Few things are more aggravating than a Wi-Fi connection that cuts in and out — especially mid-video-call or right in the middle of a movie. Before you spend 45 minutes on hold with your internet provider, try these fixes. In our experience, most Wi-Fi problems are solved at home.

This is the first thing to try because it works more often than you might expect. Your router and modem are small computers, and like any computer, they can get stuck or slow down over time.

Unplug both devices from the wall. Wait a full 60 seconds. Plug the modem back in first and wait until its lights settle down. Then plug in the router and give it a few minutes to reconnect.

If you have one combined modem-router device, just unplug that one device, wait a minute, and plug it back in.

Wi-Fi signals get weaker as you move farther away from the router. Walls, floors, metal appliances, and even large fish tanks can interfere with the signal.

Try using your phone or laptop in the same room as the router. If the connection improves, the issue is probably coverage rather than your internet service.

For the best results, keep your router in a central, open location — not tucked inside a cabinet, behind a television, or on the floor in a basement corner.

If only one device keeps losing Wi-Fi, the problem may be with that device rather than your network.

Try connecting another phone, tablet, or computer. If everything drops at the same time, focus on the router, modem, or internet provider. If only one device has trouble, restart that device and check for software updates.

Some household devices can interfere with Wi-Fi, especially on older networks. Common culprits include:

• Microwave ovens
• Cordless phones
• Baby monitors
• Bluetooth devices
• Wireless security cameras

You do not need to get rid of these devices. Often, moving the router a few feet away or switching to a different Wi-Fi channel solves the problem.

If your router is more than five years old, it may not be keeping up with the number of devices in your home. Newer routers handle streaming, video calls, smart TVs, security cameras, and phones much better than older models.

That does not mean you need the most expensive router on the shelf. The right choice depends on the size of your home, the number of devices you use, and where you need coverage.

If you have a larger home or dead spots in certain rooms, a mesh Wi-Fi system can help. Instead of one router trying to cover the entire house, mesh systems use several small units placed around your home.

They work together to create one reliable network, so you can move from room to room without losing your connection. Mesh Wi-Fi is especially helpful for homes with multiple floors, thick walls, or a detached office.

If your Wi-Fi still drops after restarting equipment, testing devices, and moving closer to the router, it may be time to contact your provider. Tell them what you already tried and ask whether there are outages or signal problems in your area.

If the provider says everything looks fine but your connection is still unreliable, an in-home visit can help identify the issue. Sometimes the answer is as simple as a better router location, a loose cable, or a setting that needs adjustment.

A stable connection matters for video calls, streaming, online banking, smart-home devices, and staying in touch with family. Start with the simple fixes above, and do not feel bad if you need a hand.

My Neighbor Tech helps Maryland homeowners set up, troubleshoot, and improve home Wi-Fi in plain English.