It’s a lot of fun to watch movies on Netflix, but occasionally the experience might be ruined by buffering, isn’t that right? There may be additional factors in addition to an unreliable internet connection, which is frequently the cause of this problem. Read on to learn how to resolve the Netflix continues buffering issue on your devices if you’ve been experiencing continual buffering.
7 Ways to Fix Netflix Keeps Buffering Problems (2022)
Netflix makes every effort to prevent any buffering issues on its end. However, there are times when a server problem or a glitchy update can cause your Netflix binge to end abruptly. However, our internet connection or the device we use to stream Netflix are frequently at blame for the buffering problem. We will examine every conceivable cause of a Netflix video buffering issue along with effective fixes.
What is Buffering on Netflix?
The video buffers when it loads more slowly than the playback speed. It typically occurs when an internet connection is slow. A frozen screen or a number in a red circle in the centre of your screen are possible symptoms. You are experiencing a Netflix buffering issue if the number remains at zero or is unable to increase over one hundred.
Additionally, you’ll see that the bottom red timeline bar is immobile. The bar normally appears dark grey, with a red line indicating the video that has been played and the current timestamp. How much content is already preloaded for streaming on your device is indicated by the light grey line. If you have a wider light grey line, buffering won’t be an issue.
If there are any problems with your device, the screen may occasionally freeze. Since there is no delay in the video due to faulty loading, we won’t call it buffering. Instead, there may be hardware issues causing the app to hang. In most cases, restarting the software or hardware resolves this problem. Let’s take a closer look at some further options.
How to Fix When Netflix Keeps Buffering
On your phone, laptop, smart TV, streaming device, or other gadgets, you might be watching Netflix. Any device should be able to use some of these solutions to stop Netflix from buffering. However, you should try checking to see if your gadget is operating properly if none of these work for you. Here are the most popular solutions for Netflix buffering issues.
Check your Internet Connection
Netflix buffering is most frequently caused by a sluggish internet connection. Therefore, to stream Netflix video, make sure your internet connection is quick. On Fast.com, you may check your internet speed. Your ability to stream online videos is shown by the website.
Netflix advises having a minimum of 3 Mbps internet for Standard definition (SD), 5 Mbps for High definition (HD), and a 25 Mbps connection for 4K/Ultra HD in order to stream online content (UHD). You should troubleshoot your internet issues if your connection speed is slower than the recommended limit. Here are a few methods you might use to fix your internet issue.
Restart your Wi-Fi Modem
Checking to see if your modem is functioning properly and performing a quick restart will solve your problem with a slow internet connection the easiest and fastest method possible. Remove the plug from the socket and turn off your internet router. Restart your router after 10 minutes have passed. Check your internet speed once more to see whether it has been restored. If not, employ the next strategy.
Use Wired Connection
Use the LAN wire to connect to the Wi-Fi network if you want to watch Netflix on your laptop or PC. Wired connections operate more quickly than wireless ones. Additionally, most contemporary smart TVs contain a LAN connector for using a LAN cable to access the internet. Additionally, you can use the LAN cable to connect your gaming consoles, such as the Xbox and PlayStation. Your internet speed will dramatically increase as a result, allowing for greater Netflix streaming. Unfortunately, you cannot connect a LAN cable directly to your smartphone. If you choose, you may easily fix this issue by using an external LAN adapter.
Reposition your Wi-Fi Router
This approach might seem a little childish, but trust me when I say it works. Your home has an unequal distribution of the Wi-Fi signal. So, if your router is in a different room, move it there. Your internet speed will increase if there are no obstructions standing in the way of your device and the Wi-Fi modem. You won’t receive a miracle result, but you will undoubtedly experience improved speed.
Contact your Internet Service Provider
Last but not least, I advise calling customer service if you are still not receiving the internet speed your ISP guarantees even rebooting the router. To increase your speed and return you to the promised one, they can restart your connection from their end. There are occasions when the internet service is unavailable due to unforeseen events like harsh weather or physical damage to the internet wire. It’s advisable to either wait for your ISP to fix the problem or switch to another internet provider, like your mobile data.
I like to keep offline content handy for situations like this. Your favourite TV shows can be automatically downloaded for later viewing with Netflix’s smart download feature. Read more about these features in our comprehensive guide to Netflix tips.
Change your Video Stream Quality on Netflix
Netflix chooses the ideal streaming video quality based on your internet speed. However, it only functions if the streaming quality is set to Auto. In order to utilise less internet bandwidth, lower the default streaming quality if it is set to High. Anytime I can choose interrupted binge-watching over a little quality sacrifice. In addition, viewing a show in HD rather than UHD isn’t all that horrible if you can avoid Netflix’s bothersome buffering. This tip will preserve your mobile data, which is especially useful if you’re using your smartphone to stream Netflix. Here’s how to manually alter Netflix’s streaming quality.
