How to Terminate Buffering When Streaming

Forbid buffering and amend your satellite internet connection with these tips

What is Buffering Divers?

Buffering is non the bespeak where your video pauses and that irritating loading symbol spins on the screen: this is actually the indicate where buffering has failed.

Buffering is the process of preloading chunks of information then you tin can have a loaded "buffer" that ideally creates a shine video streaming experience. For the sake of simplicity, we'll keep referring to it as "buffering" throughout this article.

All-time satellite internet plans for streaming

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Satellite internet customers generally have bug with frequent streaming. If you run out of priority information before the end of the calendar month, your satellite provider will deprioritize your data—which basically means information technology'll slow down your speeds.

Speeds are slowed to i–iii Mbps, which usually isn't enough for streaming (Netflix recommends 5 Mbps). Satellite cyberspace might non be your only selection, though. Other good cyberspace options for rural areas include 5G/4G LTE home internet, fixed-wireless, and DSL, which often offering ample data allowances and speeds for streaming.

If you live in a remote surface area and satellite cyberspace is your only selection, we recommend Viasat if yous like to stream video content. Viasat's peak two plans include 200 to 300 GB per month of data, while comparably priced HughesNet plans offer only 50 GB per calendar month. Cheaper plans become you much less data—a measly 12 GB per calendar month on budget plans.

half dozen quick fixes for buffering while streaming

  1. Break your stream for a little to help your stream catch up.
  2. Lower the video quality (the higher the resolution, the harder your internet has to work)
  3. Disconnect all other devices in the house from the internet.
  4. Reboot your router.
  5. Turn off other applications that might exist running in the background of your streaming device or laptop.
  6. Upgrade your internet plan with more speed or data.

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Not fast plenty?

How to Stop Buffering on a Smart Telly

Whether you desire to watch a prove on your favorite smart TV like Android Boob tube, or via a TV plus streaming device similar the Amazon fire TV, we'd gathered tips to help you do information technology without buffering. Soon enough, Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu tin can be streaming without a problem.

1. Turn it off and plow it back on.

Yes, nosotros're serious. This advice has been the subject area of many jokes, simply it actually works. Rebooting your TV, router, streaming device, and streaming app tin can be the fresh start your system needs to go back on track. Don't knock it until you lot try it.

ii. Brand sure no applications are running in the groundwork.

Make sure your streaming device or smart Boob tube isn't trying to download new updates or apps while you're streaming TV. It's as well a good idea to close any other programs or apps if you're streaming on a computer or phone.

3. Disconnect other devices from the network.

If yous've got other smart TVs, computers, tablets, or other devices connected to your network, they could be using upwardly bandwidth and cutting into your stream. Either put them in airplane mode or plow them off. This is something you accept to be especially conscious of if your internet speed is 25 Mbps or slower.

4. Switch your router to five GHz.

If your modem/router is using 2.4 GHz frequency instead of five GHz, the signal volition travel farther just information technology will exist slower, which could be causing buffering problems. Keep your router shut to your main streaming devices and employ 5 GHz for the all-time experience. To check out what frequency you lot're using, blazon 192.168.0.1 into your browser window. Information technology will bring up a window with your internet provider's proper noun and inquire you for your admin name and countersign. After inbound your password, you'll be given an choice to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

5. Upgrade your net service.

If yous've tried the other suggestions and naught is helping, it'south probably due to your internet program.

Buffering issues? Find a improve internet plan in your area.

How to finish buffering on laptop

1. Delete your browser enshroud and temporary files.

If y'all're on a laptop and streaming through your web browser, immigration the enshroud and other temporary files tin can make clean out some gunk and may help speed things upward. In Google Chrome, you can find this option under Settings > Advanced Settings.

2. Reduce the video quality.

If all else fails, lower the video quality of your stream to go things moving more speedily. Many streaming platforms volition do this automatically when they sense slowing, but doing information technology manually can brand your stream more consistent.

The exact procedure to do this will vary depending on the laptop and streaming platform y'all're using, only you'll usually find this setting in either your streaming app's settings or your device settings. If you have Viasat, you can do this automatically by using the Viasat browser. On YouTube, you can notice the setting in the bottom right corner of the video.

