Why is Netflix Lagging On Chrome & How to Fix?

Wondering why is Netflix lagging on Chrome? Well, this guide covers everything to know!

When Netflix has trouble buffering or loading through the Chrome browser on your device, the problem is most likely related to an internet issue.

So, remain invested throughout the guide to learn all probable causes for the problem as well as the respective and proven solutions…

When Netflix is lagging on Chrome, the reason could be an issue with the Wi-Fi/Ethernet, a cache-related problem, or an outdated browser.

To resolve the problem, we recommend reducing the Netflix streaming resolution and cleanly re-installing the Chrome browser.

Let’s unwrap the problem further!

Why Is Netflix Lagging On Chrome?

The primary reason for unexplained lagging Netflix on your Chrome browser is an unstable internet connection.

“Lagging” could also refer to buffering, which is a sign that your internet connection is either too weak or there is a problem with the router network settings.

Here are all of the potential reasons for a laggy Netflix on Google Chrome:

• Too much bandwidth is consumed by the WiFi network.
• There’s a problem with the Netflix movie or TV show.
• The Wi-Fi connection of your device is unstable/weak.
• A cache or data issue with the Google Chrome browser.
• The Chrome browser is on an outdated firmware version.
• A temporal problem with the Netflix platform or the content.

Tip: Run a Speed Test!

Before we start, press the “GO” button on speedtest.com to receive data about your device’s download and upload speed.

To determine if there’s an improvement in the speed of your WiFi, you may have to run this test multiple times throughout the guide for comparison.

Netflix Lagging On Google Chrome – 7 Working Solutions!

1. Improve Internet Connection!

Let’s start with a couple of methods to improve the speed of your device’s Wi-Fi/Ethernet connection.

The main reason for buffering/lagging issues within Netflix is futile internet and as long as the problem is not on the provider’s end, the issue can be resolved easily at home!

• Power Cycle the Wi-Fi Router!

Start with power cycling the Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from the electrical outlet for 60 seconds.

This quick resolution to the problem helps with any software/hardware issues!

• Disconnect Unused Devices

Unpair any devices from the Wi-Fi network that you no longer or rarely use.

The more devices are connected to the Wi-Fi network, the more bandwidth is constantly occupied, which makes your Netflix lag on the Chrome browser.

• Prevent High-Data Processes

Streaming, downloading, uploading, and potentially seeding content consumes a lot of your network’s bandwidth.

Whenever there is no network resource left, all other devices that are connected to the Wi-Fi network may start experiencing lagging and connectivity time-outs.

• Reconnect the Ethernet Cable 

If you’re experiencing internet issues while directly connected to the Wi-Fi router, unplug the Ethernet cable and wait for 30 seconds.

This will refresh the LAN connection between your PC/laptop to the router and significantly reduce the Netflix lag.

• Switch to a Different Wi-Fi Thread

If you’re using a dual-band router, connect your device to either the 2.4 GHz thread or the 5 GHz WiFi frequency.

Test if Netflix lags more or less when switching from one WiFi to another.

Note: Test the speed of your connection at speedtest.com after attempting these methods!

2. Reduce Opened Background Apps

Perhaps, the overwhelming memory utilization on your streaming device is causing the browser version of Netflix to lag and buffer.

To reduce the utilization, we recommend closing all opened background apps that are occupying the streaming device’s resources.

How to Close Background Apps On Mobile?

1. Access the temporal memory of the mobile device.
2. Scroll upwards/downwards to remove an application.
3. Repeat the swiping to remove all apps from the temporal memory.

How to Close Background Apps On PC/Laptop?

1. Launch the Task Manager or Activity Monitor.
2. Right-click an application to bring up the options.
3. Press “End This Process” to close any service.

Alert: Only close applications that have been launched by you and are not system-hosted!

3. Clear Chrome’s Cache & Cookies

The problem could be related to Chrome’s app and cache. By default, all of your actions within Chrome are recorded and stored in the “History” section within the settings.