- Open the Netflix website (visit) in a web browser. Hover over the profile icon at the top-right corner and click on Account .
- Now, scroll down and click on the Profile for which you want to change the streaming quality.
- Click on the Playback settings option.
- Select Medium or Low for lower video quality. Or, you can keep it on Auto if you trust Netflix.
- Lastly, click on the Save button to confirm your choice.
You were able to effectively alter the Netflix profile’s video streaming quality. Each Profile only has access to this setting. As a result, the streaming quality that has been selected for other profiles on your Netflix account will still be used.
Note:If your internet connection is having issues, any of the procedures listed above will help you fix Netflix issues. The item itself, though, may occasionally be the issue. Let’s look at several methods to improve the functionality of your gadget for better Netflix watching.
Clear Cache on your Browser
You should think about deleting the cache and data from your browser if Netflix keeps buffering on your device. This is typically a good technique to fix any browser-related difficulties, including a corrupt cache memory. Here’s how to clear your web browser’s cache and data.
It should be noted that clearing your browser’s cache will log you out of all active webpages.
- Open your web browser and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Shift+Command+Delete for Mac). It will open the option for clearing browsing data.
- Now, go to Advanced and select All time under the Time range option. Check all boxes (except for the Passwords option) as well.
- Lastly, click on Clear data to remove all the cached data from your browser.
Check Netflix once more to check if it’s still slow. If you believe your browser isn’t operating properly, consider using a different one. Or, if the issue still exists, update your browser.
Clear App Data to Fix Netflix Keeps Buffering on Android
If you re using Netflix on your Android phone and facing buffering issues, clearing the app data can help fix the problem. Here s how to do that.
Note:Remember that clearing App Data will log you out of Netflix on your phone, and you will need to log back in again.
- Press and hold the Netflix app icon on your home screen or within the app drawer on your phone. From the context menu that pops up, tap on App Info . If you don t see App Info here, it might be represented by a simple i icon on your phone.
- Tap on Storage and then tap on Clear Storage (or Clear Data).
Reinstall Netflix on your Device
While clearing the app data usually works, it s possible that Netflix is still buffering for you. Moreover, if you re using an iPhone, you can t delete app data anyway. In such cases, it s better to reinstall Netflix to try and fix the problems.
Uninstall and Reinstall Netflix on Android
- Long press on the Netflix icon on your home screen or within the app drawer. From the context menu that shows up, tap on Uninstall .
- In the confirmation box, tap on Ok to uninstall the app from your smartphone.
- Download Netflix (free) from the Play Store again, and it should hopefully have fixed any issues.
Uninstall and Reinstall Netflix on iPhone
- Press and hold the Netflix icon on your home screen, or the App Library on your iPhone.
- Tap on Remove App and then on Delete App to uninstall Netflix.
- Download Netflix (free) from the App Store and it should have fixed any problems.
Restart your Device
Sometimes your device might work improperly if you run it for a long time. The RAM gets flooded with unnecessary information and affects device performance. The quickest way to overcome such a problem is by restarting your device. It will close all the background apps and give you a fresh start on your device. You can restart your smartphone by long-pressing the power button and selecting the Restart or Power Off option. Go to the Start Menu and select the Restart or Shut Down option on your computer.
Close Unnecessary Applications and Tabs
If you don t want to restart or power off your device for any reason, at least close the other unnecessary apps to dedicate more RAM to Netflix. Some heavy applications like Photoshop or a game running in the background might fetch a lot of your computer resources, and you won t be able to watch your favorite Netflix TV show in peace. Similarly, if you watch Netflix on a browser, close all the unnecessary tabs to dedicate more RAM to Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Netflix keep buffering?
Netflix might keep buffering for several reasons like slow internet connection, buggy updates, higher streaming quality than your device s capability, or a server issue from Netflix itself. This article discussed every possible way to fix Netflix s buffering problem.
Why is Netflix lagging on my smart TV?
If you are experiencing lagging on Netflix on your smart TV, it might be because of a slow internet connection or unstable application update. I suggest restarting your device, checking the internet speed, and updating the app to resolve the issue.
What is the preferred internet speed to stream Netflix?
For uninterrupted streaming, Netflix recommends having a minimum of 3 Mbps internet for Standard definition (SD), 5 Mbps for High definition (HD), and 25 Mbps connection for 4K/Ultra HD (UHD). The speed will be distributed if you download or watch content on a second device using the same network.
Watch Netflix Without any Buffering Issues
While Netflix doesn t usually encounter buffering issues as long as you have a fast and stable internet connection, we discussed all the reasons behind the Netflix keeps buffering issues. Hopefully, one of the fixes mentioned in this article has helped you get rid of buffering issues on Netflix and you re able to enjoy your favouriteNetflix TV showsin peace. If there s anything we ve not included in this article, let us know in the comments.
