Spectrum Internet Keeps Dropping? (Here’s How to Fix It!)

Spectrum is one of the top Internet service providers on the market. While they are reliable, that doesn’t mean that you will always experience a strong and consistent connection. Many users are left scratching their heads when their Spectrum Internet keeps dropping.

Your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping if your firmware is outdated or if your router is too far away. An outdated spectrum router will also fail to provide a consistent Internet connection if it is 3 years old or older. Update your firmware or upgrade to a new router at no cost if your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping.

Accessories such as Wi-Fi range extenders can save the day if you experience inconsistent Internet strength. If nothing helps, you can also switch to a different Internet service provider such as AT&T. Follow along as we explore what you should do if your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping.

Why Does Spectrum Internet Keep Disconnecting?

Everything from a bad router to outdated firmware can explain why your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping. The average router only lasts for 3 years, but its performance can suffer anytime after 2 years. You will usually notice that your Internet slows down around the 2-3 mark, and it may keep dropping repeatedly.

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a local service outage, but that won’t happen consistently. You can tell that something is wrong with your Spectrum equipment if your Internet keeps dropping at random over several days or a week. This may sound like a nightmare, but this is typically the best-case scenario.

That is because Spectrum will replace your router and or modem for free as long as you are currently a customer. The problem could also be related to the location of your router relative to your Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Your Internet will keep dropping if your router is far from your computer, TV, tablet, or phone.

What To Do When Your Spectrum Internet Keeps Dropping

You can always contact Spectrum so that they can send out a service technician. However, you can generally save time and quickly fix the issue if you troubleshoot a few different fixes. Let’s take a look at what you should do when your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping.

Update The Firmware

Spectrum makes it easy to update the firmware for your router and or modem. This will help speed up your Internet connection in many cases if your firmware is outdated. You can start the process from your computer or phone if you have the Spectrum app.

Open the app or sign in online through the Spectrum website. Click on the tab that reads “Firmware Version” and check to see if there are any updates available. Download the latest update via the app if one is available.

Now, your router will take over and should trigger the download right away. Your Internet service won’t work during the update, but it will only take a few moments. Give your router a few minutes after the update is complete then test it to see if the Internet keeps dropping.

Move Your Router Closer

One of the most common reasons why your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping is that your router is too far away. The router needs to connect and communicate with your devices or there will be no Internet connection. This is difficult if you have multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices that aren’t close to your router.

If you don’t want to use a Wi-Fi range extender, you can simply move your router closer to a room where you need a strong connection. This should give you better service, but it may turn another area of the house into a dead zone. Ideally, you should put your router in an area that is central to several rooms where you plan to use Wi-Fi.

This is a simple option and can save you time and money compared to adding a second router to your home. Make sure to move your router to an open space so you don’t diminish the signal strength.

Reset Your Router

Your Spectrum Internet will repeatedly drop if something is wrong with your router. Luckily, you can usually fix most router problems if you simply reset it. Unplug your Spectrum router from the wall and wait for the light to turn off.

Wait for one minute and then plug the router back into the wall. Give your router a minute or two to reboot and check to see if you have a strong Internet connection. It can take up to 2-3 minutes for your Internet connection to return, and you may need to reset your router a few times before it works.

You can also repeat this process with your modem and router simultaneously for the best results. If this doesn’t work, then it may be a sign that your router isn’t the reason why your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping.

Use a Wi-Fi Range Extender

A Wi-Fi range extender is the best way to boost your signal if your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping. They usually cost between $20 and $70, and you don’t need professional help to install a range extender. An extender lets you keep your router where it is without having to deal with a weak signal.

Make sure to put your range extender within the Wi-Fi range of the router or it won’t work. Ideally, you should place the extender between the computer and router for the best results. Try not to put the range extender any higher than 4 feet tall or the range may suffer.

Use a modern range extender or else the firmware won’t be compatible with your router. They can last for up to 10 years, but outdated extenders don’t work with all modern routers.

Keep Your Router Cool

Keep your router as cool as possible if your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping. Routers are sensitive to heat which can cause them to slow down or shut down entirely. That is why you should never cover your router with fabric or obstacles such as furniture.

Place your router in an open area to stop it from getting too hot. Clean your router with a lint-free cloth so that it can air out as easily as possible. Make sure to clean the holes on the vented screen on your router so that heat can escape it.

Point a small fan towards your it overheats and you heard it humming loudly. This should help it cool down until you can place the router in a better spot where it won’t overheat.

Get a New Router

An outdated Spectrum router won’t work well; you need to replace it if your Internet keeps dropping. Spectrum will likely contact you before it’s time to replace your router, but that’s not always the case. They typically reach out to customers after a router is around 3 years old, but they can go bad before then.

Luckily, you can call Spectrum to see about getting a new router. They will typically send a service technician to your house to inspect your existing router and see if it needs to be replaced. You don’t have to spend any money to get a new router through Spectrum as long as you qualify.

Check To See If There Are Local Service Outages

Local service outages can explain why your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping. While this can be frustrating, it can help you understand the problem and get a timeline for the solution. You can check for local service outages online or if you call Spectrum.

Spectrum has a section on its website called Outage Information and Troubleshooting. Click on the tab that says “Check Outages” to see if there is an outage near your home. Outages can happen due to maintenance, strong winds, damage at service towers, and more.

They provide customers with an estimated timeframe for the outage online and over the phone. You can also sign up for outage alerts so that Spectrum will notify you when outages occur.

Spectrum Internet Disconnects Same Time Every Day

Some Spectrum users report that their Internet disconnects at the same time every day. While this is relatively uncommon, it can happen if there are scheduled services in your area. This occurs when Spectrum schedules repairs and or installations in an area that will take more than one day.

They will typically work at the same time each day for the duration of the project. Ultimately, this is an uncommon and temporary problem. Your Spectrum Internet may drop or fluctuate as they work, but it should stop once they complete the project. Contact Spectrum if your Internet keeps dropping after the project is finished.

How Can I Make My Spectrum Internet More Stable?

You can make your Spectrum Internet more stable if you keep your router away from appliances that disrupt the signal. This includes microwaves, amplifiers, headphones, and multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Each of these devices and appliances can weaken your Internet signal and cause it to drop.

Your Spectrum router and modem will also have to work much harder if you have too many Wi-Fi devices. The signal will spread too thin among each of the devices, especially if you’re using several at once. For example, your Internet may slow down or drop if you have multiple TVs and several people using Wi-Fi on their phones at once.

Try to use fewer Wi-Fi devices at once to make your Spectrum Internet more stable. Otherwise, make sure that your essential devices that rely on Wi-Fi are as close to your router as possible.

So, What Should I Do If My Spectrum Internet Keeps Dropping?

Reset your router and modem if your Spectrum Internet keeps dropping. Unplug your router and or modem from the wall for up to a minute then plug them back in. Otherwise, you can try to move your router closer to your Wi-Fi-enabled devices to see if the Internet connection gets stronger.

You can also add a second router to your home so that your entire house gets great Internet coverage. Place a Wi-Fi range extender somewhere between your computer and your Spectrum router to boost the performance. Contact Spectrum to upgrade to a new router if it is 3 years old and your Internet keeps dropping.