How to Increase the Upload Speed – A Comprehensive Guide

December 18, 2023 By Christine Margret No Comments 8 minutes

Do you want to increase the upload speed? Facing issues with gaming, video calls, or uploading files? Slow upload speeds might be the cause. A quick fix is restarting your PC and modem/router, but if that doesn’t work, explore 8 ways in this guide to speed up your internet upload. Discover the right solution for what’s slowing you down.

How to Increase Upload Speed

What is Upload Speed?

Uploading speed is how fast your device sends information on the Internet. It’s crucial for things like video chats, large file uploads, and streaming videos. Your Internet plan affects upload speed, but you can also use tricks to make it faster.

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Why Is My Upload Speed Slow?

When your upload speeds are slow, various things could be causing it. Let’s explore some of the reasons.

Many Devices on One Network:

Having too many devices connected to the same internet can use up a lot of bandwidth. This can slow down both your upload and download speeds, especially if multiple users are streaming or playing online games simultaneously.

Outdated Device Drivers:

Software called drivers helps your computer control hardware like printers and network adapters. Outdated drivers can hinder your device’s ability to upload data efficiently. Keep your drivers updated to ensure optimal performance.

Connection Bandwidth:

Your internet provider determines how fast your upload speed can be. If it’s slow, consider switching providers to get better speeds. Your provider might also intentionally slow down your connection, a practice known as “throttling.”

Malware on Your Computer:

Malicious software, or malware, can sneak into your computer and slow down your upload speed. Be cautious about downloading files from untrustworthy websites or opening email attachments that may contain malware.

How to Increase Your Upload Speed

If your uploads are really slow, don’t worry—try these methods:

Check your internet speed first.
Use websites that scan and show your exact internet speed. Just search “internet speed test” in your browser and pick one to check.
See if your actual internet speed matches your plan. If it’s too slow, call your ISP for advice or consider switching to a better plan.

Besides these, you can also use other troubleshooting steps to increase upload speed. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clear Cookies

To make your upload and download faster, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Close all tabs, go to settings, and clear the cache and cookies. This can fix problems with slow connections.

2. Restart Your Router

If your internet is slow, you can take steps to improve it. An easy solution is to restart your router. Routers accumulate data in their built-in memory, which can slow down your connection. Turning off the router briefly and then turning it back on helps clear this data, making your internet run more smoothly.

3. Don’t Use Bandwidth-Hogging Programs

To stop programs from slowing your computer, determine which ones use the most data. Check your computer’s settings for network traffic to see how much each program uses. This helps identify the problematic ones. You might need to change settings in some programs to use less data. For instance, set your email to download messages only when online, not every time new ones arrive. Adjust your browser settings to limit automatic videos or images when you browse.

4. Use LAN Connection

If your internet is slow, a simple way to make uploads faster is by using a LAN connection instead of Wi-Fi or mobile data. LAN connections transfer data much faster, speeding up your uploads.

5. Use a VPN

If you’re facing speed issues, try using a VPN to hide your IP address and get around the firewall. Many trustworthy VPNs are available online. Pick a reliable service just like FastestVPN to make sure your connection is safe, and your data is not at risk of being intercepted.

6. Upgrade Your Internet Subscription

If your internet is slow, think about getting a better subscription plan. You can make things faster by choosing a plan with more speed or getting special tools like an ethernet cable. Check if others on your network are using too much internet. With some effort, you can speed up your internet and have a better online experience.

7. Look for Viruses and Malware

Fast speed is important for uploading and downloading, especially with large files. If your computer is slow, it might be viruses or malware. Check for them or reset your modem. Overuse on your network can also slow things down. Follow these steps to get back to fast uploading and downloading.

8. Switch Your Internet Service Provider

If your uploads are slow, you can make your connection faster. One option is to switch to a different internet provider. Some providers offer faster speeds for a higher monthly cost, so check what options are available in your area.

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How to increase upload speed on mobile phones

Wondering how to make your mobile phone upload faster? Here are a couple of tips:

Use a good internet connection like wired or wireless 4G for faster data transmission.
Lower your phone’s video quality settings to improve upload speed.
If issues persist, consider a mobile data accelerator or VPN to optimize data transfer and enhance performance. That’s it – follow these steps to boost upload speed on your mobile phone.

How to increase upload speed on Windows 10

Here are some simple ways to make your device upload faster:

Update your networking driver for better speed and connectivity.
Use a wired internet connection instead of wireless; you can check this in Settings.
If using wireless, switch between networks for a potential speed boost.
Clean up your device by running Disk Cleanup or CCleaner to remove temporary files and junk.
If issues persist, contact your internet provider for help. They can offer a solution to improve your upload speed.

How to increase upload speed for streaming?

Boosting your streaming upload speed is crucial for a smooth experience. Start by ensuring a fast, stable internet connection. Use online speed tests or check your provider’s documentation for speed requirements. If your connection is slower, consider upgrading your router, modem, or plan.

Switching browsers can also help, as some may have issues with streaming. Experiment with different browsers to improve upload speed. If problems persist, consider switching streaming services; each has unique upload speed requirements, and a change may offer the speed and reliability you seek.

Improving Upload Speed on PS4 and PS5

To boost your upload speed on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, consider the following steps. First, review the quality settings on your console to ensure they are at the highest levels. Check your internet speed to guarantee it’s fast enough for online game streaming.

Another effective option is using a gaming VPN, which can improve upload speeds and reduce latency and lag. Additionally, explore specialized software or hardware to optimize your connection for optimal performance. With dedication, you can achieve significantly improved upload speeds on your PlayStation console.

How to Check Your Internet Speed

You can use apps and websites to check how fast your internet is. These services show your download and upload speed, the server you’re connected to, and other things like latency and jitter.

We suggest using Fast.com, CloudFlare, and Speedtest.net to check your internet speed. When doing the test, make sure other devices on the network are not using the internet so the speed isn’t shared. Repeat the test a few times during the day to see if your internet provider gives you the speed they promised.

What’s the difference between upload and downloading speed?

Uploading is when you send stuff from your device to another place, using a lot of bandwidth and usually being slower. Downloading is getting stuff from another place to your device, using less bandwidth, and being faster because it doesn’t need as much data transfer.

What’s the Ideal Upload Speed?

Determining the ideal internet upload speed is challenging as it hinges on your content and audience. Generally, 1 to 2 Mbps suffices for common files, but larger uploads or live streaming may require more. Shared connections at home can lead to slower speeds. Your specific needs dictate the right upload speed. If uncertain, consult an expert or research online for guidance.

Conclusion

We’ve shared 8 ways to increase upload speed. Key takeaways: check your internet upload speed with your ISP, ensure all hardware drivers are updated, and try a soft reset on your devices. If issues persist, consider investing in new products, or connect to a trusted VPN like FastestVPN, which not only enhances your online security but also offers robust identity and access management (IAM) features for added protection.