How to End Buffering When Streaming

Hither's how to banish buffering and get dorsum to shine playback.

5 quick fixes for buffering while streaming

  1. Lower the video quality to standard definition (SD).
  2. Disconnect all other devices in the house from the internet.
  3. Reboot your router.
  4. Turn off other applications that might be running in the background of your streaming device.
  5. Upgrade your internet plan with more speed or data.

Find a better net plan in your expanse.

It'due south Sunday night, the pizza is piping hot, and you lot and your kids accept fired up Disney+ for movie night. But someone else has arrived: information technology'due south your one-time enemy, buffering.

Why does buffering happen? And how tin can yous cease buffering pauses while streaming?

Well, it turns out that buffering might not be what yous think it is. We'll walk y'all through what causes buffering problems and how to stop buffering failure. Believe it or not, it is possible to stream a smooth video fifty-fifty with a slower cyberspace connexion from satellite itnernet providers like Viasat and HughesNet.

What causes buffering?

Buffering is the process of preloading chunks of data and then you lot tin have a smoothen video streaming feel. This creates a buffer that ideally lets you watch your content all the fashion through with no delays.

And then, to articulate upwardly a common misconception: buffering is non the indicate where your video pauses and that irritating loading symbol spins on the screen: this is actually the indicate where buffering has failed.

Although your video is constantly buffering, people take mislabeled the spinning wheel of death as the moment buffering begins. But for the sake of simplicity, we'll keep referring to it equally "buffering."

How to terminate buffering while streaming

If you fire up a stream and find that the buffering is bad, try one of the post-obit options to fix the problem.

  1. Plough information technology off and plough it back on. Yes, we're serious. True, this advice has been the subject field of many jokes, but information technology actually works. Rebooting your Boob tube, router, or streaming platform can be the fresh start your system needs to become back on track. Don't knock it until yous try it.
  2. Make sure no applications are running in the groundwork. Make sure in that location are no downloads happening while streaming. It's also a adept idea to shut whatever other programs or apps if yous're streaming on a computer or telephone.
  3. Disconnect other devices from the network. If you've got other smart TVs, computers, tablets, or other devices connected to your network, they could be using up bandwidth and cutting into your stream. Either put them in plane fashion or turn them off. This is something yous have to be especially conscious of if your internet speed is 25 Mbps or slower.
  4. Delete your browser cache and temporary files. If you lot're on a laptop and streaming through your web browser, clearing the enshroud and other temporary files can clean out some gunk and may assistance speed things up. In Google Chrome, you lot can detect this choice under Settings > Advanced Settings.
  5. Reduce the video quality. If all else fails, lower the video quality of your stream to go things moving more quickly. If you have Viasat, y'all can practise this automatically by using the Viasat browser. The verbal procedure to do this volition vary depending on the device and streaming platform you're using, but you'll normally find this setting in either your streaming app'due south settings or your device settings. Many streaming platforms will practice this automatically when they sense slowing, but doing it manually can expedite things.
  6. Switch your router to 5 GHz. If your modem/router is using ii.four GHz frequency instead of 5 GHz, the signal will travel farther but it volition be slower, which could be causing buffering bug. Keep your router close to your master streaming devices and use 5 GHz for the best feel. To cheque out what frequency you're using, blazon 192.168.0.1 into your browser window. It will bring upwardly a window with your net provider'due south proper noun and inquire y'all for your admin proper name and password. Later entering your password, you lot'll be given an option to choose betwixt ii.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
  7. Download content instead of streaming. You tin can download content from popular streaming apps prior to watching information technology. Download content the twenty-four hour period before you lookout man and you won't have to deal with streaming issues.
  8. Upgrade your internet service. If you've tried the other suggestions and aught is helping, it's probably due to your internet plan. You either take insufficient net speed or data to keep upwardly with video streaming. Satellite internet customers mostly have problems with frequent streaming. If you run out of priority data before the end of the month, your satellite provider will deprioritize your data—which basically means it'll ho-hum down your speeds. Speeds are slowed to 1–3 Mbps, which usually isn't enough for streaming (Netflix recommends five Mbps). Satellite net might not be your only option, though. Other good internet options for rural areas include 5G/4G LTE home net, fixed-wireless, and DSL, which often offer ample data allowances and speeds for streaming.

