Why is buffering so slow

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Download speeds Transfers data to your home for activities like streaming, shopping and browsing social media.

Mbps Megabits per second A unit of measurement used to indicate download and upload speeds. Upload speeds Transfer data from your home for activities like video calls, uploading large files, working on online documents and live gaming. Thanks for signing up Stay tuned for the latest news and tips each week. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Close unnecessary tabs. Pause the video to allow enough data to download.

Delete and re-download the app. Update virus protection on your device. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed , times. Problems with video buffering can be frustrating and have a negative impact on your live video streaming experience.

There are several ways to stop and prevent buffering on your network, such as upgrading your router, reducing background processes, and removing malware from your system.

This wikiHow teaches you how to reduce buffering during streaming video. Quit all background apps and services. Limit the number of devices connected to your network. Pause the video for a few minutes. Restart your router. Move closer to your wireless router. Use a wired connection. Reduce the video quality settings.

Upgrade to a faster router. Upgrade to a faster internet plan. Clear your browser cache. Make sure your system and apps have the latest updates. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article Steps. Related Articles. Article Summary. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. This 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. Limit the amount of devices connected to your network. When streaming videos, make sure internet usage is limited across devices.

Power off any internet-connected devices that are not needed. Performing a hard reset on your router allows it to re-establish an internet connection. 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 connection. Even the fastest Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to interference and signal loss from traveling through the air and objects in your home.

An Ethernet connection avoids these problems. Move your router closer to where you stream. 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 like a tablet or iPhone for offline viewing later. Look for the download icon an arrow pointing down next to the content you want to watch. Keep your devices updated. Many times these updates include bug fixes or other improvements that can increase performance and may cut down on streaming problems. The same goes for your apps.

Get faster internet. More speed may be needed to stream throughout the month. You can find out what internet speeds are available in your area by typing your zip code below. Livestreaming events creates some unique issues, particularly with satellite internet. Learn more about streaming with satellite internet.

The best Wi-Fi extenders are designed to strengthen the signal of your Wi-Fi connection, potentially raising the internet speeds your device is using. You can speed up your HughesNet internet connection by connecting your computer to the HughesNet modem with an Ethernet cable. Also, watch your monthly data allotment.

Once you reach your limit with HughesNet, your internet connection will still work but it'll be much slower than normal until your data resets the following month. Data issues are behind a lot of satellite internet slowing problems, including streaming issues. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. Find Providers. How to Stop Buffering When Streaming. Find out why buffering happens and how to stop buffering pauses while streaming.

By Kristin Cooke. Published on November 09, Share Article. Lower the video quality to standard definition SD. Turn off all other devices in the house. Reboot your router. Turn off other applications that might be running in the background. Upgrade your internet plan to a plan with more data if applicable. Jump to: How to stop buffering while streaming What causes buffering problems How to prevent buffering while streaming Tips for livestreaming events FAQ.

How to stop buffering while streaming. Turn it off and turn it back on. True, this advice has been the subject of many jokes like, every single episode of IT Crowd , but it actually works. Rebooting your TV, router, or streaming platform can be the fresh start your system needs to get back on track. Make sure no applications are running in the background.

Make sure there are no downloads happening while streaming. Disconnect other devices from the network. Either put them in airplane mode or turn them off.

This is something you have to be especially conscious of if your internet speed is 25 Mbps or slower.