Why Does My Router Keep Dropping Internet During Video Calls

Video calls have become a cornerstone of modern communication—whether for remote work, virtual classrooms, or staying in touch with loved ones. Yet nothing disrupts focus and professionalism faster than a router that drops the internet mid-conversation. You're not alone if this happens regularly. While frustrating, intermittent connectivity during video conferencing is rarely random. It’s usually the result of specific technical, environmental, or network-related factors that can be diagnosed and resolved.

This guide breaks down the most common causes behind your router's instability during video calls and provides actionable solutions. From bandwidth bottlenecks to outdated firmware, we’ll walk through real-world scenarios, expert insights, and practical steps you can take today to ensure your connection stays strong when it matters most.

Common Causes of Internet Drops During Video Calls

Unlike casual browsing, video calls demand a stable, consistent stream of data both upstream (your camera/audio) and downstream (receiving others). Even brief interruptions can cause freezing, audio glitches, or complete disconnections. Here are the primary culprits:

• Bandwidth congestion: Multiple devices streaming, downloading, or updating in the background consume available bandwidth.
• Wi-Fi interference: Physical obstacles, neighboring networks, or household appliances (microwaves, cordless phones) disrupt wireless signals.
• Router overheating: Prolonged use, poor ventilation, or dust buildup can cause thermal throttling or temporary shutdowns.
• Outdated firmware: Older router software may lack security patches or performance optimizations needed for modern applications.
• DNS issues: Slow or unreliable DNS resolution can delay or break connections to conferencing platforms.
• ISP throttling or outages: Some providers limit bandwidth during peak hours or experience regional service degradation.

Tip: Restart your router every few days to clear memory leaks and reset unstable connections.

How Bandwidth Affects Video Call Stability

Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet require consistent upload and download speeds. For HD video, Zoom recommends at least 3.8 Mbps upload and download. If your connection dips below this threshold—even briefly—the call may freeze or disconnect.

However, speed isn’t the only factor. Latency (delay in data transmission) and jitter (variation in packet arrival time) are equally critical. High jitter causes choppy audio and video, while latency over 150ms leads to awkward overlaps and delays.

Many users assume their internet plan is sufficient because their speed test shows 100 Mbps. But that number represents maximum potential—not guaranteed consistency. When multiple devices share the network, actual available bandwidth per device shrinks.

“Even with high-speed internet, inconsistent quality during real-time applications often points to network management flaws, not raw speed.” — David Lin, Network Engineer at NetFlow Dynamics

Step-by-Step: Test Your Connection Under Real Conditions

1. Close all unnecessary apps and tabs on your computer.
2. Ask others in your home to pause streaming, gaming, or downloads.
3. Connect your device directly to the router via Ethernet cable (if possible).
4. Run a speed test at speedtest.net.
5. Note upload, download, ping, and jitter values.
6. Start a video call and repeat the test mid-call.
7. Compare results. A significant drop indicates network strain.

If speeds plummet during the call, the issue likely stems from internal network congestion rather than ISP limitations.

Wi-Fi Signal Quality and Placement Matters

Most home routers emit Wi-Fi signals in all directions, but walls, metal objects, mirrors, and even fish tanks can weaken or reflect those signals. Distance from the router also plays a major role. The farther you are, the more your device struggles to maintain a clean signal—especially during high-bandwidth tasks like video calling.

Additionally, dual-band routers operate on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. While 2.4 GHz travels farther, it’s slower and more prone to interference. The 5 GHz band is faster and less crowded but has shorter range. If your device automatically switches between bands without optimization, it may hop to a weaker signal mid-call.

Tips for Optimal Router Placement

Tip: Place your router in a central, elevated location—away from thick walls, appliances, and enclosed cabinets.

• Elevate the router (on a shelf, not the floor).
• Avoid placing near microwaves, refrigerators, or cordless phone bases.
• Keep antennas vertical for best omnidirectional coverage.
• Use the 5 GHz band for devices within 15 feet of the router.
• Reserve 2.4 GHz for smart home devices or distant rooms.

