How do I improve my internet connection?

Connection issues are some of the most frequent technical issues that affect both tutors and parents/ students on MyTutor. We recommend where possible use a wired connection using an Ethernet cable plugged directly into your router for the best connection possible.

If you are in a lesson and experiencing issues, as a quick fix it may be worth trying to open the MyTutor website in an incognito browser. This may help if any of your cached history is causing issues with your connection! To do this, if you’re on a Windows PC, just press Ctrl + Shift + N on your keyboard, or Cmd + Shift + N on a Mac. Head to MyTutor in this window and that should work for you.

For internet improvements, let’s start by looking at internet speed.

If your download or upload speeds are less than 2Mbps you may not be able to use the lesson space effectively and may experience lagging or delays. Sometimes the test may show high speed but also high latency (meaning there’s a delay in the connection). This is measured by ‘ping’. If ping is higher than 50, you may experience some issues with the online lesson space. A value of 100 and above would certainly cause issues!

Please note that if you are using the MyTutor platform outside the United Kingdom, your connection to our servers may be slower than that listed on the linked speed test.

 To reduce any internet issues, here’s a list of quick tips:

• Please make sure you are as close to your wireless router as possible - Ideally in the same room! Big obstructions in the way between your router and computer such as thick concrete walls can seriously weaken the signal. Some large home appliances such as fridges and microwave ovens can also disrupt the WiFi signal as they emit electromagnetic frequencies close to those of the wireless signal from your router. Please make sure that your router is not located near any such appliances.
• Use an ethernet cable between your computer and router if possible. This will eliminate most connectivity issues and will minimise the risk of disruptions to your online session.
• Ensure that other internet users are not streaming or downloading large files, like catching up on their favourite shows on Netflix! 
• Purchase some ‘powerline adapters’ - these use the electricity cables in your house to move your internet to rooms that have bad WiFi signal. This is a great option if you’re in a shared house or are otherwise unable to move closer to your router. 
• Consider upgrading your wireless router. If it is older than 3-4 years, it may be a good idea to replace it. You can contact your internet service provider to ask them if they can send you a new one. Alternatively, you could buy one yourself. 
• Consider upgrading your broadband plan with your internet service provider.
• As a last resort you can turn off the video stream and just communicate using the microphone and chat box. 

If you are still having issues, it might be worth giving your service provider a call to see if they can help!