Why Does My Netflix Keep Buffering? (Best Solutions!)

Wondering why does my Netflix keep buffering? Well, wonder no more and start reading!

We all know how frustrating it is when we hop in front of our TVs ready to stream some of our favorite movies and TV shows, only to find out that Netflix keeps buffering.

Well, in this guide we’ll unveil all responsible factors and help you out solving the buffering problem permanently!

If the Netflix app keeps buffering on your TVs, perform a power cycle on the setup and then thoroughly inspect the internet connectivity.

Moreover, check the Netflix server status and in case they are online, perform a clean reinstallation of the Netflix app!

Let’s continue to unwrap!

What is Video Stream Buffering?

The so-called “buffering” is not an issue on its own. Your streaming applications such as Netflix must buffer the content ahead, in order for you to stream smoothly and without an interruption.

The buffering is essentially the app, preparing the content by sending a request to the server of the particular app and receiving a timely response.

When, however, your device is not able to communicate with the application’s server, the app is unable to buffer and the stream will stop.

Note: The same inability to buffer also happens when the app’s server is unresponsive!

Is Only Netflix Buffering?

To tighten the circle of possibilities immediately, test whether other streaming applications such as Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, or Peacock are also lagging.

If other streaming apps are also unable to buffer ahead in a timely manner, it’s very likely that your Netflix device has no internet.

Why Does My Netflix Keep Buffering?

• Netflix TV or device is not connected to the internet.
• The TV’s internet is very weak or simply inconsistent.
• The Netflix servers are offline or under maintenance.
• TV utilization is very high and the system is lagging.
• The Netflix application cache and data are corrupted.

Note: Netflix buffering and application freezing are not the same thing!

How to Fix When Netflix Keeps Buffering on My TV?

Tip: Follow the steps in chronological order!

1. Power Cycle the Netflix TV

The first and easiest step is to perform a power circulation on your TV where the Netflix app is installed, to test whether this will help.

Sometimes the reason why does Netflix keep buffering and freezing on my TV is simply due to a temporary bug that can be fixed with a full discharge!

Note: This method will NOT delete anything from your TV.

1. First, force-close the Netflix app on your TV.
2. Then, use the power button to turn off the TV.
3. Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
4. Wait 60 seconds for the Netflix TV to discharge.
5. Reconnect the TV to the power and test Netflix.

Tip: In case Netflix is still buffering, test whether other streaming apps behave the same!

2. Optimize Internet Connection

One of the primary reasons for endless Netflix buffering is slow or inconsistent internet on your Netflix app TV.

In most cases, dropouts on the internet appear on TVs connected to the WiFi, rather than on TVs connected to the router via Ethernet cable.

So, here are a few efficient tips and tricks to optimize your TV’s WiFi:

• Power cycle the router by unplugging it from the power.
• Unpair unused devices from the WiFi of the Netflix TV.
• Switch the Netflix TV from 5 GHz WiFi to 2.4 GHz WiFi.
• Perform a free internet test online to check the speeds!

Important – Is Your Internet Lagging?

Before you proceed any further, you need to verify that the internet is not what’s causing Netflix to continuously buffer.

The best way to test your internet is to use a secondary WiFi device such as your smartphone and attempt to stream movies online.

If they buffer as well, it’s your internet!

Tip: For any issues concerning your internet connectivity, contact your service provider for help!

3. Clear Netflix App Cache Data

One of the potential reasons for Netflix buffering on your TV is corruption in the cache data of the Netflix app.

This data is automatically generated with the intention to save you time signing in every time as well as many more minor improvements.

The true hurdle comes when the generated cache data becomes corrupted, which sometimes causes apps to buffer, freeze or crash.

Here’s how to clear the Netflix cache data on any smart TV:

1. First, access the TV’s Settings from the home screen.
2. Next, based on the TV model go to Storage or Apps.
3. Locate and select the Netflix application from the list.
4. Finally, highlight and select the “Clear Cache” option.
5. Tap “OK” to select and also select the “Clear Data”.

Note: After clearing the Netflix cache data you’ll be signed out of your Netflix account!

4. Check for Any Netflix Outages!

In case nothing helped so far, it’s time to start wondering whether Netflix servers are operational since the issue might not be on your side.

Sometimes the reason for the indefinite buffering is due to Netflix servers being offline, thus unable to be reached by anyone, not just you.

• You can check the Netflix Server Status anytime!

If you’re seeing “Netflix is up!”, then the buffering is not caused by them. Well, when “Netflix is offline”, then there is nothing else you can do but wait.

In those cases, not only you but anyone attempting to stream Netflix will either be kicked out of the app or only experience buffering.

Note: Netflix outages are typically not very long, approximately 2-3 hours at a time!

5. Uninstall > Install Netflix App!

In case you’ve attempted everything so far in the guide but Netflix on your TV is still buffering, one of the most powerful solutions is to uninstall and reinstall Netflix.

This method will remove the app from your TV in its entirety and then you’ll be able to re-download the app cleanly!

How to Uninstall Apps on Popular TV Brands?
Samsung TV	Press the “Home” button > Settings > Netflix > Delete > Return.
Philips TV	Go to Settings > Device > Downloaded Apps > Netflix > Uninstall.
Fire TV	Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Apps > Netflix > Uninstall
Apple TV	Select Netflix, hold the click pad center, and press Play/Pause > Delete.
Hisense TV	Simply highlight the Netflix app, scroll down, and select “Delete” to remove.

How to Download Netflix Back?

When the Netflix app is completely removed from your TV, then navigate to the dedicated store as per the model of your TV.

Then you would be able to search for Netflix and download the app cleanly on your television. After signing in, the annoying buffering should no longer be there!

Note: Verify that the Netflix application is up to date on your TV.

6. Test Netflix on Other Platforms

Well, in case nothing helped, then you should definitely test whether Netflix will work on another device rather than your TV.

The Netflix app is available to stream through an online browser, on Android or iOS mobile devices, on consoles, and on other streaming sticks and devices.

Simply, test Netflix from your computer, through a web browser. This is very easy as you only need to open a web browser and go to Netflix.com.

From there, sign into your Netflix account and test whether the streaming there works, in comparison to the Netflix TV app.

Netflix Works Everywhere Else?

So, if Netflix works on different streaming platforms, but on your TV is only buffering, then it’s time to initialize your TV to default settings.

The process is called a “factory reset” and will erase the TV’s operating system before reinstalling the software cleanly from scratch.

• The factory reset will permanently erase everything from your TV.

To factory reset a smart TV follow the universal steps below:

1. From the “Home” go into Settings > System.
2. Then enter the Advanced System Settings.
3. From there select “Reset” > “Factory Reset”.
4. Choose “Factory Reset Everything” > “OK”.
5. Alternatively, hold the pinhole reset button!
6. Wait until your smart TV is fully initialized.
7. Set up the initial settings and get Netflix.

Info: The factory reset process is different on different TV models so refer to the user’s manual for the exact steps!

Quick Recap:

Now we know why my Netflix keeps buffering, and we’ve learned that to solve the issue the streaming TV and its internet connection must be intact. Furthermore, the Netflix app cache data must be cleaned, before ultimately reinstalling the app cleanly!

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