Solutions Checklist: Fix Your Dropped Connections

Follow this comprehensive checklist to diagnose and resolve recurring internet drops during video calls:

Action	Purpose	Difficulty
Restart your router weekly	Clears cache, resets connections, prevents overheating	Easy
Update router firmware	Fixes bugs, improves stability, enhances security	Moderate
Switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi	Reduces interference, increases speed	Easy
Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings	Prioritizes video traffic over downloads	Moderate
Connect via Ethernet cable	Eliminates Wi-Fi instability	Easy to Moderate
Change DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)	Improves domain resolution speed and reliability	Moderate
Limit background devices/apps	Preserves bandwidth for video calls	Easy

Implementing even three of these steps can dramatically improve call reliability.

Real-World Example: Remote Worker Solves Daily Call Drops

Sarah, a project manager in Austin, experienced dropped Zoom calls almost daily. Her internet plan was 200 Mbps, so she assumed the issue was on Zoom’s end. After consulting her IT department, they discovered several problems:

• Her router was tucked behind a bookshelf in a closet, blocking signal.
• Firmware hadn’t been updated in over two years.
• Her son’s gaming console was downloading a 50GB game update every evening.
• She used 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi despite being only 10 feet from the router.

The solution?

1. She moved the router to a central table and switched to 5 GHz.
2. Updated firmware through the manufacturer’s app.
3. Enabled QoS to prioritize her laptop.
4. Set the gaming console to download updates only after 10 PM.

Result: No dropped calls in the following three weeks. “It wasn’t my internet provider,” she said. “It was how I was using my network.”

Advanced Fixes: QoS, DNS, and Firmware

For persistent issues, deeper configuration changes can make a difference.

Enable Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS allows you to assign priority to certain devices or applications. On most modern routers, you can set your laptop or video conferencing app as “high priority,” ensuring it gets bandwidth even when others are streaming.

To enable QoS:

1. Log into your router’s admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Look for “QoS,” “Traffic Control,” or “Bandwidth Management.”
3. Select your device or application (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
4. Set priority to “High” or reserve a minimum bandwidth (e.g., 5 Mbps).
5. Save settings and restart the router.

Change Your DNS Server

Your ISP’s default DNS may be slow or unreliable. Switching to a public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) can reduce lag and prevent timeouts.

On Windows: Network Settings → Change adapter options → TCP/IPv4 → Use custom DNS.
On Mac: System Settings → Network → Advanced → DNS → Add new servers.

Update Router Firmware

Firmware updates fix bugs, patch security holes, and improve compatibility with modern services. Check your router brand’s support site or log into the admin panel to see if an update is available. Never interrupt a firmware update—it could brick your device.

Tip: Set a quarterly reminder to check for router firmware updates—just like you would for software patches.

When to Upgrade Your Hardware

If you’ve tried everything and still face instability, your router may simply be outdated. Routers older than 3–4 years often lack support for modern standards like MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output), beamforming, or WPA3 encryption—all of which improve performance under load.

Consider upgrading if:

• Your router only supports 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4).
• You frequently connect more than 10 devices.
• It lacks a web interface or mobile app.
• You experience frequent reboots or overheating.

Modern Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers handle multiple high-bandwidth streams more efficiently, making them ideal for households with heavy video usage.

FAQ: Common Questions About Router Drops

Why does my internet cut out only during video calls and not other activities?

Video calls require consistent two-way data flow. Unlike browsing or streaming, where small delays go unnoticed, real-time communication is sensitive to jitter, latency spikes, and packet loss—even brief ones. Background activities may also ramp up bandwidth use when the system detects active internet usage.

Can a mesh network help prevent drops?

Yes. Mesh systems eliminate dead zones and provide seamless roaming. They’re especially effective in large homes where a single router can’t cover all areas. Units like Google Nest Wifi or Eero automatically steer devices to the strongest signal, reducing dropouts.

Is it better to use Ethernet for video calls?

Absolutely. Ethernet eliminates Wi-Fi interference, delivers lower latency, and offers more consistent speeds. If possible, connect your computer directly during important meetings. USB-to-Ethernet adapters are inexpensive and work well with laptops.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Connection

Dropped internet during video calls isn’t just annoying—it can damage professional credibility and disrupt personal connections. The good news is that most causes are within your control. By understanding how your router and network behave under load, you can implement targeted fixes that deliver immediate improvements.

Start with simple steps: reposition your router, restart it regularly, and close background apps. Then move to advanced settings like QoS and DNS if needed. Monitor your results and adjust accordingly. Remember, stability matters more than peak speed when it comes to real-time communication.

🚀 Take action today: Pick one fix from this guide and apply it before your next meeting. Share your experience in the comments—your solution might help someone else stay connected.