Why Is My Home Internet Not Working?: Basics You Need to Know Before Streaming
Hello everyone and welcome to the blog, "Why Is My Home Internet Not Working?: Basics You Need to Know Before Streaming." We are D3vicx (devices), and we are the experts when it comes to customizing and sideloading the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 so you can enjoy free TV entertainment worldwide.
On our journey to bring people free entertainment we started to notices a lot of you have been having the same issues and the main question we here is, “Why is my home internet not working.” Now, at first hearing you ask us, I thought was kind of odd. Since we only sale a product to help you watch TV for free.
But then I started to wonder, why are people having these issues when we don’t see the same problems with our jailbroken devices at the office?
From my findings I think we all need to start with the basics, your home internet setup. Which is normally the problem 99% of the time. And yes, that can affect you trying to stream on a Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro.
Wait, what my home internet setup is wrong?
Yes, most likely, your home internet setup is all wrong. Think about it, we are everyday people not installation professionals. So if you setup your home internet yourself, this could be the key problem; on top of bad equipment.
Now, not all professionals know what they are doing either. I had a Verizon person setup my Fios wrong and it drove me crazy for a year. I was told I had to pay to have someone come out and take a look. So I agreed, turned out, the first person put an indoor cable outside.
That appointment ended up being free and I was given free advice. For every other person who signed up for Fios in my building it would slow down my connection. Great to know, I left Verizon and went to Spectrum.
Let me break it down more in the sections below for you.
Why Is My Home Internet Not Working? (Basics to Fix Buffering and Slow Speeds)
Most home internet problems come from a bad setup, bad equipment, or even mistakes made by your internet service provider (ISP for short). If your streaming keeps buffering or dropping, chances are your internet setup is the real issue, not the just the device you’re using.
Below are some common reasons your internet isn’t working.
Should You Rent or Buy Your Modem and Router? (Benefits of Owning Your Own Setup)
See, its doesn't matter who you choose as your internet provider. It's really all about the setup and equipment in your home. See every provider out there gives you their equipment. Some like Verizon Fios is just routers. While cable companies gives you a cable modem and a router or even the combo box of the two.
From day one, you want to own your own cable modem and/or router. For cable internet users don’t get the combo box of the cable modem/router, they are not good at all.
See, each company hands out a lackluster cable modem and router; some of the worst gear ever built. And you just take it without questions. Like do you have to pay for this monthly or is it free with the plan? Nope, you are paying an additional $10 to $15 a month which could say “WiFi” on the bill.
Speaking of that, I have to order a cable modem for the office here. And this is just the start of things.
What! Just the start?
Yes, but don't worry it's simple. We already told you, you need your own cable modem and router for sure. So most people think a modem and a router are the same thing, but they are not. They are very different with two separate roles on a network.
Let’s get into it below.
What Is a Cable Modem and Why Do You Need One to Fix Internet Issues?
In short, the cable modem connects your home to the internet. It’s the hardware box that links your devices to your internet provider (like Spectrum, Cox, and other cable companies) using a landline connection.
Better meaning, the cable modem aka modem is basically the translator that makes the internet coming into your home useable.
Things you don’t know, your internet shared with everyone around you, like your neighbors if you all have the same provider. “Think of it as you are all drinking from the same cup, you want a bigger straw,” NETGEAR.
As the peak hours hit, you will notice your internet speeds start to decrease, why? Everyone is all online at once. Now, by upgrading to be stronger cable modem you most likely will have faster internet during thes on peak vs. your neighbors.
What Is a Router and How Does It Affect Streaming and WiFi Speeds?
The router passes your internet connection to all the devices in your home so they can access the internet. You can hook devices up directly to your router using an ethernet cable, or you can connect through the wireless access point (WiFi).
If you only want one device to connect to the internet, you could plug that device directly into the modem, without even needing a router.
But because most of us have multiple devices that need internet access, this is why the router is so important.
Not all routers are made the same, though. We’ll go into that more below under “Which Router Is Right for You?”
How to Fix Weak WiFi Signals and Dead Zones With a Mesh Network System
Before we talk about fixing WiFi, let’s make sure you understand what WiFi actually is. WiFi is just your router sending out a wireless signal so your devices (like your phone, TV, or laptop) can connect to the internet without a cable. Think of it like invisible radio waves traveling through the air in your home.
