How to Troubleshoot Buffering Errors on Roku?

It’s quite often that the buffering effect ruins the entire mood, especially when we are in the middle of any movie or show. In this blog, we are mainly focusing on issues that occur on Roku. Roku is a media-streaming device whose purpose is to give you access to all the streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video on your TV. Although the service Roku provides is terrific and very popular among its users, but the buffering issue sometimes downgrades its reputation.

Causes for buffering issue

The universal culprit behind buffering in every streaming device or service is slow Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi network can also be slow if there are a lot of devices connected to the single Wi-Fi network.

How to Fix?

• You need to check the speed of the Wi-Fi network you are using.
• Use another device that can connect to Wi-Fi and start the speed test. You can also perform this function by using the Ethernet connection.
• If your speed is around 80MBs to 90MBs, then Roku will work fine.
• In case, suppose the speed is only 20MBp/s, and you are paying for 100MBp/s, then you can try restarting your modem and router.
• If still the issue is not fixed, then contact your internet service provider immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Connections

Ask for a network test to the internet service provider; they can easily perform this test by using Ethernet cable. This will tell if a network is Ok or not. In case the network issue appears after the test too, then make sure the router and the modem are kept close to your smart TV. You can also use the switches and the extenders to supply a sufficient amount of network to each device.

The routers normally have 5GHz or 2.4GHz connections. The Roku demands a much powerful connection, so use a well-functioning connection. As this range is concise, you should use a particular socket for this connection and an LED socket, which will tell you that the connection is active or not.

Restart Roku

If you have tried every fix discussed above, then it appears that the network is not an issue for buffering. So try restarting the Roku. This can fix the problem as the junk files and cache can also interrupt the file and restarting removes all the junk files and cache. Here are the ways to reboot your Roku:

1. Use your Roku remote and Locate towards Roku’s home screen, then tap the System option.
2. Hover down and select the System Restart option, then tap on clicking Restart option.
3. Wait till the device turns off and reboot again.

Roku Manual Restart     

If your Roku menu is not working correctly and you want to restart the Roku. In such a case, you can reset it manually as there is a pre-set order of remote buttons that can immediately proceed Roku to restart.

Here are the ways to restart Roku manually:

1. Press the Home button five times, then select the arrow UP option one time.
2. Now, select rewind and Fast Forward twice.
3. After pressing all these buttons in order, the Roku will begin to turn off and will be on in a bit.

Software Upgrade

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Select the Settings option, then tap on System option.
3. Now, tap on System Update and select Check Now to look for new software. In this section, there are also options to check the available software version, the time, and the date regarding the previous update.
4. Then, start installing the software and go for the option tom updates all the channels.
5. After the download and the installation process completes.
6. Roku will restart, and all the buffering issues will be fixed.

Hardware Issue

Roku doesn’t bother with the hardware problems unless anyone mistakenly damages its dongle. If you think that this can be your issue, then you need to take the cable out and start testing it with an Ethernet connection. Don’t forget to turn off the Wi-Fi before running this testing process.

No Buffering Streaming

The blog above discussed all the possible causes and their fixes that interrupt the videos on Roku. The download speeds that Roku demand must be at least 20MBp/s. Consider the internet speed details and enjoy streaming your favorite TV shows or movies on Roku.

Source:- http://setupmenow.com/how-to-troubleshoot-buffering-errors-on-roku/

Mia Davis is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.