3. Download content instead of streaming.

Y'all can download content from popular streaming apps like Netflix or the Apple Goggle box app prior to watching it. So if your laptop's buffering is struggling, download content the day before you want to watch, and yous won't accept to bargain with streaming bug in the moment.

four. Plow off your VPN

If you take a VPN and yous're encountering a repeated buffering problem, try turning off the service. VPNs are great for security, but they also slow downwardly your Wi-Fi, and if you only have let'southward say 100 Mbps or less, the slowdown is significant. Flip it off while you lot stop out your bear witness, and you lot could see your speeds recover--and buffering disappear.

Why does my phone keep buffering?

If yous're experiencing a lot of buffering while trying to livestream, stream TV from Netflix, or spotter YouTube videos on your phone, information technology could be for many of the reasons we listed higher up with TVs and laptops, or it could be for a few mobile-specific reasons:

one. Yous've run out of premium mobile information

If y'all're watching TV on the go and start running into buffering, pixelation, and lagging, you're probably running low on data or have exceeded your premium data limit (yep, that tin happen even on an unlimited program), and your mobile carrier is throttling your speeds.

The best way to solve this is to stop streaming Tv set without WiFi, since video can chew through  your data faster than about any other activity, especially if its higher than 480p resolution.

Your other option is to switch carriers for an unlimited premium information plan, similar T-Mobile offers. Information technology's relatively expensive, but it'll probable stop your phone buffering result.

2. Your phone needs a reset

Like we said before, don't knock a reset until you endeavor it. Information technology's possible yous haven't close off your phone in too long, and the hardware but needs a breather before information technology can perform at optimal levels over again.

3. Your phone'due south software needs an update

If you're running into frequent buffering and some foreign app glitches beyond your phone use, it'due south probably considering your phone'southward software needs updating. Try checking your settings to encounter if y'all accidentally put off a new software update. Once the brains of the operation are running at the latest and greatest once again, yous might find your buffering and glitches a thing of the by.

3. Your streaming app needs an update

If you're experiencing a lot of unusual levels of buffering in your favorite streaming app, and your phone and net look fine, information technology might be the app itself. Try updating information technology, and if that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall it. That should clear the cobwebs and become your streaming, free of buffering, on your phone once more.

How to Stop Hulu Buffering

Hulu streaming bug on laptops

If you encounter buffering, glitching, or other weird Hulu streaming issues while streaming on your laptop, endeavour these tips first.

  1. Check your internet connection. Sometimes, it'southward as easy every bit realizing someone accidentally pulled out the Wi-Fi router's plug.
  2. Articulate your cache. To go your Hulu playing properly, sometimes y'all need to clean up and clear up your browser's cache so it can better process your bear witness.
  3. Reduce your resolution. If your internet is too deadening, and you don't listen watching in less than 4K perfection, try reducing your resolution to so yous can keep ahead of the buffering bar. Just click the gear icon on the bottom right of your playback's screen, select Quality, and then click on your preferred lower resolution setting.
  4. Restart the Hulu app. Sometimes your Hulu bug will resolve whatever glitches are slowing things downwards, that easy. Only if these solutions don't piece of work and Hulu doesn't terminate having bug within a couple days, information technology's time to contact Hulu customer service.

Hulu streaming problems on Idiot box

  1. Check your streaming device is updated. Hulu issues may really be a event of your fire Goggle box stick, Apple Television set, or roku running tedious without the latest necessary software.
  2. Restart the Hulu app (an make sure it's updated, too). Sometimes apps get chock-full up if they oasis't been closed for a while.
  3. Double-check your internet equipment is working. We suggest turning off your TV and testing your connection on your phone. If the net's non working there either, it may be fourth dimension to call your service provider.
  4. Sometimes, your internet just isn't fast enough to keep upwards with Hulu's high-resolution playback. You can either look at improve cyberspace packages for streaming, or you tin can effort the next particular on this list equally a workaround.
  5. Open upwardly Hulu on your laptop, use the listing above to lower your stream's resolution, and then plug your laptop into your TV using an HDMI cord. Hulu doesn't let playback quality changes on Television, and so this fashion, you can use less of your current, limited broadband speed but still enjoy information technology on the big screen (fifty-fifty if information technology will be a scrap more than pixelated).

