19 Tips and Tricks to Prevent Buffering Video

Reducing video buffering while streaming on a TV, PC, and more

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: August 18, 2026 Fact Checked

Problems with video buffering can be frustrating and ruin the joy of watching a show. Buffering can be caused by a slow internet connection, network congestion, internet throttling, high-resolution content, or problems with the device you are streaming from. Luckily, there are things you can do to try to fix this. This wikiHow article teaches you some common things you can do to prevent or stop internet buffering.

Top Ways to Fix Video Buffering

Pause the video to let it catch up, or download the video first.
Watch a lower-quality version of the stream.
Make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection.
Limit the number of devices connected to your wireless network.
Restart your device, apps, and router.
Clear the cache for the app you are using to stream.
Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.

1

Pause the stream and let it catch up.

Download Article

Pausing allows your streaming video to build a bigger buffer. This allows the video to play longer before it needs to buffer again. Try putting the video on pause for a minute or two and then resuming it.

2

Switch to a lower video quality.

Download Article

Your video quality may be too high. Reduce the resolution of the video in the settings. Reducing the quality of videos helps decrease bandwidth and instances of buffering. If using third-party software or services to stream videos, modify video quality via the settings menu.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- For example, if the buffering is happening on YouTube, you can click or tap the gear icon, select Quality, and choose a lower resolution (e.g., switch to 720p if the default is 1080p).
- You should also avoid streaming video at a faster speed (i.e., 1.25x speed). This makes it much more difficult for the app to stream the video without buffering.

3

Check your internet speed.

Download Article

Your internet speed may be slow or throttled. Even if you normally have great internet, your internet speed may be slowed down during peak hours when everyone is streaming movies and other videos. Also, many ISPs will throttle your internet speed once you go past a certain data limit. Check if your overall internet speed is up to the task. If it’s not, you may need to wait and try again later, or contact your internet service provider.
- You can use websites like speedtest.net or fast.com to test your internet connection.
- Generally, your internet speed should be about 5 Mbps to watch videos in HD (1080p) and 15 Mbps to watch videos in 4K UHD.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

4

Close other apps.

Download Article

If it's your computer that's buffering, the apps running in the background and any downloads you're doing will consume extra resources and bandwidth that could otherwise be allocated for streaming. Even if they are running in the background. Quit any games and applications that may be running in the background when doing live streaming.^{[3]
X
Research source}

5

Restart the app that's buffering.

Download Article

Restart your web browser or streaming application. Sometimes streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube encounter problems. Closing the app or web browser and restarting it can go a long way to fixing these problems.

6

Restart your device.

Download Article

If you're watching video on a computer, TV, phone, gaming console, streaming device, or tablet that's been on for a long time, its memory may be full. There may also be a minor glitch with your device that can be fixed with a quick restart, which clears the memory and restarts the firmware. Go ahead and shut down the device. And, if it's plugged in, unplug it and wait about a minute, then plug it back in and power it back on.

7

Download the video if possible.

Download Article

Many streaming services (such as Netflix) allow you to download content directly to your device. Even YouTube allows you to download videos with a subscription. After the download is complete, you can watch the video with no buffering! This is especially helpful when traveling.

8

Restart the router.

Download Article

Performing a power cycle on your router allows it to re-establish an internet connection, which can clear up issues with buffering video. To restart your router, simply unplug it for about 20 seconds and then plug it back in. Allow a few minutes for the router to boot back up and for your streaming device to reconnect to it.^{[4]
X
Research source}

9

Disconnect other devices sharing the same connection.

Download Article

Limit the number of devices connected to your network. Multiple devices on the same internet network will consume that network’s bandwidth and cause buffering, especially if your router is unable to support a heavy traffic load. When streaming videos, make sure internet usage is limited across devices. Power off any internet-connected devices that are not needed.^{[5]
X
Research source}

10

Move your wireless router closer.

Download Article

Your wireless router may be out of range. Move your wireless router closer to your streaming device. If you move too far from your Wi-Fi router, your internet connection will become unstable. Walls, metal objects, and electric devices can also interfere with your wireless connections. Try moving closer to your wireless router, or place your wireless router in a centralized location where it isn't blocked by as many walls and other objects.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Check out our guide on increasing your Wi-Fi range. Alternatively, you can connect a second wireless router, or mesh wi-fi system, to extend the range of your wireless network.

11

Clear your cache and cookies.

