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[The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) [Internet HelpCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) # How to Prioritize Devices on Your Wi-Fi Network Published: November 4, 2025 |10 min read Ever wondered why your video call drops right when someone else in your house starts streaming a movie, or why your game lags when the [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-wifi) feels overloaded? That's not just bad luck - it's your devices competing for the same [bandwidth](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-bandwidth).  #### Jump to a Section 1. [What is device prioritization (QoS)?](https://www.t-mobile.com#what) 2. [How device prioritization works: 3 features](https://www.t-mobile.com#works) 3. [4 benefits of device prioritization](https://www.t-mobile.com#benefits) 4. [How to prioritize devices on Wi-Fi: A device-by-device breakdown](https://www.t-mobile.com#how) 5. [4 tips for using device prioritization](https://www.t-mobile.com#tips) 6. [When to use device prioritization: 4 examples](https://www.t-mobile.com#when) 7. [Frequently asked questions about device prioritization](https://www.t-mobile.com#faq) 8. Mostrar más^ - Share "How to Prioritize Devices on Your Wi-Fi Network" on X - Share "How to Prioritize Devices on Your Wi-Fi Network" on Facebook - Share "How to Prioritize Devices on Your Wi-Fi Network" on LinkedIn So, which devices will win the battle of the bandwidth? La respuesta a eso puede reducirse a algo llamado priorización de dispositivo. In this article, we'll explain what device prioritization is, how it works, why it matters, and how you can set it up on your home Wi-Fi to make sure your most important devices, like work laptops, [gaming consoles](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/the-internet-speed-you-need-for-gaming), or [streaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/wireless/what-is-streaming) TVs, always get the [speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/got-need-for-faster-internet-speed) and stability they need. ## __What is device prioritization (QoS)?__ Device prioritization, also known as __Quality of Service (QoS)__, is a feature built into most modern [routers and gateways](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/pros-and-cons-of-using-a-gateway-vs-router-and-modem) that lets you decide which devices or types of internet traffic should get the most attention. A menudo, todos los dispositivos de la red reciben el mismo trato. Esto significa que un termostato inteligente que envía actualizaciones a la nube puede tener la misma prioridad que tu laptop durante una videollamada importante. Con la priorización activada, puede crear una "vía rápida" para los dispositivos más importantes. Si eres un gamer, tu consola o PC pueden funcionar con mayor fluidez y sin retrasos, incluso cuando otra persona en la casa esté descargando archivos grandes. Si trabajas desde casa, dar prioridad a tu laptop ayuda a mantener la nitidez de las videollamadas, incluso cuando hay varias personas viendo series en streaming en la habitación de al lado. The concept is simple but powerful: by telling your router which devices deserve priority, you make your internet connection feel faster and more reliable without actually upgrading your plan. ## __How device prioritization works: 3 features__ Device prioritization works by managing bandwidth allocation, traffic management, and device recognition. 1. __Bandwidth allocation__: Your router divides up the total available speed between connected devices. Un dispositivo priorizado recibe una mayor parte del ancho de banda, lo que evita que se ralentice cuando la red se satura. 2. __Traffic management__: Beyond bandwidth, routers also decide the *order* in which data is sent. La priorización permite que los paquetes de datos críticos, como los de videollamadas o juegos, pasen al frente de la fila. 3. __Device identification__: Routers usually identify devices by their MAC address (a unique number for each device). Esto significa que puedes asignar prioridad específicamente a una computadora portátil, un smartphone, una consola o un televisor. Piensa en ello como si fuera una autopista. Sin QoS, todos los vehículos (dispositivos) se desplazan al mismo ritmo, lo que puede provocar embotellamientos. With device prioritization, your router opens a special fast lane for important traffic, keeping it moving even if the road is busy. __*Pro tip:* Some routers let you prioritize traffic types (like gaming or streaming) instead of individual devices. If that's an option, it can save you time.__ ## __4 benefits of device prioritization__ When your network is busy, prioritization ensures the most important devices don't suffer. Here's how it translates to real-life benefits: 1. __Reduced buffering__: If you're streaming a movie in 4K, a moment of buffering can ruin the experience. Dar prioridad a tu televisor o dispositivo de streaming garantiza una reproducción fluida de los videos. 