Do you ever find yourself getting frustrated with how slow your video streaming connection is? Whether you’re trying to watch your favorite show on Netflix or catch up on the latest news on YouTube, a slow connection can be annoying.
Thankfully, there are some easy ways to speed up your video streaming connection. In this blog post, we’ll share 10 easy tips that will help you get the most out of your streaming experience. So whether you’re using a computer, phone, or tablet, these tips will help optimize your connection and get you watching those videos in no time.
1. Turn Off Other Software Applications
There are always applications running in the background on mobile phones or computers that we left unnoticed, but they strain bandwidth and slow video stream.
So, before having your stream, make sure all unnecessary applications are closed on your phone or computer. It also includes social networks, web browsers, etc., or any download running in the background.
2. Turn Off Your VPN
VPN is a virtual private network normally used to hide IP addresses and encrypt the data across the internet. While performing its function, it takes a certain amount of bandwidth and slows down the internet connection. And when the internet connection will be slow, other running programs will also lag.
Eventually, your video stream will also be affected. This problem could be resolved by turning off VPN. If you still want to run VPN, then pick a VPN with many servers because it does not cause server load. NordVPN is great in this regard and does check our speed tests.
3. Reposition Your Router
The router’s position is critical to fix slow streaming video problems. Try to find a commonplace between the rooms at a certain height where everyone can easily access internet service.
Because if you keep it at the farther place, received signals will be at lower speed and vice versa. Try to move your streaming device closer to the router as it helps to increase connection stability. And with a good connection, there will be few streaming issues.
4. Try Ethernet Cable Instead Of Wireless Connection
You can’t plug ethernet cable with your mobile phones, but try plugging it directly with your router if you are streaming video on a PC. It will cause a significant difference in your internet speed. Ethernet cable is faster than Wi-Fi as it directly connects with the router.
Wi-Fi is frequently used in today’s world because it provides more convenience and reliability. But we can’t deny the advantages ethernet cable offers. It offers faster speed, lower latency, and reliable connections.
It can provide up to 10 Gb/s speed. But it directly depends on which type of Ethernet cable and internet connection you will use. If you are still facing problems after using the cable, you should consult the authoritative person of the company.
5. Reboot Your Modem/Router
Although it seems an easy step mostly, it fixes the connection problem and can improve your video streaming services quality.
- Unplug the router or any other network hardware such as network switches.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds to let the device cool down and indicate to your computer and other devices that the router is off.
- Plugin the router. Some routers may have a press button. If you had the button, Press that.
- Wait for at least 1 minute more to give the router time to boot up its functionality.
It’s a good practice to reboot the router once a month as it helps to maintain a speedy internet connection. It is also good for the security of your connection.
6. Adjust Streaming Resolution
To have better video streaming, you may have to compromise on quality to improve its consistency. Video platforms offer you to stream on several resolution levels from low-quality mobile (240p or 320p) to higher up to 4K (2,160p).
The higher the resolution, the more data will be required, and it may cause buffering and slow the speed of your video.
To adjust video quality on YouTube, tap 3 dots on the right upper side. Then select ‘Quality’ and advanced. In the Advanced option, you can select a specific resolution, and your video will start playing in that video resolution.
7. Clear Cache Files
Another big factor that may cause your slow video streaming service is cache files. These files create digital clutter and clog local directories. To remove these cache files on your android phone.
- Open Google Chrome app. Tab 3 dots at the upper right side. Then click History and then go to clear browsing data.
- At the top, you will get ‘choose time range.’ Select ‘All time’ to delete everything.
- Then there will be “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files,” tap the ‘Clear data’ option. In this way, all cache files will be deleted.
It works the same on your PC or Mac and iPhone and other browsers, there is a history section on each browser where you can clean you cache.
Watch this video on how to clear all your cached files on Windows
Video credits to Panjno on YouTube.
And this video shows how to clear your cache on Mac
Video credits to How-To Guide on YouTube.
8. Stream During Low Activity Time
Observe and note when there is low internet activity at your place. Try to schedule your streaming time around that time. Because when other people use internet connection stream or download, it will eventually take a significant portion of connection, and as a result, your steaming will be affected.
Also, observe peak stream hours in your geographical area or try video streaming at different times of day or weekends to know when you get the best quality stream.
9. Update Your Streaming Device
Regularly check for updates on your play store or app store. Updating apps give access to the latest features and improve these apps. When streaming video on a computer, smart TV, or phone, your streaming item should have an updated version.
The simple way to ensure that your item is up to date is by checking for updates regularly. If you don’t find time for this, automatically set your device to update your apps.
For Android mobile phones, open the Google Play store app. Tap Profile icon at top right corner. Tap setting > Network Preferences > Auto-update apps.
10. Upgrade Your Internet Connection
After following all the above tips, if you are still facing the slow streaming issue, it indicates that you require upgrading your internet connection. Pay more to get more. Contact your internet service provider and work on internet bandwidth. If you go for bandwidth with fiber optics, it will provide a speedy and reliable connection.
When you switch your internet plan, make sure the internet connection is compatible with your router. If it is necessary, upgrade it with a new router. The most recommended plan is with 25 Mbps speed, where you can easily stream Netflix YouTube and attend Zoom meetings.
Also Check: How To Fix Apple TV “Video Not Available” Error When Streaming Shows?
Summing Up
While there are many potential culprits for a slow video streaming connection, by following the 10 easy tips listed above, you can help to diagnose and fix the issue.
We hope that our tips help you get back to watching your favorite shows and movies as quickly as possible. Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know in the comments below.
Maryam has been teaching IT as a school teacher for over a decade, and her main subject of choice is Internet safety, especially helping parents keep their families safe and secure online. When Maryam is not teaching or writing she is a big fan of the outdoors, the complete opposite of staring at a computer screen for hours.
