Is the upload speed too slow? Here’s why and how to fix it

When it comes to using the Internet at home, we definitely rely more on download speeds than upload speeds. Still, the transfer connection serves many purposes, allowing you to shop online, post videos to social media, video chat, and play online. If the upload speed is not sufficient, these tasks can be frustrating or even impossible.

Run a few good speed tests to see what upload speed you’re getting. If it is less than 20 Mbps, your connection is not technically considered broadband and may not be able to meet your needs.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to improve your upload speed. As a bonus, these tips can also improve your download speeds, giving you a better all-around connection. (For more, check best place to place your router to speed up your internet and our picks for best wifi routers, best mesh routers and best wifi extenders.)

Read more: The best internet providers for 2024

Have you signed up for slow upload speeds?

Unless you have fiber optic internetthe upload speed will be much lower than the download speed. Very cable, DSL AND satellite internet providers don’t even advertise upload speeds alongside download speeds, in part because they are much slower.

For example, Spectrum Advertised internet speeds range from 500 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. These are suggested to be download speeds, but what about upload speeds? You’ll have to dig a little deeper – perhaps check the fine print or call customer service – to discover that upload speeds for these plans are 20Mbps and 35Mbps, respectively.

Most cable internet providers, incl Helmsman, Optimum AND Xinfinitythey have similar upload speeds and don’t display them as clearly as download speeds. The same applies to DSL and satellite Internet, which can provide upload speeds so slow that they are not even considered broadband (less than 3 Mbps).

How to Fix Internet Plan with Slow Upload Speed

The best thing you can do is find out what the maximum upload speeds are from your specific provider or plan before signing up. As mentioned above, you may need to look through the fine print or details of the plan to find them. Don’t sign up for a plan that offers upload speeds that don’t meet your needs if other options are available.

If you already have internet service with upload speeds slower than you want or need, consider upgrading to a faster plan. This will likely cost a little more each month, but you may find that the improvements in upload speeds – and increases in download speeds – will be worth the extra cost. Again, be sure to check what your new upload speeds will be before switching to a new plan.

Change of supplier is another option, especially if you have fiber optic service from providers such as AT&Tboundary fiber, Google Fiber Or Verizon Fios is available. Fiber optic technology supports the bandwidth required for symmetric or near-symmetric download and upload speeds. So if you sign up for 300Mbps planyou can expect download and upload speeds of around 300Mbps with a wired connection.

Using Wi-Fi may reduce upload speeds

Wi-Fi is an alternative to a wired connectionrather than its own separate web service. If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, expect download and upload speeds to be slower than the speed your provider sends to your home.

When using Wi-Fi, you may experience range and signal problems. The further you move away from the router or move to a different room or floor, your upload speed may suffer.

Depending on the quality of the hardware and the distance from the router, using Wi-Fi can reduce speeds by 50% or more.

Read more: The best Wi-Fi routers of 2022

How to Fix Slow Wi-Fi Upload Speed

A wired Ethernet connection will almost always provide a faster and more reliable connection. Try using a wired connection if you need fast and stable transfer speeds for an important meeting or school project.

Of course, a wired connection isn’t always practical, and Wi-Fi is much more convenient, so Wi-Fi is often the only option. Here are some ways to improve your Wi-Fi connection restart the router, moving it to a better placerepositioning the antennas (if applicable) or moving closer to the router.

Upgrading your hardware is also an effective way to improve your Wi-Fi speeds. If you’re not sure where to start when purchasing a new router, check out our guide list of best wifi routers. For better Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your home, consider upgrading dual band mesh router system.

Running multiple upload jobs will reduce speed

Just as too many devices connected can affect your download speed, too many devices uploading at the same time can slow down your upload speed.

Only a certain amount of bandwidth is available. If multiple files are uploaded at the same time, they compete with each other. With upload speeds, which are often much lower than download speeds, it only takes a few devices to disrupt your upload speed.

Zoom, for example, may require an upload speed of 3 Mbps or higher to ensure a clear and reliable connection. If you’re making multiple video calls simultaneously across your Wi-Fi network, your upload speeds may not keep up with demand.

How to Fix Upload Bandwidth Congestion

While simultaneous meetings or participation in activities may be unavoidable, try to stagger meetings and limit the number of connected devices when possible.

In addition to strategically planning meeting times to accommodate everyone in your household, make sure you the router is set to broadcast the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. There will likely be less interference in the 5 GHz band, allowing for better connection quality and faster upload speeds.

Additionally, upgrading your internet plan or ISP to one with faster maximum upload speeds will help ensure you have enough data.

Data restrictions and reduced upload speeds

Believe it or not, transferring files and participating in video calls contribute to your monthly data usage, just like downloading files or streaming TV. Depending on your provider, exceeding your data limit may result throttled speeds for the remainder of the billing cycle.

How to fix limited upload speed

If you have a monthly data cap, it’s best to monitor your activity throughout your billing cycle to avoid exceeding it. Most providers have an app and/or website that allows you to track your data usage.

HughesNet allows customers to purchase additional “tokens” or blocks of data that will restore normal upload and download speeds until the end of the billing cycle or until the added data is exhausted. Viasat doesn’t come with this option, but most may offer a higher data allowance than HughesNet, depending on the plan you choose.

Of course, the best option is to choose e.g Internet provider without data limits or at least one that won’t limit your speed if you exceed the limit. However, you will still want to keep an eye on your data usage, as excessive data usage may violate the terms of your service contract, which could result in service interruption.

Looking for more ways to improve your internet connection? Visit CNET Internet Center website for more articles on everything related to home internet services. More tips and tricks for using at home can be found in our guide CNET’s home advice section.