Is Your Home WiFi Slowing Down Without You Knowing? The Hidden Devices Affecting Families Across the UK
For many families, staying connected is more important than ever – especially when keeping in touch with older parents, relatives and friends through video calls, smart devices and home monitoring systems. But new research suggests that many UK households may be unknowingly slowing down their own broadband.
According to new research from Uswitch broadband experts, the average UK home now has 16 internet-connected devices, with one in 10 households having 30 or more.
From smart TVs and tablets to video doorbells and voice assistants, modern homes are packed with gadgets competing for bandwidth. And while many of these devices may not seem ‘in use’, they can still be quietly consuming internet in the background.
The Rise of ‘Phantom Devices’
The research found that more than 20 million Britons may be unaware that so-called ‘phantom devices’ continue to use broadband even when they’re not actively being used.
These devices often stay connected to the internet to:
- Download software and firmware updates
- Sync data to the cloud
- Upload footage or recordings
- Refresh apps and background services
The most common phantom devices in UK homes are:
- Smart TVs (82%)
- Video doorbells (39%)
- Smart speakers (39%)
For families supporting older loved ones, this hidden activity can be especially frustrating. Slower WiFi can interrupt important video calls, affect telehealth appointments, or cause issues with connected safety devices such as video doorbells, smart alarms or health monitoring systems.
Why This Matters for Older People
Older adults are increasingly relying on the internet for everyday essentials, including:
- Video calls with family and friends
- Online shopping and banking
- Streaming entertainment
- Telecare and health monitoring devices
- Smart home systems for safety and security
A slow or unstable connection can make these services less reliable and add unnecessary stress.
If an older relative complains that ‘the internet keeps dropping out’ or video calls are freezing, the issue may not be the broadband package itself – it could be too many devices quietly using the connection.
Four Easy Ways to ‘Spring Clean’ Your Broadband
The good news is that a few simple changes can improve speed and stability.
Reduce the Number of Connected Devices
Too many devices online at once can put strain on your broadband.
Turn off WiFi on devices that don’t need to stay connected, and check for forgotten gadgets such as old phones, unused tablets, or smart speakers sitting idle.
Declutter Your Devices
Digital clutter can slow down individual devices, making everything feel less responsive.
Delete old downloads, unused apps and unnecessary files to help devices run more smoothly.
Keep Software and Firmware Updated
Outdated software can affect performance and security.
Regularly updating your router and connected devices can improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary background activity.
Restart Your Router
Sometimes the simplest fix is the best one.
Turning your router off and on again can refresh the connection and resolve minor glitches. Doing this occasionally may help keep your home network running smoothly.
A Simple Check Could Make a Big Difference
For families looking after older relatives or friends, checking what’s connected to the home WiFi could make everyday life easier.
A quick broadband ‘spring clean’ may improve call quality, reduce buffering and make smart devices more reliable – helping older loved ones stay connected, entertained and safe.
This article was created with the help of AI software ChatGTP.
Image from Unsplash+