If you’re like the vast majority of people, then you’re getting more and more of your entertainment from video streaming sites, be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, or whatever else. However, if you have started to notice that your streaming has gotten a lot slower, stuttery, or otherwise more difficult to enjoy, there may be something you can do about it.
Check other services
It might be that the streaming service itself is having some trouble at the moment. It can happen, though rarely. The bigger services such as Netflix are typically more dependable. You can also try lowering the video quality to the standard definition. High-definition videos require your connection to download more data more quickly, so lowering the definition means that you don’t have to download as much in a small amount of time, meaning less chance of it having to buffer to “catch up” with its download.
Turn off other devices and apps
Every home’s internet connection has a bandwidth limit. Think of it as a road, and every device and app that is downloading or uploading is taking up space on that road. Too many cars/connections on that road and you’re going to find traffic slows right down. To that end, you can check for what devices are connected to the net and, if they don’t need to be connected, boot them off while you’re watching so more bandwidth can go to your streaming platform.
Reboot your router
It might be a stereotype to the point of being a joke but you can always just turn your router off and back on again. A fresh start to the system can help it get a stronger connection. If you’re able to get into the backdoor controls of your router, you might find that changing its channel can help, too, if you’re on the wi-fi.
Upgrade your internet plan
If it’s not just your streaming video, but you have been finding that your net has been slowing in general, it could be caused by a range of problems. If your hardware is all working fine and you have plenty of bandwidth, it could be your internet provider that’s the problem, and looking for alternatives such as Centurylink internet could help you get the speeds you should. It’s always worth keeping a look on the market of net providers near you to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Consider using a different streaming device
Whether it’s bandwidth vampires hiding on your device or security controls that make it harder for your apps to operate effectively, desktops and laptops can sometimes be inconvenient for those who just want to watch their favorite streaming platforms. To that end, streaming devices like the Roku, Amazon Firestick, and Android TV devices, which are more purpose-built for streaming, can help you get the streaming speeds you want.
Hopefully, the tips above give you some idea of how you can fox your streaming experiences. It might mean having to make a change or two, but at least it’s good to know that you do have some options.
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