Here’s the catch: WiFi has limits. WiFi 5, 6, 6E, and even the new WiFi 7 are all super fast, but they don’t travel very far and they struggle to get through walls, floors, and doors. That’s why your internet might feel unstable in some rooms.
On the other hand, WiFi 2.4GHz travels much farther and goes through walls better but it’s slower. So if you want the strongest connection for cheap, stick with 2.4GHz. If you want speed and stability across your whole home, you’ll need something better.
That’s where a mesh network system comes in.
A mesh system works like little satellite dishes placed around your home. Each one extends and strengthens the WiFi signal so every room gets coverage. Instead of relying on just one router sitting in the corner of your house, the mesh spreads the signal evenly.
We’ve tested a lot, and the only mesh system we recommend is Plume Pods. Everything else? Honestly, not worth it (and no, we’re not getting paid to say this though we wish we were). We’ve used Plume Pods since 2018, and they’ve never let us down.
One thing to be clear about: mesh pods don’t fix bad internet. If your modem or router is weak, mesh can’t magically make your speeds better’ it just spreads what you already have more evenly. That’s why I said earlier: buy your own modem and router first. Then, if you want whole-home coverage, add a mesh system on top.
Bonus: when you stop renting your ISP’s trash equipment, you save $10–$15 a month on your bill.
Which Router Is Right for You? Our Recommendation
Not all routers are made equally. Normally when you go to buy a router online or in person, the box says all these stuff no one understands. Like this router gets this crazy amount of coverage, you buy it, use WiFi 5, and find out it was all bs.
Well, not really. That incredible coverage comes with some key points they forget to tell you. First, that range is only for WiFi 2.4GHz, and that coverage number is only for perfect scenarios. See, we are testing the product out in real world situations. Where they can be just testing this out in a big lab without the real world stuff in the way.
Then why are they not clear about this in the first place, why confuse customers? I don’t have the answer to that.
I do know there is one company that keeps its simple when it comes to having a router that just routs. And that is GL.iNet, the router the Flint 2. I know they have a Flint 3 coming out but I own the Flint 2, so let us focus on that one.
I love this router. Hands down, this is a router that comes with everything you need plus more if you are looking to travel and want to access your home internet anywhere in the world (you would need to buy the travel router). The box is just simple, at the top it tells you all the ports.
You know what, this video does a great job at tell you everything you need to know.
Once I saw this video, I bought the router. I just didn’t use the links in the video description, and I got it from GL.iNet website, NOT Amazon. When buying anything, DON’T get it on Amazon.
Try going to the sellers website or go into the stores and pick this stuff up. Most likely you are going to have questions because you are new to this and there are people there to answer. But yes, need a router checkout GL.iNet for the Flint 2 and/or Flint 3.
How the Wrong Router Slows Streaming on Jailbroken Devices
Using a rented router is not going to cut it when streaming on a sideloaded device. That router is controlled by your internet provider, which means they can see what you’re streaming. At one point, you could log into your ISP’s router settings and change the DNS yourself. Now, it’s usually greyed out.
Sure, you could use a VPN, but that slows everything down too. The bottom line? You’re fighting an uphill battle when you’re streaming on rented equipment.
Having the right router makes all the difference especially when you’re plugged in with an ethernet cable instead of relying on WiFi. Even Amazon found out the hard way with their Firesticks. On WiFi, they struggled so badly that Amazon had to create a separate ethernet adapter just to give them a fighting chance.
We’ve already talked about how only WiFi 2.4GHz can travel longer distances, while WiFi 5 (and newer versions) break up through walls. The problem is that as of 2025, most of your streaming devices are still running on WiFi, often crowded on WiFi 5. That crowding slows everything down.
And when you’re streaming on a sideloaded APK, the files are much larger than Netflix’s compressed “fake 4K.” That means your internet connection and your router setup has to work harder than ever.
Why Streaming Device Power Matters
Here’s where the other half of the equation comes in: your device itself.