Why is Netflix so slow? How to prevent buffering while streaming Netflix

If you're wondering why Netflix keeps buffering, information technology's usually considering 1. your internet speed is too slow (or overtaxed), ii. your Wi-Fi equipment has a problem or 3. Netflix is having an outage.

Before you throw your remote across the room, y'all might want to look at some preventative measures to stop Netflix buffering. Later on all, the best style to bargain with constant buffering is to forestall it from happening in the first place. Fortunately, this is a problem that has many solutions.

Plan your streaming for not-peak hours

You may not realize it, but the cyberspace has a blitz hr. According to the FCC, net usage peaks from 7:00 p.k. to 11:00 p.m. More than people are actively using the cyberspace during this time than whatever other.

This can put a major strain on an ISP's network, which in turn trickles down to you in the grade of slower overall speeds as the provider tries to remainder bandwidth and continue everyone'southward connectedness running as smoothly as possible. Planning your streaming time exterior this rush hour can become a long way toward minimizing issues.

Upgrade your router

Not all wireless routers are created equal, and while they generally final a long time, the technology they utilise can go outdated apace. If your router is more than a couple years quondam, it's a good idea to bank check its specs and make certain it tin can support the net speed you're paying for.

If you have HughesNet or Viasat satellite cyberspace, you will probably be using a modem/router combo provided past your Internet access provider. Just if it hasn't been updated in more than than 3 years, contact HughesNet or Viasat to see if you can get a newer model.

Connect your streaming devices using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi

If possible, connecting your streaming device directly to your modem and bypassing Wi-Fi entirely is a sure way to get more out of your connectedness. Fifty-fifty the fastest Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to interference and signal loss from traveling through the air and objects in your dwelling house. An Ethernet connection avoids these bug.

Motion your router closer to where you stream

If an Ethernet connection isn't possible, endeavor moving your router closer to your living room (or whatever room yous do near of your streaming in). This can reduce signal loss and interference, resulting in a stronger, faster Wi-Fi connection.

Download video content before viewing

Most streaming services allow you to download video on a device similar a tablet or iPhone for offline viewing later. If yous're having a lot of buffering issues while streaming and information technology's due to a slow internet connection, then take the cyberspace speed out of the equation by queuing upwardly your time to come shows as downloaded content.

Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime number, and other streaming services all offering this feature, although not all content is bachelor for download. You lot'll need to use the streaming app to download content. Expect for the download icon (an pointer pointing downwardly) next to the content yous want to picket.

Keep your devices updated

We know it seems similar a nuisance, simply letting your devices update their software when the prompt pops up helps ensure they're as secure and functional as possible.

Many times these updates include bug fixes or other improvements that tin increase performance and may cut downward on streaming issues. The same goes for your apps. And remember: updates aren't only for computers. If you take a TV that's connected to the cyberspace or a gaming system you stream through, these need periodic updates too.

To update your smart TV, use your remote to go to Settings > Support. If there'southward a software update shown, click update.

Go faster cyberspace

More speed may be needed to stream throughout the month. To requite you lot an thought of what you need, Netflix recommends a minimum of five Mbps per HD stream and 25 Mbps for 4K. Y'all can find out what net speeds are bachelor in your area past typing your zip lawmaking below.

See all the all-time internet plans bachelor in your area.

What causes frequent buffering

Internet buffering problems are normally caused by one of iii issues.

  • Your net connectedness is too boring to proceed up with the incoming data.
  • The streaming provider tin can't send your device the information it needs fast plenty.
  • Your home Wi-Fi network is slowing things down.

How to know if your cyberspace can't continue upwardly

There are a number of reasons why your network might exist struggling:

  • There are too many devices on the network at one fourth dimension.
  • Your cyberspace equipment (modem and router) are outdated, damaged, or not operating properly.
  • Your internet service provider (Isp) is experiencing technical problems or is otherwise overloaded with traffic.
  • Your net bundle'south speed lacks the bandwidth to support the quality of video you're trying to stream. (Many streaming platforms volition automatically downgrade the video quality if problems arise, but this is not ever enough.)

The good news is that if the problem is on your end, you can do something about it. We'll become to that in a second.

