Search results
People also ask
How do I fix slow streaming?
How do I speed up my streaming services?
Why is streaming video so difficult to troubleshoot?
Do you have a problem with slow streaming services?
How do I fix a slow internet connection?
How do I stop a video stream from catching up?
May 3, 2024 · Buffering can be caused by slow broadband, slow Wi-Fi, and problems with the streaming service. Test your broadband speed to check you're getting what you pay for. Reducing the video quality can stop buffering. Check your Wi-Fi signal, or use a network cable.
- Overview
- Pause the stream and let it catch u
- Close other app
- Restart the app that's bufferin
- Switch to a lower video qualit
- Update your streaming app
- Disconnect other devices sharing the same connectio
- Download the vide
- Restart the route
- Move your wireless router closer and reduce interferenc
Are you tired of seeing "buffering" when you're watching videos? Problems with video buffering can be frustrating and really slow down your video streaming experience. There are several ways to stop and reduce buffering on your network, such as pausing the stream, closing other apps, reducing Wi-Fi interference, and decreasing the resolution of the stream. This wikiHow guide shows you how to reduce buffering while streaming videos on your computer, smartphone, and smart TV.
Reducing the video stream quality when your connection is slow can stop buffering.
If you pause the stream for a while, it will continue to buffer in the background. When you start playing the video again, it won't stop to buffer as much.
Update your streaming apps and operating system to the latest version for the fastest experience available.
Pause the video for a few minutes.
Pausing allows your streaming video to build a bigger buffer. This allows the video to play longer before it needs to buffer again.
Quit all other background programs.
Other background processes and downloads will consume extra resources and bandwidth that could otherwise be attributed toward live streaming. Even if they are running in the background. Quit any games and applications that may be running in the background when doing live streaming.
Restart your web browser or streaming application.
Sometimes streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube encounter problems. Closing the app or web browser and restarting it can go a long way to fixing these problems.
Reduce the resolution of the video in the settings.
Reducing the quality of videos helps decrease bandwidth and instances of buffering. If using third-party software or services to stream videos, modify video quality via the settings menu.
For example, if the buffering is happening
, you can click or tap the gear icon, select
, and choose a lower resolution (e.g., switch to 720p if the default is 1080p).
You should also avoid streaming video at faster speed (i.e., 1.25x speed). This makes it much more difficult for the app to stream the video without buffering.
Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu frequently update their apps to fix security issues and improve performance.
If you're watching movies or TV shows on your phone, tablet, or even a TV app, check for updates and install them. This could be all it takes to stop buffering.
Limit the amount of devices connected to your network.
Multiple devices on the same internet network will consume that network’s bandwidth and cause buffering, especially if your router is unable to support a heavy traffic load. When streaming videos, make sure internet usage is limited across devices. Power off any internet-connected devices that are not needed.
Download the video onto your device.
Many streaming services (such as Netflix) allow you to download content directly to your device. After the download is complete, you can watch the video with no buffering! This is especially helpful for
Restart your router to reset the connection.
Performing a hard reset on your router allows it to re-establish an internet connection. To restart your router, simply unplug it for about 10 seconds and then plug it back in. Allow a few minutes for the router to boot back up and for your streaming device to reconnect to it.
Move your wireless router closer to your streaming device.
too far from your Wi-Fi router
, your internet connection will become unstable. Walls, metal objects, and electric devices can also interfere with your wireless connections. Try moving closer to your wireless router, or place your wireless router in a centralized location where it isn't blocked by as many walls, and other objects.
Check out our guide on
connect a second wireless router
, or mesh wi-fi system to extend the range of your wireless network.
- 9 min
- 633.7K
- Senior Editor
- Turn Off Competing Devices. How many internet-connected devices do you have in your home? The sheer number of devices in our households that depend on internet connectivity can cause issues when you're trying to watch Netflix or another streaming service.
- Check Your Network for Intruders. Alongside checking your house for devices using too much bandwidth, you should also check your network for any unexpected devices.
- Use an Ethernet Cable Instead of Wi-Fi. Cords and cables are not sleek. They get in the way and cause a trip hazard. Still, if you want the best performance from your consumer-level hardware, cables are a must for certain things.
- Move Your Router and Devices. I know, I know; I just said to use Ethernet instead of a Wi-Fi connection. That isn't possible for everyone, however, so moving your router is the next best option.
- Check Your Internet Connection Speed. Before you do anything, run a speed test to see how your internet is performing. Some connections are just too slow to play videos at high quality settings without buffering.
- Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal. If, after running the above tests, you find that your Wi-Fi network is to blame, it's time to go to work. There are many different ways to improve your Wi-Fi connection and reduce interference.
- Try a Wired Ethernet Connection. Improving your Wi-Fi is useful, but is a big hassle--and just isn't easy in some houses. If you can, consider connecting your streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Ensure You Aren't Maxing Out Your Connection. For most people, the above tips should do wonders. But in some cases, even a fast internet plan and a wired connection won't solve buffering problems--and that's usually a result of you overloading the connection.
- Restart everything. “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” Yes, that age-old advice applies to cord-cutting as well. Restart your modem, router, and streaming device, and see if the problems go away.
- Know your internet speed. Mentioned in this article. Linksys Velop Whole Home Wi-Fi (three pack) Price When Reviewed: $499.97. Best Prices Today: $399 at Amazon.
- Try a different streaming service. Before you start running connection tests, try streaming from a different video source to see if the issues persist.
- Check your streaming device’s connection speed. To see if your streaming device is having connection problems, run a speed test on it by following the instructions below for whatever device you’re using.
Apr 18, 2024 · Slow internet can kill your streaming experience. Before you lose your mind, try these 11 methods that might fix or at least improve the problem.
May 20, 2024 · How to get better streaming quality. If you’re experiencing lagging or buffering while you stream your TV shows or movies, it likely has to do with your Wi-Fi connection. Unlike cable TV, streaming relies solely on your internet to bring you video.
