How to improve your BT Broadband speed

Connect your Hub to your Openreach modem or main telephone socket, also known as the primary socket. The main socket is usually in the front room or hall, near where the telephone line enters your home.

Check that all cables, including those connected to the back of your Hub, are plugged in properly and aren't tangled.

Tangled or loose cables can cause interference and reduce your speed. If you're using an extension lead, use a new, high-quality cable that's as short as possible. Long extension leads can affect performance.

Do you need microfilters?

A microfilter is a small device that allows your broadband and telephone services to work at the same time.

You'll need a microfilter if your main telephone socket has a faceplate with a single socket. Connect a microfilter to every telephone socket that's being used.

Place your Hub near where you use the internet most. The farther away you are from the Hub, the weaker your Wi-Fi signal will be. Your setup or the position of your Openreach modem may limit where you can place the Hub.

• Keep your Hub out in the open. Avoid placing the Hub in a cupboard or on the floor, where the Wi-Fi signal may be blocked or absorbed.
• Place your Hub near the centre of your home to reduce the number of walls the signal needs to pass through.
• Move your Hub away from windows. The Hub sends Wi-Fi in all directions, so placing the Hub near a window can send part of the signal outside.
• Don't place your Hub behind your TV or near metal objects. These can reflect and disrupt the Wi‑Fi signal.

The age and capability of your device can affect the speed you receive. Newer smartphones, tablets and computers usually support faster Wi‑Fi speeds than older devices.

For example, an older smartphone may support only a fraction of the Wi‑Fi speed available to a modern smartphone. Consider replacing older devices if they no longer support the performance you need.

Laptops and computers often receive a stronger Wi‑Fi signal than smartphones and tablets. If possible, connect a computer or laptop to the Hub using an Ethernet cable. A wired connection can provide faster and more reliable performance.

Your speed can be affected by what people and devices in your home are doing online. Streaming video, online gaming and video calls usually use more of your broadband connection than browsing websites or sending email.

The more devices using your broadband at the same time, the slower the connection may feel. Check what other people in your home are doing online before taking further action.

Close apps running in the background

Programs running in the background can slow down your device and make your broadband seem slower. Check for:

• Too many programs running at the same time
• Web browser add-ons
• Too many programs opening when your device starts
• Not enough available memory on your computer

If your computer remains slow, consider having it checked or upgraded.

Restarting your Hub can fix minor broadband problems.

1. Press the Power button on the back of the Hub to switch it off.
2. Wait around 10 seconds.
3. Press the Power button again to switch it back on.
4. Wait a few minutes for the Hub lights to turn blue.

Restart any devices connected to your broadband too. This can help them reconnect and get the best available connection.

Leave your Hub switched on

Once you've restarted your Hub, leave it switched on, including overnight. Frequently switching it off can make the broadband line appear to be disconnecting. Your speed may then be reduced automatically to make the line more stable.

Viruses and other harmful software can slow down your devices and affect broadband performance. Keep your operating system and security software up to date.

Security tools can help protect your devices from viruses, scams and phishing attacks, and warn you before visiting potentially harmful websites.