Your connection is down
If wired and wireless devices both fail, check the provider’s service status.
Home / Buffering fixes
Buffering fixes
Stop buffering: fixes that work, fastest first
● SHORT ANSWER
How we test ↗Restart your router and streaming device, then move closer or try a cable. Allow roughly 15 to 25 Mbps for one 4K screen.
01CHECK SIGNAL
FIRST
FIRST
Wi-Fi signalBusy networkDevice or service
Fastest first
The fix ladder
Try one change at a time. Times are estimates; check the same stream after each step.
- 012 min
Restart the router and the device
Restart once and wait for the network lights to settle before reopening the same stream.
- 025 min
Move closer, or use a cable
Try the same scene beside the router, then compare it with the usual viewing spot.
- 032 min
Switch to 5 GHz
In the same or next room, compare the 5 GHz band with 2.4 GHz on the same device.
- 042 min
Pause other big downloads
Pause game updates and cloud transfers, then play the same scene again.
- 0510 min
Set the Wi-Fi channel to auto
Note the current setting first. Use your router’s supported automatic channel selection.
- 061 hour
Try a mesh point or a new position
If the wired test is good, move the router or place a mesh point where it still receives a strong signal.
By device
Buffering on your device
| Device | First thing to try | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Smart TV | Restart and check for updates | Use Ethernet if the router is close |
| Streaming stick | Use its supplied power adapter | Move the stick away from the screen |
| Games console | Try a wired connection | Pause game downloads |
| Phone or tablet | Reconnect to Wi-Fi | Try another room |
Beyond the routerPROVIDER SERVICE PEAK TIME
When it’s not your Wi-Fi
Only one app is down
Compare with another app on the same device before changing the router.
Only evenings are slow
Repeat the same test at a quiet time and keep both readings.
FAQ
Questions
Why does buffering get worse at night?
Evening downloads and nearby Wi-Fi traffic can compete with your stream. Compare the same room and device at a quieter time.
Will a faster plan stop buffering?
Only if your connection is the bottleneck. If it works beside the router but stalls by the TV, improve the signal first.