Why Your Games and Video Calls Lag at Home (and How to Fix It Safely)
Frozen video calls and laggy online games are two of the most common home internet complaints. The good news: most fixes are free, and several of them also make your home network safer. Here’s what to try, in order.
First, Figure Out What Kind of Slow It Is
- Everything is slow, on every device: the problem is usually your internet plan, your modem or your router. Start with the free fixes below.
- Only far-away rooms are slow: it’s a Wi-Fi coverage problem. Moving the router or adding a wired connection helps most.
- Browsing is fine, but online games stutter or “rubber-band”: that’s usually lag (high ping or lost data) on the route between you and the game server. The free fixes still help, and a game booster may help too (see below).
Free Fixes (Try These First)
- Restart the modem and router. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug the modem in first, then the router.
- Use a cable for the important device. An Ethernet cable to a gaming PC, console or work laptop is steadier than Wi-Fi.
- Move the router. Put it up high, in the middle of the home, out of cabinets and away from thick walls.
- Pause the bandwidth hogs. Big downloads, game updates and 4K streaming on other devices can crowd out a video call.
- Update your router’s software. The FTC recommends checking the manufacturer’s website for newer router software. Updates fix security holes and can improve performance.
Speed Up Without Weakening Security
When games lag, people sometimes start switching on router settings they found online. Be careful. The FTC advises turning off remote management, WPS and UPnP, using WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, and keeping the router’s firewall on. If a game console says its “NAT type” is limited, follow the console maker’s official instructions rather than opening everything up.
Also be wary of free “lag fixer” or “FPS booster” downloads from random websites and video descriptions. Only install software from the company’s official site. For more, see our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi in 10 minutes.
For Gamers: A Game Booster Like GearUP
GearUP Booster
GearUP says it optimizes the route between your device and the game server to reduce high ping, packet loss and jitter. It works on Windows PCs and phones, and on consoles through its own router. GearUP offers a free trial and lists 3,000+ supported games.
Worth knowing before you try it:
- It’s a gaming tool, not a privacy VPN. For privacy, see our Privacy Tools page.
- It can’t fix a slow internet plan or weak Wi-Fi. Do the free fixes above first.
- Results depend on your game, your location and the server. Use the free trial to test your own games before paying.
- We haven’t tested it ourselves. This is based on GearUP’s own information. How we research.
For Video Calls and Remote Work
- Plug your work laptop into the router with a cable if you can.
- Close cloud backups and big downloads during important calls.
- Turn off your camera if the connection struggles. Audio needs far less bandwidth.
- Keep work devices updated, and use a separate guest network for visitors, as the FTC suggests.
For a full setup, see Setting Up a Secure Home Office on a Budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a VPN fix gaming lag?
Usually not. A privacy VPN adds a stop along the way, which can add a little delay. Game boosters are built differently: they aim to find a faster route to the game server.
Is it safe to use a game booster?
Stick to well-known services installed from their official website, and avoid “cracked” or free tools from unknown sources, which can carry malware.
Do I need a new router?
If your router is several years old and no longer gets software updates, replacing it can help both speed and security.