Starting last weekend we started to receive a growing number of reports that YouTube TV was experiencing unusual buffering. Now YouTube TV’s official Reddit account posted that they are investigating these reports.
Here is the post YouTube TV’s Community Manager made on Reddit:
The team has received a lot of reports of this behavior on Roku recently, and they’re looking into it. When you get the chance, please send a feedback report from your Roku TV (profile icon > send feedback). Let me know as soon as you do.
The issue seems to be very random as Cord Cutters News has been unable to replicate it. Yet many of our readers say they are experiencing a growing amount of buffering as they try to stream YouTube. Now it seems this is not just an isolated issue as YouTube TV itself has started investigating the issue.
Now before you blame YouTube TV, remember most buffering is caused by weak WiFi networks or issues with your home internet. Here are a few tips to address common causes of buffering:
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: Buy a Range Extender
Weak WiFi is a common issue that causes buffering. A weak WiFi signal can cause slow speeds and buffering. If you have weak WiFi by your streaming devices, getting a range extender or buying a whole home WiFi network like the Google WiFi system is an easy fix for this issue as it helps fill weak spots in your house, giving 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.
#3 Update or Replace Your Router
If your WiFi keeps dropping or you are still having WiFi 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.
(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.)
We hope that helped you fix your issue. If this still has not fixed your issue and you don’t have slow speeds, you WiFi signal is strong, and you tested your router, then contact the service you are using for more help.
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