How to Stop Buffering: Learn to Prevent Internet Video Buffering Issues

Satellite internet customers generally 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 slow down your speeds.

Speeds are slowed to 1–3 Mbps, which usually isn’t enough for streaming (Netflix recommends 5 Mbps). Satellite internet might not be your only option, though. Other good internet options for rural areas include 5G/4G LTE home internet, fixed-wireless, and DSL, which often offer ample data allowances and speeds for streaming.

If you live in a remote area and satellite internet is your only option, we recommend Viasat if you like to stream video content. Viasat's top two plans include 200 to 300 GB per month of data, while comparably priced HughesNet plans offer only 50 GB per month. Cheaper plans get you much less data—a measly 12 GB per month on budget plans.

Buffering happens for a number of reasons, but one of the most common reasons is because your internet speed isn't fast enough to keep up with the amount of data it needs to download. Basically, you need more Mbps to handle hours of TV, especially if it's high resolution. With that said, use our internet speed test above to check if you have enough to stream your ideal content.

While most streaming services recommend a minimum of 5 Mbps to stream comfortably, if you want to avoid buffering issues, we'd recommend at least 25 Mbps and preferably around 30 Mbps. That's if you're the only one using the internet in your household. The more devices you have in the house, the more internet speed you need. 

Whether you want to watch a show on your favorite smart TV like Android TV, or via a TV plus streaming device like the Amazon fire TV, we'd gathered tips to help you do it without buffering. Soon enough, Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu can be streaming without a problem.

1. Turn it off and turn it back on.

Yes, we’re serious. This advice has been the subject of many jokes, but it actually works. Rebooting your TV, router, streaming device, and streaming app can be the fresh start your system needs to get back on track. Don’t knock it until you try it.

2. Make sure no applications are running in the background.

Make sure your streaming device or smart TV isn't trying to download new updates or apps while you're streaming TV. It’s also a good idea to close any other programs or apps if you’re streaming on a computer or phone.

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 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.

4. Switch your router to 5 GHz.

If your modem/router is using 2.4 GHz frequency instead of 5 GHz, the signal will travel farther but it will be slower, which could be causing buffering problems. Keep your router close to your main streaming devices and use 5 GHz for the best experience. To check out what frequency you’re using, type 192.168.0.1 into your browser window. It will bring up a window with your internet provider’s name and ask you for your admin name and password. After entering your password, you’ll be given an option to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

5. Upgrade your internet service.

If you’ve tried the other suggestions and nothing is helping, it’s probably due to your internet plan.

1. Delete your browser cache and temporary files.

If you’re on a laptop and streaming through your web browser, clearing the cache and other temporary files can clean out some gunk and may help speed things up. In Google Chrome, you can find this option under Settings > Advanced Settings. 

2. Reduce the video quality.

If all else fails, lower the video quality of your stream to get things moving more quickly. Many streaming platforms will do this automatically when they sense slowing, but doing it manually can make your stream more consistent.

The exact procedure to do this will vary depending on the laptop and streaming platform you’re using, but you’ll usually find this setting in either your streaming app’s settings or your device settings. If you have Viasat, you can do this automatically by using the Viasat browser. On YouTube, you can find the setting in the bottom right corner of the video.

3. Download content instead of streaming.

You can download content from popular streaming apps like Netflix or the Apple TV app prior to watching it. So if your laptop's buffering is struggling, download content the day before you want to watch, and you won’t have to deal with streaming problems in the moment.

4. Turn off your VPN

If you have a VPN and you're encountering a repeated buffering problem, try turning off the service. VPNs are great for security, but they also slow down your Wi-Fi, and if you only have let's say 100 Mbps or less, the slowdown is significant. Flip it off while you finish out your show, and you could see your speeds recover--and buffering disappear.  

If you're experiencing a lot of buffering while trying to livestream, stream TV from Netflix, or watch YouTube videos on your phone, it could be for many of the reasons we listed above with TVs and laptops, or it could be for a few mobile-specific reasons:

1. You've run out of premium mobile data

If you're watching TV on the go and start running into buffering, pixelation, and lagging, you're probably running low on data or have exceeded your premium data limit (yep, that can happen even on an unlimited plan), and your mobile carrier is throttling your speeds. 

The best way to solve this is to stop streaming TV without WiFi, since video can chew through  your data faster than about any other activity, especially if its higher than 480p resolution.

Your other option is to switch carriers for an unlimited premium data plan, like T-Mobile offers. It's relatively expensive, but it'll likely stop your phone buffering issue.

2. Your phone needs a reset

Like we said earlier, don't knock a reset until you try it. It's possible you haven't shut off your phone in too long, and the hardware just needs a breather before it can perform at optimal levels again.

3. Your phone's software needs an update

If you're running into frequent buffering and some strange app glitches across your phone use, it's probably because your phone's software needs updating. Try checking your settings to see if you accidentally put off a new software update. Once the brains of the operation are running at the latest and greatest again, you might find your buffering and glitches a thing of the past. 

3. Your streaming app needs an update

If you're experiencing a lot of unusual levels of buffering in your favorite streaming app, and your phone and internet look fine, it might be the app itself. Try updating it, and if that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall it. That should clear the cobwebs and get your streaming, free of buffering, on your phone again. 

Hulu streaming problems on laptops

If you encounter buffering, glitching, or other weird Hulu streaming issues while streaming on your laptop, try these tips first.