How to know if your Wi-Fi network is causing buffering problems

If you've noticed that you get a lot of buffering pauses while streaming in certain rooms of the house but not others, information technology's a Wi-Fi network event. Your router may have a range that's too small to cover your whole house, or mayhap the betoken is having to pass through walls, glass, metal, or other things. It might cut out completely or information technology might but be slow.

The get-go solution to home network problems is to move your modem and router to the same room you use the internet in the almost frequently. If this isn't possible or if you accept several rooms you need cyberspace admission in, then you can go an extender to stretch your Wi-Fi bespeak farther so it volition encompass more than of your firm. To learn more most boosters and extenders, bank check out our review on the top 5 Wi-Fi boosters.

How to know if your streaming provider can't keep upward

Technology isn't perfect, and sometimes things just go haywire. Your streaming provider (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Peacock, or some other streaming service) may exist experiencing a ton of traffic. Another possibility is that a key information center may have gone down, dramatically cutting the amount of data your streaming provider can push button out.

In any case, there's not much you lot tin can do to resolve these problems, so at present we'll focus on what you tin fix: your own connection.

How to stop buffering when live streaming

Livestreaming events creates some unique issues, particularly with satellite internet or internet below 100 Mbps and with low upload speeds. If you want to stop buffering problems on livestreaming events you're broadcasting, here are a few tips.

  1. Skip the Wi-Fi and connect your figurer directly to your modem with an Ethernet cable. This will requite you the fastest speed possible.
  2. Test your internet upload speed—this speed will determine how fast yous can ship data out to your viewers if you're the ane streaming the content, so information technology's important. Find your upload speed with an internet speed test.
  3. In one case you take your upload speed, separate that number in half to go your maximum video bitrate speed. Don't endeavour to stream at a higher bitrate or you'll take buffering issues while livestreaming.
  4. You can set or change your bitrate in OBS (Open Broadcast Software) by going to Settings/Output so checking Streaming/Video Bitrate. Enter your maximum video bitrate speed. The lower the maximum bitrate is, the smaller the resolution (sheet size) you will want to use.
  5. Do non use any other devices while livestreaming. Turn off devices or put them in plane mode, and brand sure your BFF isn't in the basement gaming during your livestream.

Need a faster internet parcel? Check out internet providers in your area.

How to cease buffering FAQ

Why does my streaming service keep buffering?

Your streaming service is buffering either because your net connexion tin can't keep upwardly with the amount of data coming in or your streaming provider can't push the information to your device fast enough. Learn more about streaming with satellite internet.

Will a Wi-Fi extender stop buffering?

It'south possible that a Wi-Fi extender could end buffering,but just if your buffering is caused by slowing from your home Wi-Fi network. The all-time Wi-Fi extenders are designed to strengthen the signal of your Wi-Fi connection, potentially raising the internet speeds your device is using. If you don't want to buy a Wi-Fi extender, try moving your router closer to the device that's experiencing issues or vice versa.

How tin I speed up HughesNet cyberspace?

You can speed up your HughesNet internet connectedness past connecting your computer to the HughesNet modem with an Ethernet cable. Too, lookout your monthly data allocation. Once you reach your limit with HughesNet, your net connection will still piece of work but it'll exist much slower than normal until your information resets the following calendar month. Data bug are behind a lot of satellite internet slowing bug, including streaming issues.

How can I troubleshoot Goggle box streaming buffering problems?

Follow these Tv set streaming buffering troubleshooting tips:

  • Reduce video quality to SD (or from UHD to HD).
  • Turn off the Television and turn it back on.
  • Turn off other devices that are online (they're using some of your bandwidth).
  • Ability cycle the modem (turn off and on again).
  • If you're using a estimator or tablet, quit all other applications (multiple applications tin slow the processing speed of your device).

Kristin Cooke

Written past

Kristin Cooke

After graduating with a degree in English language from the University of Utah, Kristin learned to geek speak while working every bit a technical recruiter, interviewing software developers and tech companies. For over xx years, she has created award-winning content for technology, wellness, and finance companies. Kristin is an advocate for affordable internet for all and writes virtually rural internet solutions, satellite internet news, and tech products at SatelliteInternet.com. Her work has been featured in New York Post, PCMag, Forbes, Business Insider, Telecompetitor, Space.com, and The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.