What is buffering and how do you avoid it?
Buffering is probably the most common source of frustration among IPTV users. You're all set to watch the match or the film — and then the picture starts stuttering, freezing or loading. Here we explain why it happens and what you can concretely do to fix it.
What is buffering?
When you stream IPTV your device fetches a continuous stream of video data from the server. Buffering occurs when the device can't fetch data fast enough to keep up with playback. The result is that the picture freezes while the device loads the next portion of the stream.
It's important to understand that buffering almost never comes from uPlay's servers — in the vast majority of cases it's down to your internet connection, your home network or your device settings.
Does the picture only freeze after a few hours?
Then it isn't buffering. If everything works for two or three hours and then gives way, and leaving the channel and going back in fixes it, you have a different fault with a different cause: The picture freezes after a few hours.
Common causes of buffering
| Cause | How common? |
|---|---|
| Weak WiFi signal | Very common |
| Too slow internet connection | Common |
| Overloaded home network | Common |
| Wrong resolution setting in the app | Common |
| VPN slowing down the connection | Common |
| Overheating device | Less common |
| Issues with your internet provider | Less common |
How to fix buffering
1. Switch from WiFi to a wired connection
This is the single most effective measure you can take. WiFi is sensitive to interference from other networks, walls and other devices. A network cable directly from the router to your streaming box or TV eliminates these problems immediately.
2. Check your internet speed
Open a browser and go to fast.com or speedtest.net and measure your actual speed. Compare with these guidelines:
| Quality | Recommended speed |
|---|---|
| SD (Standard) | 5 Mbit/s |
| HD (720p) | 10 Mbit/s |
| Full HD (1080p) | 20 Mbit/s |
| 4K (UHD) | 50 Mbit/s |
Is your speed lower than recommended? Contact your internet provider, or pick channels in lower quality (see step 3).
3. Pick a channel in lower quality
Each channel is broadcast in a set quality, and most apps can't lower it. Instead, pick the same channel in a category with lower quality – for example HD or HEVC instead of RAW or 4K. See RAW vs. HD/4K.
4. Turn off your VPN
Are you using a VPN? Try turning it off temporarily and test whether the buffering disappears. VPN services can halve your actual speed depending on the server and protocol.
5. Restart your router and device
Sounds simple but works surprisingly often. Turn off the router, wait 30 seconds and restart. Do the same with your streaming box or TV.
6. Reduce the load on your network
Do you have multiple devices streaming, downloading or gaming online at the same time? That splits the bandwidth. Try turning off other devices temporarily and see if the buffering decreases.
7. Check your device's temperature
An overheating streaming box or TV box can start performing poorly to protect itself. Make sure the device has good ventilation and isn't built into a cramped space.
Quick test
Try switching to a channel in lower quality. If it works without buffering the problem is your connection or settings — not uPlay.
Buffering during sport and live events
Live broadcasts are more sensitive to buffering than regular channels because they can't be preloaded in the same way. During popular events like major football finals or big UFC shows, even normally stable connections can experience brief interruptions.
Info
Experiencing buffering only during major live events but not otherwise? It's likely temporary server load. Wait a moment or switch to an alternative stream channel if one is available.
Frequently asked questions
Could it be uPlay's fault?
It happens, but rarely. uPlay has 99.9% uptime and continuously monitors server performance. If you suspect a server issue, contact our support and we'll check the status straight away.
Why does it only buffer on certain channels?
Some channels broadcast in higher quality than others and require more bandwidth. Sports channels and 4K channels are the most demanding. Try the same channel in a category with lower quality. If a single channel buffers while others work: tell us which one in the chat and we'll report it.
Does using a VPN help with buffering?
Sometimes. In isolated cases your internet provider may be throttling streaming traffic, and a VPN can bypass that. But in most cases a VPN makes things worse rather than better.
The buffering won't go away despite everything I've tried — what do I do?
Write in the chat on My uPlay which channel is affected, which app and device you're using and what speed you've measured, and we'll troubleshoot further.
Summary
- Buffering is almost always caused by your internet connection or home network — not uPlay
- Switch to a wired connection — it's the most effective measure
- Check your internet speed and pick channels in lower quality if needed
- Turn off VPN and reduce the load on your network
- Restart your router and device if everything else fails
Nothing working? Contact our support via live chat or email and we'll help you sort it out.