Test your speed where you watch
Run a speed test on the device you watch on, at the time you usually watch. Home connections are often slower in the evening, and slower on Wi-Fi than on a cable. Testing in the right place and at the right time tells you far more than a test next to the router in the morning. Higher-quality streams need more bandwidth — streaming quality and internet requirements explains why.
Wi-Fi or a network cable?
A cable (Ethernet) from your router to the TV or streaming box is usually steadier than Wi-Fi, especially for a big screen that stays in one place. Wi-Fi is more convenient, and is the only option for phones and tablets.
| Wi-Fi | Ethernet cable | |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Can vary with distance, walls and other devices | Usually steady |
| Setup | No cables | Needs a cable or adapter to the router |
| Best for | Phones, tablets and devices that move | TVs and boxes that stay in one place |
| If the router is far away | Mesh Wi-Fi or an extender can help | Powerline adapters can carry the network over your home's wiring |
Many streaming sticks have no network port, but some accept a USB Ethernet adapter — check your device's specifications before buying one.
Give your Wi-Fi a better chance
- Keep the router out in the open, raised up, and not inside a cupboard or behind the TV.
- Keep it away from thick walls, mirrors, fish tanks and microwaves where you can.
- If your router offers a 5 GHz network, use it for devices in the same or the next room — it is usually faster over short distances.
- Use 2.4 GHz for devices further away, where its longer range helps.
Rooms far from the router
A mesh Wi-Fi system or a Wi-Fi extender can bring a stronger signal to distant rooms. Place an extender roughly halfway between the router and the room, where the signal is still good.
Reduce competing traffic
Large downloads, game updates, cloud backups and video calls on other devices all share your connection. Pause them while you watch, or schedule them for overnight. Many routers can also prioritise a chosen device — check your router's settings for an option called QoS or device priority.
Restart and update
- Step 1: Restart your router and streaming device every so often.
- Step 2: Install firmware updates for your router when they are offered.
- Step 3: Keep the player app and the device software up to date.
When to talk to your internet provider
If speed tests are consistently low even next to the router with a cable, the limit is likely your internet connection itself. Your provider can check the line or suggest a different package.
In short
Test where you watch, use a cable where you can, place the router well and keep other heavy traffic out of the way. If streams still pause, the step-by-step buffering guide helps you narrow down the cause, and the troubleshooting guide covers other problems.
Still seeing pauses after these changes? Tell us your device and connection type on WhatsApp and we'll help you look further.
Ask on WhatsApp
