Are you looking for how to stop Netflix from buffering? Buffered videos are a big no! Generally. Netflix streaming is quite smooth. However, a few technical glitches can hamper the smooth running of videos. This can happen due to several reasons. Well, you can solve these glitches easily on your own. Here, I will tell you how to stop Netflix from buffering.
Netflix has an amazing collection of shows and movies. You can watch them by using a Netflix subscription or Netflix’s free trial tricks. Netflix has HD and UHD videos. So, you need a high-speed internet connection. Otherwise, your videos will keep freezing. So, how to stop Netflix from buffering? Read ahead to know more. Also, read how to change the Netflix region without a VPN and how to restart your Netflix account.
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How To Stop Netflix From Buffering?
Buffering is a frequent issue in several OTT platforms. Netflix is no exception either. When a video buffers, it takes longer to load than the playback speed. The video keeps freezing or plays very slowly or in very bad picture quality. Also, read how to change Netflix streaming quality, how to change picture quality on Netflix, and how to adjust Netflix image settings.
An unstable internet connection leads to a frozen screen. You see a red circle in the center of your screen. Sometimes, it contains numbers indicating loading speed. So, if the number is stuck at zero or can’t reach a hundred, that means you are having a buffering issue on Netflix.
Here, I will tell you the best hacks to solve the buffering issue on Netflix. Let’s learn more about how to stop Netflix from buffering in the following sections.
#1 Make Sure You Have A Stable And Good Internet Connection
If your Netflix video is freezing or keeps buffering, check for an internet connection. Netflix has high-quality videos. So, a wifi connection is the best streaming option. If you are using cellular data to watch Netflix shows and videos, it will drain your bandwidth and result in bad-quality streaming or buffering.
First of all, check whether you have connected to the internet or not. Secondly, check that you have a properly functioning wifi connection or that your cellular data has enough internet connection. You can check your internet connection speed online.
According to the Netflix helpline, you need 3 Mbps internet for streaming Standard Definition (SD) videos, 5 Mbps for watching High Definition (HD) videos, and 25 Mbps connection for 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) videos on Netflix.
If you don’t have the required internet speed, you will face buffering issues. So, upgrade your internet connection. Now, let’s read more about how to stop Netflix from buffering.
#2 Use A Wired Internet Connection
Sometimes, the wireless internet connection keeps fluctuating. It does not provide enough internet connection to streaming devices or has an inconsistent internet supply. So, you can use a wired internet connection instead.
You can use a LAN cable for getting a direct internet connection to your laptop or computer for watching Netflix shows and movies. If you have the latest smart television model, you can use its LAN port for connecting to the internet using a LAN cable.
Similarly, you can use a wired internet connection on PlayStation and Xbox devices. A wired connection is much better than a wireless connection. It supplies stable and fast internet service. So, you can use it for watching Netflix videos without any interruption.
#3 Change Picture Quality And Video Quality On Netflix
Netflix has multiple streaming qualities according to your current internet connection. It streams videos in Auto streaming mode. It usually streams videos of standard quality. However, if your internet connection is weak, it will reduce the quality of the video and sometimes it will keep buffering it for a longer period of time.
So, you can change the picture quality of your Netflix video manually. If your video quality is set at High settings, you need to change it to Low settings. Though it will compromise the quality, you will be able to watch videos without interruption. Follow these instructions to change picture quality on Netflix-
- Open your streaming device and connect it to the internet.
- Open a web browser on your streaming device.
- Go to the official website of Netflix.
- Enter your Netflix account credentials to log in.
- Click on the Profile icon.
- Click on the Account option.
- Choose a profile that you want to change picture quality settings.
- Click on the Playback Settings option.
- Select a video setting. For example- Low quality, medium quality, or high-quality.
- Click on the Save option.
#4 Delete The Netflix App Data
You can also delete the Netflix app data to make space on your streaming device. This option is best suited for Android users. Also, read how to turn off subtitles on Android devices. So, if you are watching Netflix on your Android mobile or tablet, you can clear the app data.
However, if you do that, it will log you out of Netflix on your Android device. So, you will need to log back in again. Follow these steps to delete the Netflix data-
- Open your Android streaming device and connect it to the internet.
- Go to the App section.
- Press and hold the Netflix app icon on your home screen
- Click on the App Info option.
- Click on the Storage option.
- Click on the Clear Storage or Clear Data option.
#5 Delete Cache Data To Make Space On Your Device
Apart from clearing the app data, you can also delete cache data on your device. If you are watching Netflix on your computer in a web browser, you will need to delete the browser cache and data. It removes unwanted storage space and bad cache memory.
However, if you clear the cache data of a web browser, it will log you out of all the websites you’re logged into. Follow these steps to delete cache data to make space on your device-
- Open your streaming device and connect it to the internet.
- Open a web browser on your streaming device.
- Click on the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click on the Advanced option.
- Click on the Time Range option.
- Click on the All-Time settings option.
- Click on the Clear Data option.
- Click on the Save button.
- If you are using a MacBook, open a web browser and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to clear cache data.
#6 You Can Restart Your Wifi Modem
If you are unable to fix the internet problem, you need to check the internet modem device. It is a very easy and effective method to restore a stable internet connection. Follow these steps to restart the modem-
- Switch off your internet modem device from the switchboard.
- Remove the plug from the socket.
- Wait for 8-10 minutes.
- Plug in the cable and switch on the modem.
- Wait for a few seconds to fix the internet connection.
#7 Reinstall The Netflix App
Netflix keeps upgrading its app. So, it is very important to update your app on a regular basis. If you are using an older version, it will not function properly. For example, it will have lots of buffering issues.
So, either you can upgrade your app or you can reinstall the Netflix app from the App Store. In iOS devices, the Netflix app is available by default. However, on Android devices, you can delete and reinstall the Netflix app. So, follow these steps to reinstall the Netflix app-
- Open your smartphone and connect it to the internet.
- Go to the App section.
- Find the Netflix app.
- Long press the Netflix icon on your home screen.
- Click on the small (x) icon.
- Click on the Uninstall option.
- Click on the Ok option.
- Now, open the App Store and search for the Netflix app.
- Download the Netflix app.
- Launch the app. Enter your Netflix credentials to log in.
#8 Close Extra Apps In The Background
You can also close background apps or additional web browsers while watching Netflix. It will save internet consumption and will give you more stable internet bandwidth.
You can close the tabs on a web browser by clicking on the (x) button on the right side of each tab. You can remove tabs on your smartphone or tablet by removing them from the background.
#9 Check With Your Internet Service Provider
If the problem continues despite restarting your internet modem or reinstalling the app, contact your internet provider. There are chances that internet distribution is uneven from their end. So, they can restart your connection from their side to improve your speed.
If the internet connection is disturbed due to damaged wires or bad weather, you will have to wait till the matter is resolved. Till then, you can use another internet service or hotspot.
Final Words
The article on how to stop Netflix from buffering ends here. A bad internet connection is a primary cause of video buffering issues. However, technical faults and device problems can also cause buffering issues. You can use the above-mentioned hacks for resolving buffering issues on Netflix. If you have any new hacks or you want to ask anything related to how to stop Netflix from buffering, ask in the comments section.