Netflix is one of the most popular video streaming services. It has millions of subscribers across multiple countries. The company has been caught in a lot of controversies recently due to buffering issues.
Customers have been complaining about Netflix’s service on social media when the company changed its video streaming strategy.
There are a few reasons for Netflix buffering. Your internet connection could be one of the reasons in addition to the number of users logged in during peak hours, or there could be a technical error with the Netflix app.
Netflix is trying to shift from downloading content that is heavy in bandwidth-hogging 4K resolution images to streaming content at a lower resolution. It would be easier for viewers to stream Netflix on smartphones and tablets, which are typically limited by slower internet speeds.
Having issues with your Firestick? Learn how to fix it here.
What is Buffering?
Buffering is the process of downloading data from a server, which may happen when you are watching a video online. The time it takes for buffering to complete is dependent on the speed of your internet connection.
An internet buffering icon will appear on your screen to tell you when there is a connection issue.
If you are experiencing buffering, try switching to a different Wi-Fi network or using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
What is the Reason for Netflix Buffering?
If you are using the Netflix app on your phone, you might have noticed that lately, it has been buffering a lot more than usual. What is the reason for this? There are a few possible explanations as to why Netflix might be buffering.
One of the reasons that can cause buffering is your internet connection. If your internet connection is not great, then you will experience problems streaming video from Netflix on some days and not others.
If this is the problem, there are a couple of things you can do to fix it:
- Try to increase your download speed by connecting to a fast Wi-Fi network or using ethernet cord instead of Wi-Fi
- Raise the bandwidth on your cell service plan
How to Fix the Buffering Problem with Netflix?
Restart Your Web Browser
When streamers come across buffering issue on Netflix, they often restart their web browser. There is a simple explanation for this. When you restart your web browser, you will receive updated DNS settings for Netflix.
This is because the last connection to the server was not successful and it needs to be re-established with the server.
A reboot of your PC doesn’t always help with these connection issues either, but if you have a desktop computer, try this solution first before going any further.
Restart Your Router and Modem
A lot of people experience Netflix buffering issues when they are trying to watch their favorite TV show or movie. This can be frustrating and cause people to want to stop watching.
The good news is there are a few things that you can do in order for it to work properly. One of the easiest things that you can do is restart your router and modem.
It’s possible for this problem to happen because your router and modem may not be working as well as they should be after a while.
So, restarting them will help them work better and fix any issues that might have occurred due to them being on longer than they should have been.
Restart Your Computer or Streaming Device
If you’re having problems with Netflix buffering, it may be because of the number of apps running on your PC. So, if you’re not using any apps at all, and only watching Netflix on your PC, then restarting your PC should fix the problem.
If you’re using a streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV, then try unplugging and plugging back in any HDMI cables connected to it to see if it fixes the problem.
Lower Your Stream Quality
Netflix streaming is a great way to keep up with your favorite TV shows and movies. But if it keeps buffering, you might want to lower the stream quality.
To do this, go to your account page and select Playback Settings. In the video section, select the lowest video resolution that you’re willing to watch.
This will significantly reduce the amount of bandwidth needed for playback and should improve your playback quality on slower internet connections.
Improve the Signal for Your WI-FI
Wi-Fi signals are not as strong as before. It is not only the signal strength that has changed, but also the frequencies.
More and more people are using Wi-Fi routers with 5Ghz frequency to provide better connections to their devices and this could be what is causing buffering issues for Netflix viewers.
Check and Adjust the Netflix Buffering Rate
If you’re looking for a way to fix a Netflix buffering issue then there is a simple solution that you need to follow.
- First, open the app and go to settings.
- Tap on “Playback” and then select “Auto Playback Quality” from the drop-down menu.
- Now, change the video quality from “Auto” to “High (240p).”
Keep in mind that this will result in a lower quality video so if you want to keep quality at its best then it is recommended that you select “Medium (360p) or High (480p) instead.
Contact Netflix or Your Internet Service Provider
If you’re experiencing a buffering issue while watching Netflix, then there is either an issue on your end or on the Netflix side. The problem may be with your internet service provider. If this is the case, contact them to fix the error. If you’re experiencing a buffering issue on your device, reset your modem or router and try again.
Final Thoughts
With Netflix as a top streaming platform, it is quite disappointing to see the buffering error after you try to watch your favorite show.
Netflix has been experiencing this issue for a long time and has struggled to find a solution. Tech experts believe that this is due to their popularity and the volume of traffic that they get.
Netflix has been trying different options such as updating their servers, changing their CDN, or limiting their bandwidth usage during peak hours among other solutions.
After the latest update, there seems to be an improvement in the buffering issue but it hasn’t been fixed yet.
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