Why does buffering occur

That way the video is ready to go when you reach any given point, instead of waiting for it to load. This creates a buffer that ideally lets you watch your content all the way through with no delays.

So, to clear up a common misconception: buffering is not the point where your video pauses and that irritating loading symbol spins on the screen. This is actually the point where buffering has failed. You can see the buffering process in action on some services. This shows how far out the video is buffered. When your stream pauses and the dreaded loading circle message appears, that means the buffering has fallen behind.

So, although your video is constantly buffering, people have mislabeled the spinning wheel of death as the moment buffering begins. If you fire up a stream and find that the buffering is bad, try one of the following options to fix the problem. 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 to 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. Regular internet rate applies after 3 months. A one-time installation fee may apply.

Taxes apply. Minimum 24 month service term required. The good news is that if the problem is on your end, you can do something about it.

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.

To learn more about boosters and extenders, check out our review on the top 5 Wi-Fi boosters. Another possibility is that a key data center may have gone down, dramatically cutting the amount of data your streaming provider can push out. 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 p. More people are actively using the internet during this time than any other.

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. 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. 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. Look for the download icon an arrow pointing down next to the content you want to watch. Keep your devices updated. 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.

Get faster internet. More speed may be needed to stream throughout the month. You can find out what internet speeds are available in your area by typing your zip code below. Why does my TV keep buffering? Possibly the most common form of buffering occurs when your internet speed is too slow to download the amount of data needed.

In this scenario, your device will buffer the data for the video and then begin playing it when there is enough data downloaded to prevent lag in the stream. If the stream reaches the point where it no longer has enough data downloaded, it will pause the video, and thus you have to wait again while more data downloads.

The buffering process can vary greatly based on how long the video is and the data contained within it. The buffering process may last just a few seconds for a shorter video, or several minutes for a longer video. If buffering is something that you are experiencing regularly, it may be time to upgrade your internet speed. A slow connection speed will consistently hinder the rate at which audio and video information are downloaded.

As fast as Wi-Fi has become, when it comes to internet speed, there is still no substitute for a hardwired connection. If you have high internet speed, but you still encounter buffering, consider using a networking cable. You can get a solid signal with up to 50 feet of Ethernet cable. You may need an extra adaptor for your computer, as well as the cables and connectors.

The problem might be on your local computer, and in your web browser in particular. Browsers maintain a local cache for sites you previously visited. When you revisit a website, the browser checks the cache; if the local content is current, it loads from there rather than downloading it. The problem? Your browser can get overloaded with temporary and cached data that slows it down. As a result, one easy and fast fix for video buffering problems is to clean up your browser, which involves clearing out cookies and wiping your browsing history.

A streamlined browser runs more quickly, which will reduce buffering times. Performing these cleanup tasks will yield immediate results, but only in the short term: all that unnecessary data will easily build up again. For a long-lasting faster browser, consider using a tool that provides automatic maintenance, such as Avast Cleanup.

Our Automatic Maintenance tool keeps your browser clear without you having to lift a finger. It also regularly cleans out other temporary data, scours your computer for orphaned drivers and registry errors, and helps optimize your settings to keep your PC running smoothly.

And a fast, clean machine provides a better viewing experience for all your streaming needs. People tend to set up a Wi-Fi router and then forget about it. But routers need regular maintenance as well. Check with your manufacturer for firmware updates. Pull the power cord on the router, count to 10, then plug it back in. New Wi-Fi 6 routers promise increased speed, but may require upgrading parts of your device or buying a converter. Using a virtual private network VPN invariably means a performance hit.

Every data packet has to be encrypted and then decrypted at a remote server. You may notice this with video buffering problems, but it affects anything related to PC performance. If you use a VPN, be sure to test and update your settings. Older VPNs or those that are out-of-date may use a single-socket connection, which can easily get jammed up and cause significant performance loss.

Get it for Android , iOS , Mac. Get it for Mac , PC , Android. In the context of streaming video or audio , buffering is when the software downloads a certain amount of data before it begins playing the video or music.

You can watch the data stored in the buffer while the next portion of the file downloads in the background. This preloading process ensures a smooth playback process without interruption — at least in theory, and most of the time in practice. Buffering messages often display progress as a percentage. There are many reasons why you might encounter excessive buffering while streaming video.

This can be due to:. The last reason does happen. Even the top streaming platforms may get overwhelmed during prime time or when a popular new show is released.

In that case, there is nothing you can do except wait for the provider to catch up with requests. But this situation is rare. Want more tips on how to make your computer and phone work better?