If you live in a remote expanse and satellite cyberspace is your only option, we recommend Viasat if you similar to stream video content. Viasat'south top 2 plans include 200 to 300 GB per calendar month of data, while comparably priced HughesNet plans offer only 50 GB per calendar month. Cheaper plans get you much less data—a beggarly 12 GB per calendar month on upkeep plans.

Best satellite internet plans for streaming

Plan

Speed

Data

Price

Get information technology

HughesNet HughesNet 50 GB 25 Mbps l GB/mo. $149.99/mo.
Viasat Viasat Unlimited Gilt 50 l Mbps 200 GB/mo. $99.99/mo.*
Viasat Viasat Unlimited Platinum 100 100 Mbps 300 GB/mo. $149.99/mo.*

*Promotional price is for the first iii months. Regular internet rate applies after 3 months. A one-time installation fee may apply. Equipment charter fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes employ. Minimum 24 month service term required.

†Service plans require a 24-month commitment.

See all the best Viasat and HughesNet plans available in your area.

What causes buffering problems?

Internet buffering problems are usually caused past one of 3 issues.

  • Your internet connection is too slow to keep upward with the incoming data.
  • The streaming provider tin can't send your device the information it needs fast enough.
  • Your abode Wi-Fi network is slowing things down.

How to know if your internet tin't proceed up

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

  • In that location are too many devices on the network at once.
  • Your internet 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 internet package'south speed lacks the bandwidth to support the quality of video you're trying to stream. (Many streaming platforms will automatically downgrade the video quality if problems arise, only this is not always plenty.)

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

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

If yous've noticed that you get a lot of buffering pauses while streaming in certain rooms of the business firm just not others, it's a Wi-Fi network issue. Your router may have a range that'south too small-scale to comprehend your whole house, or perhaps the bespeak is having to pass through walls, drinking glass, metal, or other things. Information technology might cut out completely or it might but exist slow.

The first solution to dwelling house network problems is to move your modem and router to the aforementioned room y'all use the internet in the most frequently. If this isn't possible or if y'all take several rooms yous need net access in, then you can get an extender to stretch your Wi-Fi signal farther and then it will cover more of your firm. To acquire more well-nigh boosters and extenders, check out our review on the top v Wi-Fi boosters.

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

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

In whatsoever example, there'due south not much you tin exercise to resolve these issues, then now nosotros'll focus on what you lot can fix: your own connectedness.

Need a faster net bundle? Cheque out net providers in your expanse.

How to prevent buffering while streaming

If yous're wondering why Netflix keeps buffering every time yous attempt to picket something, yous might want to look at prevention. The best style to bargain with abiding buffering is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Fortunately, this is a problem that has many solutions.

Programme your streaming for non-height hours. Yous may not realize it, but the internet has a rush hour. According to the FCC, internet usage peaks from 7:00 p.thousand. to eleven:00 p.m. More people are actively using the internet during this time than any other. This can put a major strain on an Internet service provider'southward network, which in turn trickles down to you in the form of slower overall speeds as the provider tries to balance bandwidth and go on everyone'southward connection running as smoothly as possible. Planning your streaming time outside this rush hour can go a long way toward minimizing issues.

Upgrade your router. Not all wireless routers are created equal, and while they generally last a long time, the technology they use tin become outdated quickly. If your router is more than a couple years old, it's a good idea to check its specs and make sure it tin can support the internet speed you're paying for. If you accept HughesNet or Viasat satellite net, you will probably be using a modem/router combo provided past your ISP. Just if information technology hasn't been updated in more than three years, contact HughesNet or Viasat to come across if you tin can get a newer model.

