How to Fix Buffering on Your Favorite Streaming Service


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Buffering is something that happens to everyone at some point. Well, you may want to blame your streaming service more often than not the issue is on your end.  everyone likes to blame the service. Yet the issue may not be the streaming service, it may be your home network.

Now you may have seen us talk about this in the past. Yet this is one of the most comment issues we hear from our readers. Hopefully this post helps some of the readers here address their streaming frustrations.

Here are three tips to fix buffering on your Roku, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Apple TV, and more.

Tip #1: Run a Speed Test

It is not unusual to not get the speed you pay for. You can easily be paying for 100 down but only getting a fraction of that speed. Sometimes your ISP can have damage on their lines running to your house, so run a speed test to make sure you are getting the speed you are paying for.

A few years ago I had all kinds of issues streaming, and I ran a test and found out it was my network. I called my ISP, and they came out and fixed something on the pole outside my house and my internet speed was faster than it had ever been.

Want to test your speed? Check out Fast.com for a quick and easy test. If you find your internet speed is often well bellow what you are paying for contacting your internet service provider.

Tip #2: Move Your Router

Weak Wi-Fi is the #1 reason for buffering. A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause slow speeds and buffering even if you have fast internet. If possible try to move your Wi-Fi router closer to your streaming player.

If you still have weak Wi-Fi by your streaming devices getting a range extender or buying a whole home wifi network like the Google WiFi system is an easy fix this issue as it helps fill weak spots in your house to give you the best speed possible. I have one to help reach my backyard for when I want to sit out and enjoy a beautiful day.

One tip for buying a range extender is to make sure you get one that is made by the same company as your router. If you have a Netgear router, buy a Netgear extender. I find that often reduces the number of issues you could face.

(One last tip before you go and buy a new router log into your current router and see if there is an update. It may not fix your issues but could help.)

#3 Update or Replace Your Router

If your WiFi keeps dropping or you are still having Wi-Fi issues in one part of your house, consider looking into getting a new router that has a Wi-Fi AC standard. You will see a huge improvement going to AC from the old N standard. It is not unusual for routers to go bad. Just like phones and computers at some point routers do break down.

Also if you have an older or cheaper WiFi router it may not be designed to handle all the devices on your network. Not all routers are made to handle the same load. Some max out at about 10-15 devices. That may seem like a lot but in today’s world of doorbells and echo devices you can quickly add up to over 15 devices on your home network.

I currently have a Nighthawk Router but if you want something cheaper Amazon has many for under $100.

We hope that helped you fix your issue. If this still has not fixed your issue and you do not have slow speeds, you do have a strong Wi-Fi signal, and you tested your router then contact the service you are using for more help.

 

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