Cheap devices like Firesticks, Onn boxes, and Roku simply don’t have the processing power for heavy streaming. They might get the job done for Netflix or Hulu, but when it comes to sideloaded APKs, real 4K files (2GB and up) overwhelm their weak chips. Roku even risks locking you out of your own device.
The Apple TV used to be a strong competitor, but now sideloading is a nightmare. Free live TV doesn’t work on Kodi, and it’s lost the flexibility that used to make it shine.
That leaves the Nvidia Shield Pro. It’s the only device that consistently handles 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision without overheating, slowing down, or forcing unwanted updates. Pair that with Android 9 v8.2.1 and a proper home internet setup, and you’ll stop asking about buffering or lagging because the problems disappear.
Meanwhile, most people online are getting advice from random Reddit users or YouTubers pushing budget devices. Budget-friendly often means cheap, fragile, and replaceable within 6–12 months, if they don’t brick from a forced update first. (Looking at you, Onn boxes 👀.)
So what can you do if you are stuck with renting our cable modem and router for now. Let’s chat about it below.
Quick Fixes Before You Call Your ISP
If you’re still stuck renting gear from your internet provider, don’t worry. These steps might bring your system back to life or at least buy you some time before the big upgrades.
Remember, tech runs on energy just like us. Stay positive, smile before you start (yes, really smile), and you’ll put that good energy to work for you.
Restarting Your Modem and Router
The classic fix. Unplug both the modem and router for 1–5 minutes. When plugging them back in:
Plug in the modem first. Wait until the lights are solid.
Then plug in the router and give it about 5 minutes.
This gives your devices a clean slate to reconnect. Think of it like rebooting your phone when it’s acting weird.
Checking for Firmware Updates
Log into your ISP account online. Look for your router and check if an update is available. If yes:
Have everyone in the house pause internet use.
Run the update (usually just clicking a button). It takes about 10 minutes.
While you’re there, check the list of devices connected to your router. Remove anything old or visitors’ devices you no longer need. Only keep your daily-use devices connected.
💡 Pro tip: Plume Pods make this even easier. You can create guest logins with a temporary password, so visitors never touch your main router. When they leave, just delete them.
Restarting Your Streaming Device
Go to settings and restart. Or, unplug it from the wall, wait 1 minute, and plug it back in. This forces everything to refresh.
⚠️ Warning for loaded devices:
Do not factory reset.
Do not update the system software unless you know how to reload it.
Just restart it and always, always plug in that ethernet cable if your device has a port.
Last Resort
If nothing works, take your modem and router back to your ISP. Ask for the newest models they’ll give you (sometimes free, sometimes swapped). Even if the model number is the same, a fresh unit can solve hidden issues.
This step saves you time. You’re not a network tech, and I can only guide you so far in a blog. Starting fresh gives you a clean foundation and moving forward, be selective about what connects to your router. Visitors have their own mobile data, so let them use it instead of crowding your WiFi.
When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home Internet Setup
If you made it this far, it’s probably already past time to upgrade your internet setup. You’re here because something isn’t working, and you don’t need more proof than that. From now on, think of it this way: when the internet stops working right, troubleshoot first. If that fails, it’s upgrade time.
Signs You Need a New Router
You’re still renting equipment from your ISP. That should be the first thing to go.
Your devices support WiFi 6 (or newer) but your router doesn’t. That mismatch slows everything down.
Your router feels “tired.” If you’ve already tried troubleshooting and nothing changes, it’s probably on its way out.
Most routers last about 5–10 years, but if you upgrade your tech often, your router should keep up too.
The Case for a Mesh WiFi System
One single router can’t keep up with all the devices in a modern home. In 2025, a mesh system is basically a must.
Think of mesh pods like little WiFi satellites. Instead of one weak signal tucked in a closet, they spread coverage evenly across your whole house. That means fewer dead zones, stronger connections, and no need to run cables everywhere.
Plume Pods, for example, support WiFi 6 and 6E — perfect for future-proofing. As for WiFi 7? It’s still new, and the range is short. For now, WiFi 6/6E is the sweet spot that balances speed, stability, and coverage.
👉 If your internet feels weak, don’t waste more time troubleshooting old gear. Upgrading your setup now saves you hours of frustration later.
