Living with roommates has its perks — shared bills, someone to chat with, and maybe even a cleaner kitchen (if you’re lucky). But there’s one shared resource that tends to cause tension fast: the internet.

One person’s trying to stream Netflix, another’s in the middle of a Zoom call, and someone else is downloading massive game updates — all at once. If your Wi-Fi keeps grinding to a halt, it might be time to compare internet providers and upgrade to a plan that suits everyone’s needs. But beyond that, keeping the household Wi-Fi smooth and stress-free requires a bit of planning.

Here’s how to share a connection without arguments — or buffering circles.

Step 1: Choose a Plan That Matches Your Household

Not all internet plans are created equal — especially when you’re splitting it between multiple users. The more people using data-heavy apps (streaming, gaming, remote work), the faster your connection gets chewed up.

What to look for:

• At least 50–100 Mbps download speed for a household of 3–4 users

• Unlimited data (always a must in shared homes)

• Decent upload speed if anyone works from home or games online

If you’ve been on the same plan since moving in, check what’s now available in your area. Internet options have likely improved, and switching could give you better speed for the same price.

Step 2: Split the Bill Fairly

No one wants to chase people for money every month. Make internet bills easy by:

• Using split payment apps like Beem or Splitwise

• Setting up a shared bank account or transfer schedule

• Agreeing upfront on the internet plan, provider, and speed

If one roommate uses significantly more data — say, they’re gaming for hours every day or hosting large uploads — you could even agree to a slightly higher share. The key is transparency.

Step 3: Create a Device-Friendly Network

If your router’s sitting in a corner behind the couch, you’re asking for trouble. Shared homes often have more devices than average — phones, laptops, TVs, smart speakers — and your setup needs to handle the load.

Tips:

• Use a dual-band or tri-band router to separate devices and reduce congestion

• Place the router in a central, open space for best signal coverage

• Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system if your home is large or has multiple floors

If possible, plug in gaming consoles or streaming devices via Ethernet to ease the load on Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Use Guest Networks or Device Limits

Many modern routers let you create a guest network — perfect for limiting how many devices are hogging the main connection. You can also use router settings to:

• Prioritise certain devices (like a work laptop)

• Set data limits for specific users

• See what devices are connected and remove unknown ones

This keeps things running smoother — and prevents your connection being drained by forgotten smart devices or a neighbour who somehow knows your password.

Step 5: Agree on “Peak Time” Etiquette

There’s nothing worse than trying to upload an assignment or join a work call while someone else is streaming 4K videos.

Agreeing on some simple Wi-Fi etiquette can save a lot of frustration:

• Avoid heavy downloads or uploads during shared peak times

• Let others know if you’re about to jump on an important call

• Turn off unused devices or apps running in the background

This isn’t about rules — it’s about being thoughtful so everyone can use the internet without drama.

Step 6: Reset and Reboot Regularly

It might sound basic, but it works: reboot your router once a week. This clears memory, applies any updates, and helps prevent slowdowns.

Even better, put it on a timer switch so it automatically restarts at night (say, 3am). That way, your network starts each day fresh — and no one has to think about it.

Step 7: Know When It’s Time to Upgrade

If you’ve tried all the above and the Wi-Fi still can’t keep up, it may just be time to level up:

• More roommates = more speed needed

• Old routers = slower performance

• New NBN or fibre options = better value for money

Don’t settle for lag and dropped connections. Better Wi-Fi isn’t just a luxury — it keeps your housemates happier and helps everyone stay productive, entertained, and sane.