What Slows Down Your Internet During Video Calls
- Arnim Sharma
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
What Slows Down Your Internet During Video Calls
Introduction
The Basics of Internet Speed
Devices That Hog Bandwidth
Wi-Fi Interference and Signal Strength
Your Internet Plan Might Be the Problem
Hardware That Slows You Down
Background Processes and Software
Video Call Platform Settings
Peak Usage Hours
Location-Based Issues
Fixing Slow Internet During Video Calls
Long-Term Solutions
Bonus Tip: Switch to Airfiber by Speed Net Broadband
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Why Smooth Video Calls Matter
Whether it’s a work meeting, a virtual family catch-up, or an online class, we’ve all been there — frozen screens, pixelated faces, and that dreaded “unstable connection” warning. Video calls have become an everyday thing, so a slow connection isn’t just annoying — it can derail your productivity and make you miss important moments.
Common Complaints During Video Calls
People often blame Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams. But truthfully, the culprit is often lurking somewhere in your setup — from overloaded routers to sneaky background apps.
The Basics of Internet Speed
Download vs. Upload Speed
When you’re watching Netflix, you care about download speed. But during a video call? Upload speed is equally — if not more — important. You're constantly sending data (your video and voice) as well as receiving it.
What is Bandwidth?
Think of your bandwidth like a highway. The more lanes you have, the more cars (data) can move at once. If too many devices try to use it, there’s a traffic jam — and that’s when you start glitching on video calls.
The Role of Latency and Ping
High latency means your data takes longer to travel. Low latency (measured in milliseconds) ensures smooth, real-time communication — a must for video calls.
Devices That Hog Bandwidth
Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
If someone’s watching Netflix in 4K in the next room, guess what? That eats up tons of bandwidth.
Online Gaming Consoles
Online games constantly send and receive data. Even if you’re not gaming, a console running in the background can mess with your call quality.
Background Apps on Your Computer or Phone
Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive — these sync quietly in the background and can slow your connection dramatically during a video call.
Wi-Fi Interference and Signal Strength
Distance from the Router
The farther you are, the weaker the signal. Walls, floors, and doors reduce speed significantly.
Obstructions and Building Materials
Concrete walls, metal surfaces, even aquariums can block Wi-Fi signals.
Competing Wi-Fi Networks
If you live in an apartment, neighboring Wi-Fi networks can interfere with yours, especially if you’re all on the same channel.
Your Internet Plan Might Be the Problem
Speed Caps by ISPs
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) throttle your speed once you exceed a certain data limit — especially if you're on a cheaper plan.
Outdated Internet Plans
Are you still using a 10 Mbps plan from five years ago? That’s a snail’s pace for today’s data-hungry video platforms.
Shared Bandwidth in Your Neighborhood
During peak hours, everyone in your area might be streaming, gaming, or video calling — leading to slower speeds for everyone.
Hardware That Slows You Down
Old Routers and Modems
If your router is older than 5 years, it might not support the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6) — which means slow speeds and weak signals.
Faulty Ethernet Cables
Even a worn-out Ethernet cable can drop your speed or lead to disconnections.
Overloaded Devices
Running 20 tabs, multiple apps, and background tasks on your laptop? Your device can bottleneck even a fast internet connection.
Background Processes and Software
Auto-Updates and Cloud Backups
Windows updates, antivirus downloads, or iCloud syncing in the background? Those can eat up bandwidth without warning.
Malware and Viruses
If your system is infected, it might be communicating with external servers, hogging your internet in the process.
Open Browser Tabs and Apps
Too many open tabs — especially ones running ads, videos, or chat apps — can drain both your RAM and internet speed.
Video Call Platform Settings
High-Definition Video Settings
Most platforms default to HD video. While that’s great for quality, it requires more bandwidth. Lowering your resolution can improve stability.
Auto-Adjust Bandwidth Usage
Some platforms let you adjust for slower connections. Enable this setting to let the app optimize automatically.
Group Calls vs. One-on-One Calls
Group calls require more resources. The more people in a call, the more your device and connection have to work.
Peak Usage Hours
Evening Traffic Surges
Everyone logs on after work. If you're having issues at night, this might be why.
Working From Home Trends
The post-pandemic world means more people at home — and more video calls competing for bandwidth at the same time.
Location-Based Issues
Rural vs. Urban Internet Access
Rural areas often rely on satellite or DSL, which are slower and more prone to disruption.
Physical Infrastructure Challenges
Old telephone lines or outdated neighborhood networks can bottleneck your connection — no matter how fancy your router is.
Fixing Slow Internet During Video Calls
Restart Your Router
Sounds basic, but restarting your router clears up bandwidth congestion and can solve sudden slowdowns.
Prioritize Your Video Call App
Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings in your router to give video call apps top priority.
Limit Other Devices and Activities
Pause downloads, stop streaming, and ask others in the household to ease off the Wi-Fi while you’re in a call.
Long-Term Solutions
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
Sometimes the only fix is to pay for faster speeds — especially if you’re on calls daily.
Switch to Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber offers faster, more stable connections with better upload speeds — ideal for video calling.
Invest in Quality Networking Hardware
Mesh Wi-Fi systems, Wi-Fi 6 routers, or even range extenders can eliminate dead zones and speed up your entire home network.
Bonus Tip: Switch to Airfiber by Speed Net Broadband
Faster Speeds, Reliable Connections
If you’re tired of lags, buffering, and dropped calls — it might be time to switch. Airfiber by Speed Net Broadband offers blazing-fast internet with ultra-low latency perfect for high-quality video calls. It’s a game-changer for remote workers, students, and streamers alike.
Conclusion
Video calls shouldn’t be a frustrating experience. From bandwidth-hogging devices to outdated hardware and weak signals, a lot can go wrong — but thankfully, a lot can be fixed. Start by checking what’s slowing things down, take some simple steps to optimize your setup, and consider upgrading your plan or provider if needed. With a few tweaks, your next video call can be crystal clear and totally lag-free.
FAQs
1. Why is my internet fine except during video calls?
Video calls use both upload and download bandwidth simultaneously, which stresses your connection more than casual browsing or streaming.
2. Can too many users on Zoom slow it down?
Yes, especially during large group calls or when multiple users in your home are on separate Zoom calls at the same time.
3. Does using a VPN affect video calls?
Yes. VPNs can add extra latency and may route your data inefficiently, slowing down your video call performance.
4. How do I test my internet speed for video calling?
Use sites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com and look at both download and upload speeds. For HD video calls, aim for at least 1.5 Mbps upload.
5. Should I use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?
Absolutely. Ethernet provides a more stable and faster connection, especially important for professional video calls.