Technology
Clever trick to make a connection faster on your Wi-Fi network
Do photos take forever to load on Instagram on your phone?
Does Netflix endlessly buffer when you try to stream your favorite TV show or movie on your smart TV?
Does loading a web page feel like it takes an eternity on your computer?
You might have too many devices using your Wi-Fi. However, there’s a simple fix to this: prioritizing your device. All you have to do is change your “quality of service” settings.
CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER
Numerous people using Wi-Fi on their laptops in a conference room (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What is ‘quality of service?’
In basic terms, “quality of service” determines how much bandwidth to give a certain device on your Wi-Fi network. It can prioritize certain devices or programs based on factors like how much bandwidth they need, how much data they use, and how much data they lose.
Prioritizing is what “quality of service” is all about. It makes applications that do critical functions get the right amount of data and bandwidth needed to accomplish their task.
Benefits of prioritization
Prioritizing your device isn’t just about convenience, it’s a game-changer for your online experience. By allocating the right amount of bandwidth to your device, you can:
- Stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering interruptions
- Enjoy lag-free online gaming sessions
- Speed up downloads and uploads
- Ensure your critical tasks, like video calls or remote work, have a seamless connection
Things to consider before prioritizing your device
“Quality of service” comes with a lot of advantages, but you also run the risk of slowing down important processes by changing priorities. Let’s say you prioritize Netflix over a new Windows Update. You could be leaving your computer at risk because the update takes longer to download. Also, you might not be able to access those settings. It all depends on your router, and usually, routers with more “quality of service” settings are pricier.
For some people, though, it might be worth it to boost your Wi-Fi speed on a certain device. If you choose to prioritize certain devices, you can do it yourself. All you have to do is access your router settings. Here’s how.
Changing the “quality of service” settings on your router
Google Nest routers
- Open the Google Home app on your phone and select Favorites
- Select Wi-Fi and then click Devices
- Choose the device that you’d like to prioritize
- Select how long you want to prioritize the device for and then hit Save
- To prioritize an activity, select Wi-Fi
- Click the Settings icon and then choose Preferred activities
- Select the activity type you’ want to prioritize
A TP-Link router (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
TP-Link routers
- Log onto tplinkwifi.net/
- Click Advanced, and then select QoS
- Pick Device Priority
- Choose your Wi-Fi’s Total Bandwidth and click Save
- Select the device you want and turn on the Priority Switch
- To set application priority, click Advanced, and then select QoS
- Click Application Priority
- Choose your Wi-Fi’s Total Bandwidth and click Save
- Select the activity type you’ want to prioritize
MORE: HOW TO SPEED UP YOUR WI-FI AND INTERNET CONNECTION
NETGEAR routers
- Log onto www.routerlogin.com
- Click Advanced, then select Setup
- Click QoS setup and select Setup QoS rule
- Pick Add Priority Rule
- Choose a Priority Category and customize itSelect Priority and set the level to Highest, High, Normal, or Low, then click Apply
Co-workers using Wi-Fi in a common area (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: BEST WAYS TO BOOST YOUR INTERNET WI-FI SIGNAL IN YOUR HOME
Linksys routers
- Log onto http://192.168.1.1
- Choose the Applications & Gaming tab and then click QoS in the sub-tab
- Select Enabled under Internet Access Policy Priority
- Set your Upstream Bandwidth to Auto
- Use the drop-down menu to choose the right Category
- Name your device and add its MAC Address
- Set the priority level and click Apply
MORE: HOW TO SET UP A SEPARATE WI-FI NETWORK FOR YOUR GUESTS
Troubleshooting tips
Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned when changing the “quality of service” settings on your router. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Device not appearing: If your device doesn’t appear in the list, ensure it’s connected to the Wi-Fi network and try refreshing the device list.
Errors in settings: Double-check your settings for any typos or incorrect entries.
Router model compatibility: Some older router models may not support advanced QoS settings. In such cases, consider upgrading your router for better performance.
NEW TECH PROMISES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN MAJOR CITIES, EXPERTS SAY
Security considerations
While accessing router settings, it’s crucial to prioritize security.
You’ll want to change the default router login credentials (username and password) to prevent unauthorized access. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Only access router settings from secure devices and networks.
Also, strengthen your network’s privacy and security by integrating a VPN application with your router. Installing a VPN directly onto your router ensures that all devices connected to its network are safeguarded. Here are the top routers for best security.
Here’s my list of the best routers recommended for their security features and also for their compatibility with a VPN service.
Alternative solutions
Although prioritizing your device is highly effective, consider these 3 alternative strategies to enhance your network performance: First, upgrade your internet plan to a higher speed tier.
Second, optimize your device settings for improved performance. Third, use wired connections (Ethernet) for bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Now you know what “quality of service” is and how it can improve your Wi-Fi performance. By prioritizing your device, you can have a faster and smoother online experience. However, you should also be careful not to neglect other important processes or devices that need bandwidth. And remember, not all routers have the same “quality of service” settings, so you might need to do some research before you change them.
Do you have any concerns about changing your “quality of service” settings? Also, what are some of the common Wi-Fi issues that you face? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
Ideas for using those Holiday Gift cards:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs
Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.
In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.
Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.
You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.
Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”
Technology
Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.
The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS
U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)
What Apple is accused of promising
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.
The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.
That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products.
How much money could iPhone owners get?
The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.
That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.
Which iPhones may qualify?
The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.
The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.
HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)
How will you file a claim?
You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.
That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.
Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature
This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.
That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.
This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.
We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE
Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)
What this means to you
If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.
You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.
More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?
That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my quiz here: CyberGuy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.
Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos
Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.
To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.
However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.
The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”
Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”
-
Lifestyle10 minutes agoAs a Sober Person, How Should I Serve Alcohol to Friends at Dinner Parties?
-
Education16 minutes agoVideo: U.C.F. Students Boo Commencement Speaker for A.I. Comments
-
Technology22 minutes agoMicrosoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs
-
World28 minutes agoIran says its small subs deployed to Strait of Hormuz as expert explains threat: ‘Vulnerable to detection’
-
Politics34 minutes agoTrump’s upbeat China message collides with deepening Beijing rivalry
-
Health40 minutes agoFirst clade I mpox case confirmed in Connecticut after patient traveled to Western Europe
-
Sports46 minutes agoUS lifts costly visa bond requirement for some World Cup travelers, Trump administration says
-
Technology52 minutes agoApple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?