There are a number of factors that can cause the buffering issue. Here are some of the most common reasons why buffering happens:
- Slow internet connection: It is recommended that you have at least 65 Mbps for 1080p and 85 Mbps for 4K streaming. If your internet connection is slow, you will experience buffering issues. Best Recommended/ Affordable Router
ISP Throttling: Your ISP might slow down your connection speed from time to time if they detect too much streaming activities
Modem far from FireStick: If your FireStick is placed too far from your Wi-Fi modem, your signal strength will be weak and will cause buffering issues.
Running low on RAM: It is not uncommon for FireStick to run out of RAM. There may be many unnecessary apps running in the background
Running low on storage: Again, it is common among FireStick users. The device has only 8GB of space, a lot of which is already used up by the OS
FireStick overheating: If your FireStick is overheating, it is likely to cause buffering issues
Outdated Firestick OS: You may experience buffering issues on FireStick if it is running on an outdated OS
Possible solutions to Help Stop Buffering
The following are the solutions to stop buffering on Firestick/ Android Tv Box:
1. Restart Your Device
If you can’t really put a finger on the exact reason causing the buffering issue, a trick, as simple as restarting your device, could be the solution.
In fact, restarting is one of the most basic troubleshooting methods and it should be one of the first ones to try. It can solve many problems.
2. Take Care of Internet Speed
You probably have high-speed broadband and internet speed is not a problem for you. However, I would still recommend you to check the internet speed as the first troubleshooting step.
If it turns out you are actually getting desirable internet speed, you will have taken this concern out of the way.
And, if it is the slow internet connection behind buffering issues, you can always reach out to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to find out the reason or you might even get a new connection altogether.
If the ISP confirms it's not from their end then it could be from the type of router you have.
Any speed above 50 Mbps is good enough for streaming in up to 1080p resolution
If you stream 4K videos, at least 70 Mbps is recommended.
If your Firestick is not receiving the desired internet speed, here’s what you should do next-
Check and improve Wi-Fi signal strength
Signal strength plays a key role in a smooth streaming experience. The signal strength is stronger when the modem is near your device and weaker when it is far.
Usually, the modem should be within 20-30 feet from the device for the best signal strength. If your modem is farther than this, you may want to consider buying a router with a better range.
You also need to make sure that there aren’t too many electrical devices near your modem that may cause interference with the signal.
And, if possible, place the modem a little higher up (6ft or higher) for better signal coverage.
Use Ethernet Cable for Wired Connection
A wired connection is usually much faster than a wireless connection. Firstly, it doesn’t have to rely on the proximity of the router to the device. The Ethernet wire is plugged directly into your device
Secondly, there are no obstacles between the router and the device. Many electrical, as well as certain mechanical obstacles, tend to weaken the Wi-Fi signal.
You can control or even stop buffering on with the wired connection. For wired connectivity, you can buy the Ethernet cable and Adapter for your devices from Amazon.com.
The internet/LAN wire and the power cable from your power adapter will go into the Ethernet adapter. And then, a single cable from the Ethernet adapter will be plugged into your Firestick or Tv Box.
Note that you DO NOT need to buy the Ethernet Adapter if you are already getting substantial network speed through your Wi-Fi connection.
3. Use a VPN to prevent buffering
Internet throttling is a common practice among ISPs. Your internet provider may slow down your internet connection when streaming activities beyond a certain level are detected. As a result, you may experience buffering on FireStick.
Thankfully, this can be easily avoided by using a VPN service for FireStick or Android Tv Box. A good VPN will not only stop your ISP from throttling speed but will benefit in several ways such as:
Hide streaming activities from Government surveillance and ISP
Anonymous torrent downloads
Safeguards personal information from hackers
Unblock geo-restricted content (including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, etc.)
