How to Fix Roku Keeps Buffering? (16 Easy Solutions)

If you’re thinking, ‘My Roku keeps buffering,’ you’re probably trying to stream content but seeing a loading image on your screen. Buffering can occur before or after the content has played, preventing your movie from playing.

We understand how important it is to be able to follow your favorite Reno-911 character without interruption, which is why we have created this simple directory for you to read in order to restore uninterrupted Roku streaming.

This guide will walk you through all of the tried-and-true solutions for buffering and slow media loading on a Roku streaming device. These Roku buffering fixes range from Roku device changes to modem tips and even a few things to try with the Roku apps and operating system.

WHAT’S THE MAIN CULPRIT?

Without a doubt, poor Wi-Fi is the leading cause of buffering on Roku and other streaming devices. You may have fast upload and download speeds, but they will be ineffective unless your Wi-Fi is up to par.

With this in mind, your Wi-Fi network may become congested, indicating that there are too many devices using the network. As a result, the signal becomes even slower, and you’ll need to unplug some of the devices to avoid buffering.

WHY DOES THE ROKU KEEP BUFFERING?

A Roku can buffer due to a slow internet connection, overheating, or an out-of-date operating system. Buffering can also be caused by media apps that automatically switch to high-resolution videos while connected to a slow connection that can’t handle larger files.

HOW DO I GET MY ROKU TO STOP BUFFERING?

Here are all of the best ways to stop buffering when using a Roku to stream media.

1. Reboot your Roku. A quick restart only takes a few seconds and can resolve your buffering issue as well as other issues.

2. Restart your Roku. Most bugs and glitches can be resolved by turning your Roku off and on again.

3. Roku should be updated. To update your Roku’s operating system to the most recent version, go to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now.

4. Remove and then re-add a channel or app. Delete the app or channel that is constantly buffering and then re-add it.

5. Examine overheating. If your Roku begins to buffer an hour or so after you turn it on, it may be overheating. Clean it frequently to avoid dust accumulation, and place it on a hard surface rather than a cloth or covering. You may also want to turn it on its side to expose more of its surface to air.

6. Connect to the internet via a wired connection. Connect your Roku device to a wired internet connection if possible. Wired connections can be faster than wireless connections and reduce the likelihood of media buffering.

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7. Disconnect any other devices from your internet connection. When trying to stream media, smartphones, tablets, computers, and video game consoles all using the internet at the same time can cause buffering. The network becomes overburdened and cannot handle all of the downloads and uploads at the same time. Try putting these other devices in Airplane mode or canceling any downloads or updates that are currently running on them.

8. Reboot your modem. A quick modem reset will establish a new connection to your internet service provider, which is often faster than the previous one.

9. Use your Roku at another time. On Friday and Saturday nights, internet services frequently experience high traffic, which can slow down speeds for everyone. Experiment with streaming content on your Roku at different times of day to see if you can find a time when there is less traffic and faster speeds.

10. Change your internet connection to a faster one. Roku buffering issues are frequently caused by a slow internet connection. See if you can connect to another one that has faster speeds and less traffic.

11. Speak with your internet service provider. Your internet service provider may analyze your internet usage to identify potential causes of slow download speeds. They may be able to recommend manual changes to your router settings or even provide you with an upgrade to a faster internet service.

12. Change the video quality manually. Many Roku apps, such as YouTube, let you change the resolution of videos in their media player or app settings. To see if the buffering stops, try selecting 1080p instead of 4K. If buffering persists, choose 720p or a lower quality or resolution setting.

13. Clear the cache on your Roku. To clear the Roku’s cache, press Home five times, Up once, Rewind twice, and Fast Forward twice on your Roku remote. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half hour to complete.

14. Reset your Roku device. If nothing else works, you could try restoring your Roku to factory settings. This will clear all of your preferences and restore them to the way they were when you first set up the Roku.

15. Upgrade to a newer Roku device. If none of the above fixes resolved the buffering issue, the issue is most likely that your Roku is too old.

16. Use a different device. If your Roku won’t stop buffering and you don’t want to buy a new model, try streaming content from apps on other devices. Many popular streaming apps are supported by smart TVs, video game consoles, and some Blu-ray players. You may even be able to cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV.

HOW DO I FIX FREQUENT BUFFERING?

First and foremost, you must ensure that you are receiving the speeds for which you have paid. Run a speed test with another Wi-Fi-enabled device. To tell the difference between the two, you can use an ethernet connection.

However, download speeds aren’t always as fast as they appear on paper. In general, it’s fine if you get 80-95 percent of what you pay for. For example, if you’re paying for 100Mbs, your Roku should be fine with 80MBs to 90MBs.

Obtaining only 20% of the optimal speed, on the other hand, may not be sufficient for smooth streaming. In this case, you should contact your internet service provider because the problem could be on their end.

However, before calling the provider, try restarting your router or modem to see if that helps. There should be an On/Off button on the back of your router, or you can simply unplug it and plug it back in.

EXPERT TIPS

You must be persistent when contacting your provider and requesting that someone come over to inspect the connection. Those who have a smart TV can connect it to an ethernet cable and avoid using Wi-Fi entirely. Of course, this assumes that the network is in good working order.

If a cable connection is not available, position your modem or router as close to the TV as possible. You can also use network extenders and switches to ensure that each device receives adequate download and upload speeds.

CONNECTION TRICK

Modern routers typically have 5GHz and 2.4GHz connections. Needless to say, the more powerful one should be used for your Roku.

A 5GHz network has a shorter range, but the connection is much faster. There is a specific socket for this connection, and an LED indicates that it is active.

HOW CAN I IMPROVE ROKU STREAMING QUALITY?

You can improve the quality of your Roku streaming by adjusting a few settings;

1. Modification Modify The Image Quality

If you try to stream on your Roku with the highest quality display image, the time it takes to buffer will be longer because there is more data to be downloaded. Changing the image quality to a lower resolution lowers the display standard but improves Roku streaming.

2. Modification Bring The Router Closer

Moving your Wifi router closer to your device can help improve and strengthen the connection, allowing for better Roku playback. This removes any potential interferences that may be obstructing the signal.

3. Modification Make Use Of An Ethernet cable

Connecting your WiFi router to your Roku device with an ethernet cable will provide a stronger connection, allowing your Roku to buffer the entire movie or episode before playing the video.

As the link remains between the two devices connected by the cable, an ethernet cable eliminates any external factors that could interfere with a wireless signal.

CONCLUSION

Hopefully, these solutions will resolve your Roku’s buffering issues. If you have a problem with your Roku device, internet speed, or anything else, you can resolve it using the methods outlined above.

If none of these solutions work for you, you may want to contact the Roku support team for additional assistance with your buffering issues.

Frequently Asked Questions