your Bluetooth devices away from Wi-Fi signals will help maximise the performance."

Before switching providers or paying for faster broadband, you can trial placing your router in a more central, open area of your home, and ideally away from the kitchen, or any thick walls that could block the signal.

Interestingly, it's not just Bluetooth devices that can cause problems. Microwaves also operate on similar frequencies and can interfere with Wi-Fi performance.

To get the best speeds possible, it's best to keep your router well away from both Bluetooth devices and your microwave.