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8 Quick Fixes For Spectrum Video Buffering Problems

Have buffering issues when streaming video or making video calls? Affordable internet services are now considered a utility on par with heat and electricity. It is almost impossible to consider life without it. The outbreak of the coronavirus has increased our reliance on residential services like Spectrum internet outage even more. Almost everyone uses the internet for entertainment and socializing, but it is now being used for remote working and distance learning as well. With all the added traffic and bandwidth demands, you may experience hiccups like your video calls or video streams interrupted by buffering. This blog explores several ways to fix this problem for Spectrum customers. Read on to find out more.

Step #1: Conduct A Series of Internet Tests

The very first step is to check if the problem is the result of slower speeds. If you have an idea of what the advertised speeds for your plan are, this is very simple. All you have to do is run an internet speed test such as Ookla and see what speeds you are getting. If your internet speeds are nowhere near the advertised ones, this may be the culprit behind video buffering. For more accurate results, use a wired connection wherever possible. If your speeds are too slow, speak to the provider about why this may be happening.

Step #2: Shut Down Background Applications

Certain applications continue to function and consume bandwidth, even after you close them. When running in the background, these applications could be hogging bandwidth you need to stream videos or make video calls. When experiencing buffering issues, check to see if your device has any applications running in the background that require internet access. Shutting them down can often fix the problem.

Step#3: Powercycle Your Modem and Router

Often, one of the simplest fixes for slow video buffering is to restart your modem and wireless router. Both these pieces of equipment can develop bugs if not power-cycled for a long time. These bugs can choke internet traffic and cause bottlenecks in the transfer of data. However, an easy solution is to simply reboot both pieces of equipment. A hard reboot allows them to refresh, clearing out any bugs that may have accumulated.

Step #4: Move Your Router to a Better Location

Many times, the problem is not with your router but with where it is placed. Solid obstructions like steel surfaces or concrete walls and floors can block wireless signals from reaching your device. When you have patchy signal strength, you are more likely to experience buffering issues on video. Try placing your router in a more suitable place, as close to the center of your home as possible for even coverage.

Step #5: Update All Equipment and Device Software

Equipment like your router as well as the devices you access the internet on are controlled by software. Periodically, companies behind this software update it to protect you from new internet threats and to meet safer internet protocols. Equipment upgrades often improve its functioning, including internet access. However, if you neglect to upgrade your devices and equipment, they can often start functioning inefficiently. This may cause problems like video buffering. Downloading and installing these updates may fix it.

Step #6: Reboot Your Internet-Connected Device

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with internet speeds or internet equipment, but with the device you are trying to stream video on. Viruses or malware can often infect internet devices like laptops or smartphones. These can have an effect on your internet experience, including video buffering. Devices connected to the internet are always at risk of developing such problems. If rebooting doesn’t fix the problem, you may have to download an antivirus or anti-malware application.

Step #7: Protect Your Router from Electronic Interference

Finally, sometimes electrical emittances from other devices in your home may interfere with wireless connectivity. Things like microwave ovens can often disrupt wireless signals when they are running. If your router is too close to your microwave or any other devices that emit electrical signals, look into moving it to a more suitable location in your home.

Step #8: Try Streaming During Off-Peak Hours

In most cases, if you aren’t getting enough speeds, you can change your plan to a faster one. However, if that is not possible, you can’t help the restricted bandwidth during peak hours. During these hours, you may experience slow buffering. There’s nothing you can do except switch your streaming activities to off-peak hours. If you’re wondering what to do in the meantime, why not relax with some quality content on Spectrum TV? It can while away the hours, and you may even discover new content that might interest you.

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