Connect your streaming devices using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. If possible, connecting your streaming device straight to your modem and bypassing Wi-Fi entirely is a sure way to become more out of your connection. Even the fastest Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to interference and bespeak loss from traveling through the air and objects in your home. An Ethernet connexion avoids these problems.

Move your router closer to where you stream. If an Ethernet connexion isn't possible, try moving your router closer to your living room (or any room y'all exercise nigh 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 like a tablet or iPhone for offline viewing later. If you lot're having a lot of buffering issues while streaming and information technology'due south due to a tiresome net connection, then accept the cyberspace speed out of the equation by queuing up your hereafter shows every bit downloaded content. Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime number, and other streaming services all offer this feature, although not all content is available for download. You'll need to use the streaming app to download content. Await for the download icon (an pointer pointing down) next to the content y'all want to watch.

Keep your devices updated. We know it seems similar a nuisance, but letting your devices update their software when the prompt pops up helps ensure they're as secure and functional equally possible. Many times these updates include bug fixes or other improvements that can increase functioning and may cut down on streaming problems. The same goes for your apps. And recollect: updates aren't but for computers. If yous have a TV that's connected to the internet or a gaming system y'all stream through, these need periodic updates too. To update your smart TV, utilize your remote to become to Settings > Support. If there's a software update shown, click update.

Get faster internet. More speed may be needed to stream throughout the month. To give you an idea of what you lot need, Netflix recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps per HD stream and 25 Mbps for 4K. You lot can detect out what internet speeds are available in your surface area by typing your cipher lawmaking below.

Tips for livestreaming events

Livestreaming events creates some unique issues, particularly with satellite cyberspace. 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 computer directly to your modem with an Ethernet cable. This will requite you the fastest speed possible.
  2. Examination your internet upload speed—this speed will determine how fast you tin can transport data out to your viewers if y'all're the one streaming the content, so it's of import. Discover your upload speed with an internet speed test.
  3. Once you take your upload speed, split that number in one-half to become your maximum video bitrate speed. Don't effort to stream at a higher bitrate or you'll take buffering bug while livestreaming.
  4. You lot can set up or change your bitrate in OBS (Open Circulate Software) past going to Settings/Output and and then checking Streaming/Video Bitrate. Enter your maximum video bitrate speed. The lower the maximum bitrate is, the smaller the resolution (canvas size) you lot will want to utilise.
  5. Practice not use whatever other devices while livestreaming. Plow off devices or put them in aeroplane mode, and make sure your BFF isn't in the basement gaming during your livestream.

FAQ virtually buffering

Why does my streaming service keep buffering?

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

Volition a Wi-Fi extender stop buffering?

Information technology'due south possible that a Wi-Fi extender could finish buffering,just merely if your buffering is acquired by slowing from your home Wi-Fi network. The all-time Wi-Fi extenders are designed to strengthen the signal of your Wi-Fi connectedness, 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 upwardly HughesNet internet?

Y'all tin can speed up your HughesNet cyberspace connection by connecting your computer to the HughesNet modem with an Ethernet cablevision. Also, sentinel your monthly data resource allotment. Once you reach your limit with HughesNet, your internet connection will still work merely it'll be much slower than normal until your data resets the following calendar month. Data issues are behind a lot of satellite cyberspace slowing problems, including streaming issues.

How can I troubleshoot TV streaming buffering problems?

Follow these TV streaming buffering troubleshooting tips:

  • Reduce video quality to SD (or from UHD to HD).
  • Plough off the TV and turn it back on.
  • Plough off other devices that are online (they're using some of your bandwidth).
  • Power cycle the modem (turn off and on again).
  • If you're using a computer 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 caste in English 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, health, and finance companies. Kristin is an advocate for affordable internet for all and writes nearly rural cyberspace solutions, satellite cyberspace news, and tech products at SatelliteInternet.com. Her work has been featured in New York Post, PCMag, Forbes, Business organisation Insider, Telecompetitor, Space.com, and The Benton Found for Broadband & Social club.