Also, the “Cookies” that keep records of your login details and much more, frequently cause lag while streaming!

Follow these instructions to clear the cache and cookies on your Chrome browser:

1. Launch the Chrome browser on your streaming device.
2. At the top right of the browser, press the “More” button.
3. Select “More Tools” and choose “All Time” from above.
4. Press on “Clear Browsing Data” to erase the cache.
5. Go back to “Tools” and then “Cookies and other site data”.
6. Check all boxes and press the “Clear Data” button.

Tip: Clear the cache of Chrome periodically to maintain stable browser performance!

4. Update Chrome to the Latest Version

Whenever Netflix is lagging on Chrome, the problem could be related to the outdated firmware version of the browser.

Usually when there’s an update available for the Chrome browser, a red “Update” button will appear on the top-right corner that you must press.

• Press “Automatically Update Chrome for All Users” if you have multiple users!

How to Update Google Chrome On Linux?

To update Google Chrome on a Linux-supported device, access the package manager, locate Chrome, and press the “Update” button.

Wait for the system to download the firmware package for the browser and apply it automatically.

How to Update Google Chrome On Mobile?

1. Access the App Store/Google Play on the device.
2. In the search field, type “Google Chrome” to find it.
3. Press on the “Update” button to start the process.

Tip: Activate “Automatic Updates” for the Google Chrome app!

5. Lower the Netflix Resolution Option

Lowering the quality of the streamed Netflix content may help to reduce the lagging or buffering issues.

There’s an option in the profile settings of your Netflix account that allows you to adjust the resolution at either “Auto”, “Low”, “Medium” or “High” quality without specific given values.

Here’s how to lower Netflix’s resolution on the Chrome browser:

1. Go to the Netflix website through a Chrome browser.
2. Make sure you’re logged in and press on your profile icon.
3. Go to “Account” and then choose your profile icon again.
4. Scroll down to the “Playback settings” section in the tab.
5. Press on “Data usage per screen” and choose “Low”.
6. Click on the “Save” button to lock in your resolution selection.

Alert: Choosing the “Low” resolution quality will significantly reduce the quality of the content.

6. Check the Playback Speed

The Playback Speed defines whether you want the content streamed fast, slow, or normally (1x).

If you’ve accidentally adjusted the playback speed at 0.75x for example, it may seem that Netflix is lagging, but it actually isn’t, as the playback speed has been reduced.

Press on the “Playback Speed” icon at the quick options on the Netflix broadcast and make sure it is set to “1x (Normal)”.

Lock in your choice by pressing on the middle button of the Playback Speed tab and resume the content streaming to test.

7. Enable Chrome *HW Acceleration*

The hardware acceleration on the Google Chrome browser is a feature that allows the browser to use your video card (GPU) to speed up surfing.

On machines with weak CPU (processors), without the HW acceleration, the streaming on Netflix could be laggy, jittery, or keep freezing!

To enable the HW acceleration on the Chrome browser, follow the steps:

1. Open the Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings!
2. From there, scroll down to find and enter “Advanced”.
3. Next, locate and enter the “System” within the settings.
4. Finally, click “Use Hardware Acceleration When Available”.

Tip: Use the search bar on the top to locate the settings easily!

8. Reinstall the Chrome Browser

To fix any potential issues with the Chrome browser, we recommend uninstalling Chrome and then downloading it again.

Chrome can be uninstalled and then re-added on any device, and your settings won’t be lost since they are all bounded to your Google account, not the browser!

• Only the locally installed Chrome extensions will be erased!

So, based on your device and operating system, simply uninstall the browser and download the software again when ready.

This will provide you with a fresh start and an opportunity to test.

Tip: On mobiles, use Google Play or the App Store, and on PC/laptop, download Chrome from here!

Quick Recap:

Hence, whenever Netflix lagging on Chrome, the problem can be fixed by rebooting the browser, clearing the app cache and cookies, and updating the software version. If the problem persists, check the playback speed setting and reinstall the Chrome browser.

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