2. __Smoother gaming__: Online [games depend on low latency](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/what-is-latency-in-gaming). Dar prioridad a tu consola garantiza tiempos de respuesta rápidos, lo que te ayuda a evitar picos de lag durante las partidas multijugador. 3. __Increased productivity__: Remote workers and students need a reliable connection. Dar prioridad a las laptops o tablets que se usan para trabajar mantiene la estabilidad en las videollamadas y hace que la carga de archivos sea más consistente. 4. __Better household experience__: With many devices in use, Wi-Fi battles are common. La priorización mantiene la paz al dar a todos una oportunidad justa de disfrutar de un servicio confiable, dispositivos de trabajo por la mañana y dispositivos de entretenimiento por la noche. By using prioritization wisely, you make your existing connection work harder for you. ## __How to prioritize devices on Wi-Fi: A device-by-device breakdown__ Every router or gateway brand handles prioritization a little differently. Below are step-by-step instructions for the most common systems. ### __Google Nest Wi-Fi__ If you use Google's Wi-Fi system, prioritization is handled through the __Google Home app__: 1. Abre la app Google Home. 2. Tap __Wi-Fi → Devices__. 3. ​​​​​​​Elige el dispositivo que deseas priorizar. 4. Tap __Prioritize device__ and select a time period (e.g., 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours). Durante ese tiempo, Google asignará a ese dispositivo la mayor parte del ancho de banda disponible. This is especially useful for temporary needs, like joining a work meeting or streaming a live sports event. ### __NETGEAR routers__ NETGEAR routers include a dedicated QoS section in their settings: 1. Open a browser and go to __routerlogin.com__ or use the __NETGEAR Nighthawk app__. 2. ​​​​​​​Ingresa con tus credenciales de administrador. 3. Navigate to __Advanced → Setup → QoS Setup__. 4. Activa QoS y agrega una nueva regla. Puedes establecer prioridades por app (como Skype o Zoom), por dispositivo o por dirección MAC. 5. Guarda tus cambios. NETGEAR's flexibility means you can fine-tune priorities for multiple situations - gaming one day, video calls the next. ### __ASUS routers__ ASUS routers feature __Adaptive QoS__, which is designed for home users who want more control: 1. Log into your ASUS router dashboard at __router.asus.com__ or use the ASUS Router app 2. Select __Adaptive QoS__ from the main menu. 3. Enable __QoS__ and choose __Bandwidth Limiter__. 4. Busca el dispositivo al que deseas dar prioridad y configura sus límites de velocidad de carga y descarga. This system gives you granular control, letting you ensure that one device never hogs the connection while another struggles. ### __TP-Link routers__ TP-Link routers also include prioritization options under QoS: 1. Open your browser and log in to the router admin page at __tplinkwifi.net__ or use the __TP-Link app__. 2. Go to __Advanced → QoS → Settings__. 3. Activa QoS y, a continuación, introduce las velocidades máximas de carga y descarga de tu proveedor de servicios de Internet. 4. Add devices to the __High Priority__ list. This setup is straightforward, making TP-Link a good choice for households that want easy-to-use prioritization. ### __D-Link routers__ D-Link often uses a feature called __Traffic Optimizer__: 1. Log into your router dashboard at __dlinkrouter.local__ or via the __mydlink app__. 2. Go to __Features → QoS Engine__. 3. Activa el optimizador, configura las velocidades de enlace y confirma. Once enabled, the router automatically adjusts performance for devices you've set as higher priority. ## __4 tips for using device prioritization__ Device prioritization is powerful, but to get the most benefit, follow these 4 best practices: 1. __Limit priority devices__: Stick to 1-3 high-priority devices. Dar prioridad a todo es contraproducente. 2. __Adjust based on time of day__: Give priority to work devices during your business hours, then switch to entertainment devices at night. 3. __Don’t forget guest networks__: Put visitors or smart-home gadgets on a guest network to reduce strain on your main network. 4. __Avoid always-on priority__: If one device always has top priority, it could hurt performance for everyone else. Use timed settings where available. __*Pro tip:* If you're troubleshooting lag, and think too many devices may be connected at the same time, start by temporarily prioritizing your device. If performance improves, you know congestion is the issue.__ ## __When to use device prioritization: 4 examples__ Not every situation calls for prioritization, but these are the 4 most common use cases: 1. __Remote work__: Help keep video calls smoother and file transfers faster by prioritizing your laptop during the day. 2. __Online gaming__: Prioritize your console or gaming PC to help prevent lag spikes during competitive matches. 3. __Streaming__: For movie nights or live sports, prioritizing your TV helps ensure uninterrupted viewing. 4. __Busy homes__: If multiple people are working, studying, and streaming, prioritization may help balance everyone's needs without arguments. ## __Frequently asked questions about device prioritization__ __Can I prioritize multiple devices at once?