Why Does My TV Keep Buffering?

We’ve all been there — in the middle of a gripping movie or an intense sports match, and suddenly… buffering. The dreaded spinning wheel appears, and your TV just won’t cooperate. It’s not the first time this has happened, and you wonder, “Why does my TV keep buffering, and more importantly, how can I fix it?”

Before you resign yourself to the spinning dots of doom or shop for a new TV, it’s worthwhile to explore the common culprits behind this issue and how to prevent buffering for smooth, uninterrupted streaming.

What Causes Buffering on My TV? Check Your Internet Connection First

Buffering happens when your TV pauses the video to load more content before playing again. Several factors can trigger buffering issues, including:

Slow Internet Speed

Checking your internet connection should be at the top of your list. Inadequate internet speed is often the cause of frequent buffering. Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube require a minimum download speed of 5 megabits per second (Mbps) for HD video and 25 Mbps for 4K content. If your internet speed is lower, buffering issues are nearly inevitable.

Weak Wi-Fi Signal

Even if you pay for high Mbps speeds, Wi-Fi signals can be unreliable, depending on the location of your router and modem. If your router is far from your TV, the connection may get scattered on its way to the TV. If you have dense (or many) walls, furniture, or other electronic devices between your router and the TV, it can interfere with your connection, leading to video buffering.

Network Congestion During Peak Hours

Have you ever watched TV during your day off and felt like your constant buffering problem was fixed — only to start up your TV at night and encounter the same issue? That’s because internet traffic is high during peak hours — typically in the evening. You can think of internet bandwidth as a highway. If many people in your neighborhood are online, it can clog that highway’s lanes, and your streaming performance can suffer, no matter what internet service you pay for.

Why Does My TV Keep Buffering, but the Internet Is Fine?

While internet connection speed tends to be the most common culprit of excessive buffering, it’s not the only cause. These issues can also cause your TV to get stuck in a buffering loop:

Too Many Devices Running in the Background

Many homes are filled with a plethora of smart devices — from personal assistants to smart lighting. But if too many devices, laptops, or smart gadgets are connected to your Wi-Fi and actively using bandwidth, they could clog your internet highways and leave little room for your TV’s streaming system to pass through. Smart devices are incredible, but if you pack your home full of them, you must ensure your Wi-Fi is up to the task.

Outdated Graphics Card Drivers or Streaming Apps

You might only associate graphics cards with gaming computers, but your TV has one, too! If your TV’s graphic driver or streaming apps are outdated, they might not work efficiently, causing frequent buffering problems, intermittent black TV screens, and an abundance of other issues. Keeping firmware up to date can efficiently improve your streaming experience — especially if you feel like your TV is slow in general.

Issues with Streaming Platforms

If you don’t encounter buffering issues frequently, the problem may not be on your end. If a streaming platform’s servers are overloaded or experiencing technical issues, you might experience buffering problems even with a capable TV and a strong internet connection.

How to Prevent Buffering on Your TV

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your streaming performance and enjoy buffer-free entertainment:

• Restart Your Router: Turning your router off and on again can resolve temporary issues and refresh your internet connection.
• Use a Wired Ethernet Connection: Wired connections produce the fastest, most reliable connection you can get from your internet. So, instead of relying on Wi-Fi, which can encounter interference from walls, furniture, etc., consider connecting your TV directly to the router with an ethernet cable when possible. Unfortunately, this one isn’t for you if you’re on a mobile device or other platform that can’t connect via wire.
• Optimize Your Wi-Fi System: If you have a weak Wi-Fi connection near your TV, move your router closer to the TV or use a Wi-Fi extender and relocate other electronic devices like Bluetooth devices, microwaves, baby monitors, etc., that could interfere with the connection.
• Upgrade Your Internet Plan: Many streaming platforms require faster speeds for HD and 4K content, so a better plan can make a noticeable difference, especially if multiple devices are hogging your internet highway. If buffering is a frequent problem, it might be time to upgrade your internet to a higher-speed plan.
• Close Other Apps: Some TVs can keep multiple applications (Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, etc.) loaded simultaneously for seamless switching between programs. Unfortunately, this can become more of a curse than a blessing when your TV’s hardware can’t handle that load. Try closing all applications other than the one you’re using to prioritize your TV’s streaming capabilities.
• Keep Your Software Updated: As technology improves and new versions of applications come out, outdated software — whether that be your TV’s firmware or a downloaded application’s version — can cause your TV to lag behind. Regularly update your streaming device’s firmware and applications to ensure the smoothest performance possible.

My TV Keeps Buffering No Matter What I Do. What Now?

If buffering is a recurring nightmare, your TV itself might be the problem. Older models may not have the technology to support smooth streaming. Consider upgrading to a high-quality smart TV from Rent-A-Center to experience the latest processors and Wi-Fi chips for a seamless entertainment experience.

Is buffering getting in the way of your TV time? Break free from the buffering blues — rent a smart TV from Rent-A-Center and let the smooth streaming begin! Visit your local Rent-A-Center or shop online today.