Streaming has become the new hot thing around the globe. Even though there are still many devotees of the traditional cable or satellite TV, but the younger generation with a faster pace of life and work routines very different from our elders mostly prefers to stream their favorite TV shows or the latest movies at their own time. This works well for most of us because we do not usually have the time to wait around for our favorite programming to air. Maybe we have a Zoom meeting scheduled for the same time slot or maybe we just have to pull an all-nighter to finish up that presentation due on Monday. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is certain, streaming works for us and that is why it is all the rage.
However, streaming videos at your own time and pace may sound like the best thing in the world to a movie buff or a TV show binge-watcher, but it cannot be possible without a good internet connection. You will require a high-speed internet service that provides you a solid download speed and a low ping rate. Internet service providers like AT&T, Spectrum, Cox, and many more offer internet connections that you can rely on with download speeds starting at 100Mbps, which is enough for seamless streaming.
Their high-speed internet services can be mixed with phone and TV services to avail of the best of connectivity and entertainment. For example, AT&T TV offers all popular live TV channels and supports streaming services like Hulu and Netflix for streaming enthusiasts. When you combine AT&T TV and Internet you ensure that you do not miss out on anything ever. And if you add AT&T wireless to the mix you can rest assured that no matter where you are in the country you can stay connected and entertained with the affordable data plans it offers.
However, you need to understand that no matter how good your internet service provider is sometimes you may face problems. One such problem could be buffering videos, which could be happening due to several reasons, and is not necessarily your provider’s fault. We have put together a few steps that you can take to fix the problem. So let us get started with that.
Step 1
Try pausing the video for some time. This will allow your video to load completely before you start watching it, thus resulting in no buffer breaks.
Step 2
If you have any programs running in the background, quit them. Programs running in the background consume bandwidth and may be causing slow video streaming. Make it a habit to quit any games or applications before starting to stream so that you have the entire bandwidth dedicated to your videos.
Step 3
When several devices are connected to the internet simultaneously this may cause buffering because the bandwidth is divided among so many tasks. Therefore, turn off any devices that you are not using to decrease the traffic on your router.
Step 4
Sometimes, things are as simple as restarting your modem/router. Just unplug it from the power outlet and wait for about 30 seconds. Plug it in and wait for the device to establish an internet connection. Once all the lights are stable, connect your device to the network, and try streaming.
Step 5
When restarting your router/modem, also restart your streaming application or web browser. This will allow any problems at the application or browser’s end to fix itself while rebooting.
Step 6
Wi-Fi routers send out radio signals to your devices in order for them to receive the internet service. These radio signals can be easily disrupted by other electronic devices, walls, etc. Place your router in a location that is free from obstructions and is closer to the devices that you use to stream. If you live in a big house you may want to consider a second router, Wi-Fi extender, or a mesh system.
Step 7
Wi-Fi networks are easily disrupted, so if you could not fix the problem through the above-mentioned step, then you may want to try using an Ethernet cable to connect your streaming device directly to the internet.
Step 8
If you are okay with watching videos at a lower resolution than you already do then try switching to lower video quality. This will allow lower use of bandwidth, hence lesser buffering.
Step 9
However, if you are not up for lower-quality videos then you may want to consider upgrading the download speed of your internet connection. But before you upgrade your internet plan make sure that your router is up-to-date. Old routers can cause slower internet speeds too.
Step 10
Regularly clear your browser’s cookies and cache. A browser loaded with cookies and cache will be much slower and cause buffering videos.
Step 11
Unless you have a dedicated internet line for your home only, chances are that you share the internet line with several other people in your neighborhood. So try not to stream videos in the evening peak hours to avoid the frustration of buffering videos.
Step 12
Malware and viruses can cause your computer to perform much slower than normal. These malicious software can cause much more damage than just slowing down a machine. So it is good practice to always have good anti-virus software installed that runs regular scans.
Step 13
Streaming apps regularly roll out updates that are needed for optimal performances. Make sure that you are running an up-to-date version of your preferred streaming app. Make it a habit to check for updates regularly.
Step 14
Regardless of which device you are using to stream videos, the operating system plays a huge part in the performance. If your device’s operating system is outdated it may not support newer versions of videos that may cause buffering problems. Therefore, it is crucial to have your devices running on the latest versions of their OS.
Step 15
Video card drivers are the backbone of playing videos on your device. Usually, these drivers will be automatically updated when you update your OS. However, if you installed a video card of your own choice then you may need to regularly check the manufacturer’s website to ensure you have the latest version running.
Conclusion
If you have followed all of the above steps and are still facing problems then it is about time you contact your internet provider and sort this.