__ It depends. Algunos enrutadores solo permiten priorizar un dispositivo a la vez. Others let you prioritize multiple. __Will prioritizing slow down other devices?__ Other devices may experience slower speeds while your prioritized device is active. __What if my router doesn't support QoS?__ If your router doesn't offer prioritization and you don't have enough bandwidth for all your devices and activities, consider upgrading your plan or using a [Fiber internet](https://fiber.t-mobile.com/) connection. __Do I need to be tech-savvy to set this up?__ Most modern routers include a simple app- or web-based controls. If you can use a browser or smartphone app, you can easily manage device prioritization. __Is it better to prioritize by device or traffic type?__ It depends. If your router allows traffic-type prioritization (like gaming or streaming), that can be easier than setting individual devices. ## __Get on your way to a smoother connection__ Device prioritization may sound technical, but it's really just about telling your Wi-Fi what matters most. Con algunos ajustes rápidos en la configuración de tu enrutador, es posible que puedas hacer que tu red sea más inteligente, lo que ayuda a mantener tus llamadas más nítidas, los juegos más fluidos y el streaming libre de buffering. Si lo has intentado todo pero aún no estás satisfecho con tu red wifi doméstica, puede ser el momento de buscar un nuevo plan. T-Mobile is America's fastest growing [Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) provider, powered by America's largest 5G network. [Find out](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) if it's available at your address. Or [T-Fiber](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/fiber-product-overview) may be a good option, too, offering gigabit fiber internet for you home. ##### __You may also be interested in:__ - [How to Test Your Internet Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/how-to-test-internet-speed) - [What is Latency? Here's a Beginners Guide](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/what-is-latency-in-gaming) - [What Internet Speed Do I Need?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/what-internet-speed-do-i-need) - [Is 5G Home Internet Service Faster Than Regular Wi-Fi?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/is-5g-home-internet-faster-than-regular-wi-fi) - [What NAT Type Is & How To Change It](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/what-nat-type-is-and-how-to-change-it) *T-Mobile is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the third parties referenced in this post. Todas las marcas comerciales son propiedad de sus respectivos titulares. Any references to third-party trademarks are for identification purposes only.* __Sources:__ [https://allaboutcookies.org/how-to-prioritize-devices-on-wifi](https://allaboutcookies.org/how-to-prioritize-devices-on-wifi) [https://www.popsci.com/diy/prioritize-devices-on-your-wifi-network](https://www.popsci.com/diy/prioritize-devices-on-your-wifi-network) [https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246483](https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246483) [https://www.technewstoday.com/how-to-prioritize-wifi](https://www.technewstoday.com/how-to-prioritize-wifi) [https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-a-router](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-a-router) [https://kb.netgear.com/24266/How-to-enable-Quality-of-Service-QoS-on-routers-using-the-NETGEAR-web-interface](https://kb.netgear.com/24266/How-to-enable-Quality-of-Service-QoS-on-routers-using-the-NETGEAR-web-interface) [https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2693](https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2693) [https://www.dlink.com/uk/en/support/faq/routers/mydlink-routers/dir-868l/how-do-i-configure-qos-quality-of-service-settings-on-my-router](https://www.dlink.com/uk/en/support/faq/routers/mydlink-routers/dir-868l/how-do-i-configure-qos-quality-of-service-settings-on-my-router) [https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-networks/computer-network-quality-of-service-and-multimedia](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-networks/computer-network-quality-of-service-and-multimedia) [https://www.cmu.edu/computing/services/endpoint/network-access/mac-address.html](https://www.cmu.edu/computing/services/endpoint/network-access/mac-address.html) Tags - [Streaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/streaming) - [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/wi-fi) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [New Internet or Internet Transfer When Moving: What's Best?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) April 22, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6: What's the Difference and What Should You Choose?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) March 10, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/what-is-latency-in-gaming) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/what-is-latency-in-gaming) [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) ## [What is Ping in Gaming? 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