If you’ve ever been mid-sentence on a video call only to freeze on screen, you know how frustrating it can be. Sometimes it feels like no matter how many times you reset your router, your calls still turn pixelated or cut out at the worst moment. Before you assume the problem is your device or your meeting app, it’s worth taking a closer look at the connection itself — and how one simple setting might make everything run more smoothly. Many people start by comparing internet providers in my area, but the truth is that improving stability often begins with adjusting how your connection manages bandwidth inside your home.
Video calls are demanding in ways most everyday browsing isn’t. They rely on real-time data flowing both ways without interruption. When anything gets in the way — a competing device, a network bottleneck, or poor Wi-Fi placement — your call suffers long before other online activities show obvious signs of trouble.
The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed without buying new equipment. Understanding why calls drop, and knowing which small adjustments make the biggest difference, can completely change the way your video meetings feel.
The Hidden Causes Behind Unstable Video Calls
Most people assume unstable calls mean slow internet, but speed isn’t the only factor. Even fast connections can struggle during a video call if the network is mismanaged or crowded.
1. Too many devices fighting for bandwidth
Phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, cameras, gaming consoles — they all compete for the same pipeline. When several devices are streaming or downloading at once, your call becomes the lowest priority unless you tell your network otherwise.
2. Weak Wi-Fi signal in the room you’re calling from
Wi-Fi strength drops dramatically with distance and obstacles. Walls, floors, and even large furniture can reduce your signal enough to impact video stability.
3. Outdated router settings
Most routers come with default configurations that are fine for casual browsing but not ideal for real-time communication. Many people never touch these settings, even though they directly influence call quality.
4. Upload speed limitations
Video calls rely heavily on upload speed, not just download speed. And while many plans advertise large download numbers, their upload speeds are often significantly lower.
The One Setting That Can Dramatically Improve Call Stability
There’s a feature in most modern routers designed specifically to handle situations like video calls: Quality of Service (QoS).
QoS allows you to prioritise certain activities — such as Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet — so your router gives them a guaranteed level of bandwidth. Instead of competing with your teenager’s 4K stream or someone backing up photos to the cloud, your video call gets first access to the connection.
Here’s why it works so well:
- It prevents sudden bandwidth drops
- It smooths out data flow so calls feel more stable
- It makes upload-heavy activities more consistent
- It reduces lag, freezing, and audio cut-outs
Think of QoS as telling your router: “This is important. Make sure it gets the best possible treatment.”
How to Turn On QoS (Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy)
Every brand of router has its own menu layout, but the steps are fairly similar:
Step 1: Log into your router
Type your router’s IP address into your browser. It’s usually printed on a sticker underneath the device.
Step 2: Look for “QoS”, “Bandwidth Control”, or “Traffic Prioritisation”
These options are commonly found under Advanced Settings or Network Management.
Step 3: Choose what gets priority
Most routers allow you to prioritise either:
- Specific apps (Zoom, Skype, etc.), or
- A device (your work laptop), or
- A type of traffic (video conferencing)
Step 4: Save your changes
Once QoS is enabled, your router automatically allocates bandwidth based on your preferences.
This one adjustment often makes a bigger difference than upgrading your plan, replacing hardware, or switching software.
Other Easy Fixes That Support Better Video Calls
QoS isn’t the only tool worth using. These small improvements add up:
Move your router closer
Ideally, it should be in an open, central spot — not hidden behind a TV or wedged in a cabinet.
Use Ethernet when possible
A wired connection is still the gold standard for stability, especially for important meetings.
Limit high-bandwidth activities during calls
Cloud backups, streaming, or big downloads can quietly consume more data than you realise.
Update your router firmware
Manufacturers regularly release performance and security improvements.
Switch to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band
If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, the 5 GHz band usually offers faster, more stable performance at close range.
When It Might Be Time to Look Beyond Settings
If you’ve optimised your setup and still experience dropped calls, the issue may lie outside your home network. Factors like outdated infrastructure, shared neighbourhood bandwidth, or consistently low upload speeds can limit what any settings can fix.
Some signs it might be worth exploring different options include:
- Your upload speeds are much lower than advertised
- You regularly experience evening slowdowns
- Your router is modern but performance hasn’t improved
- Your video calls freeze even when no one else is online
In these cases, adjusting your plan or provider may offer the stability your work requires.
Making Your Video Calls Feel Effortless Again
You don’t need to be a tech expert to improve your call quality. Most problems come down to a few manageable factors: signal strength, bandwidth competition, and router settings that haven’t been touched in years. Turning on QoS, reorganising your Wi-Fi setup, and understanding how your connection behaves can make video calls smoother without spending extra money.
When meetings stop dropping and conversations flow naturally, the difference is immediate. With just a few small adjustments, your home network can finally support the way you work, chat, and connect — without the awkward freeze-frames.