FAQ: Why Is My Internet Not Working?
Here are some common questions if you just need a fast answer.
Why does my internet keep disconnecting at night?
This is your peak hours and you are sharing the internet with your neighbors. You most likely have your modem and router rented from your internet service provider (ISP). That equipment is weak, therefore you are seeing what it can do, which is a whole lot of nothing.
Is it better to rent or buy a router?
This is the second after of the first question, yes you need to buy yourself your own modem and router. Do NOT rent a modem or router from your internet service provider (ISP), it’s going to cause all kinds of problems. Only rent, when you are saving up to buy.
How do I know if my internet problem is my ISP or my device?
Oh, you will know because the problem is happening with all your devices not just the one.
But you can always troubleshoot your modem and router by unplugging them for a minute and then plugging them back in. Plug in the modem first and wait to the lights are solid, then plug in the router and wait 5 minutes.
You need to give these devices time to reboot and reconnect to the internet and all the devices in your home, so don’t rush this.
Why does streaming buffer even with fast internet?
Don’t stream over WiFi, the signal is not stable. And it’s even worse if you are using WiFi 5. Most likely all of your devices in your home are on WiFi 5, that signal is crowded.
👉 Plug in your ethernet cable directly to the device for a stronger and more stable connection.
If your device doesn’t have an ethernet plug, that is the problem right there. That device was not designed for streaming sideloaded APKs on it. Plus, most likely the device doesn’t have enough space to process what you are trying to watch either.
In Conclusion: Stop Asking “Why Is My Internet Not Working?”
This is where the power is in your hands. You now understand it all starts with the internet equipment in your home. If you continue to use the ISP rented equipment, you will keep paying $120 to $180 a year. Knowing the equipment is lack luster and tries to control what you do online.
Versus you owning your own equipment for better connection and performance, especially during those peak hours with neighbors and on big PPV nights when streaming on a Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro.
What is it that you want? To be able to stream free without your ISP throttling your internet or seeing what it is you are doing?
You use to be in control, you could download and stream on sideloaded APKs without issues. But in 2018, things started to change. The ISP started to be nosy about what you do online in your own home. Then by 2020, the ISP started to tell you what you can and can’t do.
They provide a service, nothing more.
I feel like they are overstepping. Streaming on sideloaded APKs is not against the law weather they like it or not. All these APKs are search engines and we can not control what they can get their hands on when scrapping the internet. The internet is the wild wild west, and it’s way too late for these companies, and even our own government to try and police this stuff now.
You are streaming it, not downloading it, so remember, no laws are being broken to your knowledge. But please do learn the laws in your state when streaming on any device with APKs and IPAs.
So where do we, D3vicx fit in?
Our Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro is different. For everything these companies have thrown out, our device has always been one step ahead. And with this final upgrade to our Elite System, we now hand you all full control over your streaming free life.
👉 We have disable Google Play Services, Play Store, and Play Protection. So no worries of the Google locking down your sideloaded APKs. We have an APK if you need to sign into your Google account that will work on the Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro.
As for the App Stores. We have added on popular Android App Stores, where you can also checkout even more APKs. With all of this, we have that one great APK that blocks your ISP from seeing what you are doing on this device, while giving you a free VPN because it’s built into the DNA system.
You are very welcome and this has been fun. You now have the control back, so what is taking you so long. Go ahead and pick up your Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro while we still offer them.
🔑 Extra SEO/Content Additions I Recommend
FAQ Section (at the end, using H2/H3 format)
Why does my internet keep disconnecting at night?
Is it better to rent or buy a router?
How do I know if my internet problem is my ISP or my device?
Why does streaming buffer even with fast internet?
👉 This boosts your chances of winning Google’s “People Also Ask” snippets.
Internal Links
Link to your blogs about routers, mesh systems, and jailbroken devices.
Visuals / Diagrams
Simple “How WiFi Works” image.
Flowchart of troubleshooting steps.
Tone
Keep it beginner-friendly (3rd–5th grade reading level like you prefer) with metaphors. Example: “Think of WiFi like water pipes. If the pipe is too small, water won’t flow fast — same with your router.”
