It’s Friday night, you have ordered piping hot pizza, and you and your household members are all set to watch a show on Netflix after a long tiring day. But there comes an unexpected problem: it’s your enemy: buffering. Let us tell you that endless buffering is the most unwelcomed thing especially when you are watching the missed episodes of your favorite series.
Nothing is more frustrating than losing the luxury of watching shows or movies without delays. With the help of some effective tips, you can bid a sweet farewell to bufferbuffering issues. In this article, we will walk you through a few simple tips to get rid of buffering.
Close Unnecessary Apps and Tabs
While catching up on your favorite TV show on an internet-connected device that is already running a bunch of applications or downloads simultaneously, it might not stream content flawlessly. Keep in mind that you may run into buffering issues even if the other applications running in the background are minimized. This primarily happens because each app consumes a chunk of the internet and not to mention, system resources. For instance, a gaming app might continuously send pop-ups or notifications for updates which in turn could drain system resources without you even realizing it.
To get rid of buffering issues, you need to close all the unneeded apps and software running quietly in the background. Once you do that, you will be able to enjoy buffer-free streaming like never before.
Lower Video Resolution
Another effective way to avoid buffering issues is to reduce video quality especially if you are streaming content on a mobile device. The higher the video resolution is, the longer it takes to transmit data to your internet-connected device.
However, if you manage to reduce video quality, you won’t necessarily have to end up waiting as long. This is why it is recommended to watch video content at a lower resolution.
There is a myriad of video streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and, Amazon Prime, and the like that come with the option to change resolution. If you are someone who prefer s watching shows on a smaller screen, like mobile devices and tablets, you could lower the resolution from 1080p to 720p to stop buffering issues once and all. You can go to the video player’s settings to change the resolution according to your requirement. By doing so, you can have an unmatched entertainment experience, that too without any pauses.
Check Your Internet Speed
There are a variety of internet service providers that offer varying internet connection speeds at different price points. Many internet users opt for a higher internet connection speed which lives up to the expectations of all household members, so all of them could indulge in different online activities simultaneously.
Regardless of the plan and speed you choose, you will come across speed issues at the most unexpected time. This is exactly when you need to run a speed test to ensure that your internet speed is not the real culprit. This way, you can easily determine if your ISP is delivering the advertised speeds. If your ISP is not offering the speed you are paying for, maybe it’s time to switch to a more reliable provider. Consider opting for Windstream Internet for a seamless online experience. If you have any questions regarding the service, feel free to reach out to Windstream customer service.
Clean Up Your Browser History and Cache
Before you rush to blame your internet service provider, take the time to check if there’s a cache and other temporary files on your web browser. At times, the issue might arise from your system or your web browser in particular.
What you need to know is that web browsers usually maintain a cache for websites or applications you previously visited. The browsers do this so you could easily load content instead of downloading it when you revisit a website. However, the browser automatically slows down when it gets bogged down with temporary and cached data. Cleaning out some gunk and wiping out your browser history may speed things up and in turn, reduce your video buffering problems.
When you manage to perform such cleanup tasks, it will likely yield immediate results. Make sure that you do not let the unnecessary data build up again.
The Bottom Line
When you binge-watch a series on a popular streaming platform, you expect uninterrupted entertainment. But there are times when you experience buffering problems. If you have somewhat fallen victim to video buffering, then know that there are ways to avoid pauses and endless buffering. By using the above-mentioned tips, you could have a smooth stream experience.
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