Download Article

Your cache may be slowing things down. If you are using a web browser on your PC or Mac to stream video, clear your browser's cookies and cache to help reduce buffering and lag time.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- To clear your browser’s cache, click the icon with three dots or three lines in the upper-right corner. Click Delete browser data. Ensure “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are checked. Select a time frame and click Clear data.
- To delete an app’s cache on Android, open the Settings app and tap Apps. Select the app that is buffering and tap Storage. Tap Clear data and Clear cache at the bottom.
- To clear the cache for an app on iPhone and iPad, open the Settings app and tap General. Tap iPhone/iPad Storage. Tap the buffering app and tap Offload app. Then download the app again from the App Store.

12

Try Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.

Download Article

A wired connection is faster and more stable. Consider using a wired internet connection while watching the video. Wireless internet connections are more likely to be disrupted by problems with signal, frequency, and physical obstructions, such as walls or furniture, leading to non-stop buffering. Try switching to a wired Ethernet connection to help eliminate problems with buffering.
- Did you know you can connect your computer to your TV? If you’re streaming video on your computer, this is a great method to watch on a bigger screen.

13

Use your router’s 5 GHz frequency.

Download Article

Many newer routers are dual-band. This means they have a 5 GHz frequency and a 2.5 GHz frequency. The 5 GHz frequency is faster, but doesn’t have as much range. The 2.5 GHz frequency is slower, but has greater range. When connecting your streaming devices to your wireless network, make sure you are connecting to the 5 GHz connection.

14

Update your streaming apps.

Download Article

Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu frequently update their apps to fix security issues and improve performance. If you're watching movies or TV shows on your phone, tablet, or even a TV app, check for updates and install them. This could be all it takes to stop buffering.

15

Update your streaming device.

Download Article

Your device’s firmware may be outdated. No matter how you're streaming video, make sure your operating system is up to date. Whether you're streaming from a Windows computer, a mobile phone or tablet, a game console, or a smart TV, make sure your system has the latest updates installed. An outdated device may
- Here are guides for updating common streaming devices:
  - Windows
  - Mac
  - Android
  - iPhone

16

Try a streaming box instead of your smart TV.

Download Article

Most smart TVs have their own user interface that allows you to download streaming apps. However, not all smart TVs have good streaming capabilities. Some TVs have low memory or low processing power. Try using a streaming device, such as a game console, Roku, FireStick, or AppleTV, to stream movies and TV instead of using the built-in functions on your smart TV.

17

Check your computer for malware.

Download Article

A virus or malware infection on your computer can lead to issues, including buffering. Malicious software will often cause one or more processes to run in the background and slow down your Internet speed. Make sure you have a reliable antivirus program installed on your computer and that you frequently scan your computer for viruses and malware.
- To run a virus scan using Windows’ built-in Windows Defender, press Win + i to open the Settings menu. Click Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Click Scan options and select Full Scan. Then click Scan Now.

18

Update your video drivers.

Download Article

If you're using a computer, check for updated graphics drivers. Most video cards are updated automatically at the time you install Microsoft or Apple updates. However, if you installed your own custom video card, navigate to the manufacturer’s website to download and install updated drivers for your video card.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Check out our expert guide on updating video card drivers on Windows or Mac for more information.

19

Upgrade your internet connection.

Download Article

Your internet service may be slow. Consider increasing or improving your internet speed. If you frequently have problems with buffering and a slow internet connection, upgrade your internet router or your internet plan with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- If your router is more than five years old or so, it may be time to upgrade to a new router.
- See if your internet service provider does any internet throttling. Some services advertise fast internet, but it’s only until you reach a certain data limit (i.e., 1 terabyte per month). Once you go past your data limit, they will slow your internet connection or charge extra.
- Consider upgrading your connection type. See if your internet service provider offers fiberoptic internet, which will improve your download and upload internet speeds.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What does buffering mean?

Community Answer

Buffering is when a video keeps pausing or loading, interrupting play. It's usually due to a poor internet connection.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 62 Helpful 92
Question

If I get an extender, will that help the buffering?

Community Answer

If your console is far away from the WiFi hub, it may improve the connection. If the console already has a close line-of-sight to the cablemodem or router, then all an extender will do is increase the range of the connection.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 18
Question

How do I prevent buffering on a console?

Community Answer

Try using a wired connection instead of WiFi. Using an Ethernet cable, plug into a port on your router and into the back of the console.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 25 Helpful 23