1. Check your internet connection. Sometimes, it's as easy as realizing someone accidentally pulled out the Wi-Fi router's plug.
2. Clear your cache. To get your Hulu playing properly, sometimes you need to clean up and clear up your browser's cache so it can better process your show. 
3. Reduce your resolution. If your internet is too slow, and you don't mind watching in less than 4K perfection, try reducing your resolution to so you can keep ahead of the buffering bar. Just click the gear icon on the bottom right of your playback's screen, select Quality, and then click on your preferred lower resolution setting. 
4. Restart the Hulu app. Sometimes your Hulu issues will resolve whatever glitches are slowing things down, that easy. But if these solutions don't work and Hulu doesn't stop having issues within a couple days, it's time to contact Hulu customer service.

Hulu streaming problems on TV

1. Check your streaming device is updated. Hulu issues may actually be a result of your fire TV stick, Apple TV, or roku running slow without the latest necessary software. 
2. Restart the Hulu app (an make sure it's updated, too). Sometimes apps get clogged up if they haven't been closed for a while.
3. Double-check your internet equipment is working. We suggest turning off your TV and testing your connection on your phone. If the internet's not working there either, it may be time to call your service provider. 
4. Sometimes, your internet just isn't fast enough to keep up with Hulu's high-resolution playback. You can either look at better internet packages for streaming, or you can try the next item on this list as a workaround.
5. Open up Hulu on your laptop, use the list above to lower your stream's resolution, and then plug your laptop into your TV using an HDMI cord. Hulu doesn't allow playback quality changes on TV, so this way, you can use less of your current, limited broadband speed but still enjoy it on the big screen (even if it will be a bit more pixelated).

If you’re wondering why Netflix keeps buffering, it's usually because 1. your internet speed is too slow (or overtaxed), 2. your Wi-Fi equipment has a problem or 3. Netflix is having an outage.

Before you throw your remote across the room, you might want to look at some preventative measures to stop Netflix buffering. After all, the best way to deal with constant buffering is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Fortunately, this is a problem that has many solutions.

Plan your streaming for non-peak hours

You may not realize it, but the internet has a rush hour. According to the FCC, internet usage peaks from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. More people are actively using the internet during this time than any other.

This can put a major strain on an ISP’s network, which in turn trickles down to you in the form of slower overall speeds as the provider tries to balance bandwidth and keep everyone’s 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 can 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 can support the internet speed you’re paying for.

If you have HughesNet or Viasat satellite internet, you will probably be using a modem/router combo provided by your ISP. But if it hasn’t been updated in more than three years, contact HughesNet or Viasat to see if you can get a newer model.

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

If an Ethernet connection isn’t possible, try moving your router closer to your living room (or whatever room you do most 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’re having a lot of buffering issues while streaming and it’s due to a slow internet connection, then take the internet speed out of the equation by queuing up your future shows as downloaded content.

Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, 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. Look for the download icon (an arrow pointing down) next to the content you want to watch. 

Keep your devices updated

We know it seems like a nuisance, but letting your devices update their software when the prompt pops up helps ensure they’re as secure and functional as possible.

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. And remember: updates aren’t just for computers. If you have a TV that’s connected to the internet or a gaming system you stream through, these need periodic updates too.

To update your smart TV, use your remote to go 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 need, Netflix recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps per HD stream and 25 Mbps for 4K. You can find out what internet speeds are available in your area by typing your zip code below.

Internet buffering problems are usually caused by one of three issues.

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

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

• There are too many devices on the network at one time.
• 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’s 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 issues arise, but this is not always enough.)

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

If you’ve noticed that you get a lot of buffering pauses while streaming in certain rooms of the house but not others, it’s a Wi-Fi network issue. Your router may have a range that’s too small to cover your whole house, or perhaps the signal is having to pass through walls, glass, metal, or other things. It might cut out completely or it might just be slow. 

The first solution to home network problems is to move your modem and router to the same room you use the internet in the most frequently. If this isn’t possible or if you have several rooms you need internet access in, then you can get an extender to stretch your Wi-Fi signal farther so it will cover more of your house. To learn more about boosters and extenders, check out our review on the top 5 Wi-Fi boosters.

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

In any case, there’s not much you can do to resolve these problems, so now we’ll focus on what you can fix: your own connection.

Livestreaming events creates some unique issues, particularly with satellite internet or internet below 100 Mbps and with low upload speeds. 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 give you the fastest speed possible.
2. Test your internet upload speed—this speed will determine how fast you can send data out to your viewers if you're the one streaming the content, so it’s important. Find your upload speed with an internet speed test.
3. Once you have your upload speed, divide that number in half to get your maximum video bitrate speed. Don’t try to stream at a higher bitrate or you’ll have buffering problems while livestreaming.
4. You can set or change your bitrate in OBS (Open Broadcast Software) by going to Settings/Output 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 will want to use.
5. Do not use any other devices while livestreaming. Turn off devices or put them in airplane mode, and make sure your BFF isn’t in the basement gaming during your livestream.

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

It’s possible that a Wi-Fi extender could stop buffering,but only if your buffering is caused by slowing from your home Wi-Fi network. 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. 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.

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. 

Follow these TV streaming buffering troubleshooting tips:

• Reduce video quality to SD (or from UHD to HD).
• Turn off the TV and turn it back on.
• Turn 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 can slow the processing speed of your device).