When Crave TV keeps buffering whilst you are trying to enjoy a show, it can wreck your enjoyment of streaming content.
There are several ways that you can increase your ability to reduce buffering when viewing Crave TV.
Why does Crave keep buffering?
The reason that Crave keeps buffering is usually due to insufficient internet bandwidth on your home network or a system issue on your streaming device.
We recently covered what to do when Crave TV is not loading, however, if it’s just buffering that is the issue, then read on!
Here are some tips on how to make stop Crave TV Buffering:
- Soft Reset your Streaming Source Device
- Reset your Router
- Update your systems
- Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
- Close any other apps that are running
- Use an Ethernet cable rather than a Wi-Fi
- Upgrade your Internet Connection
- Disable VPNs or Ad blockers
- Upgrade your Router
- Contact Crave TV Support
How to stop Crave TV Buffering
Method 1. Restart your Streaming Source Device
To access Crave TV, you will be using a streaming device to access the app.
The most common streaming devices for Crave TV are:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming Stick such as Apple TV, Firestick, or Roku
- Games Consoles such as Playstation and XBOX
- A PC or Macbook Laptop
To perform a power cycle of the devices, simply unplug them for 60 seconds before plugging them back in.
This restart allows any updates that have been downloaded in the background to successfully install and start, and it also clears the system cache.
Clearing the system cache and any lingering apps running in RAM can help in reducing the buffering on Crave TV.
By reducing the number of apps running in the background, you give Crave TV stream the content needed.
Method 2. Reset your Router
This is my go-to solution when I have any buffering issues when viewing Crave TV.
How do I reset my router?
The easiest way to reset your router is to simply unplug it from the wall socket for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
This action will “power-cycle” your router and provide more bandwidth to increase your ability to stream content faster on Crave TV.
Why does resetting your router reduce Crave TV Buffering?
Think of all the devices that are and have been connected to the router. I’m sure that in today’s digital world that quite a few devices are connected to the router.
Your router is like a mini-PC and will slow down as more tasks are added.
Having all of those devices connected will reduce the bandwidth available to the Crave TV app and subsequently throttle your download speed, which in turn creates buffering.
Method 3. Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
If you cannot reset your router for any reason, I would try and disconnect none essential devices from the internet.
Is someone in your home watching Netflix? What about your phone? Is someone downloading on XBOX?
Every device that you can disconnect from your internet connection will help in stopping Crave TV buffering issues.
Method 4. Close any apps that are running
If you have followed our first step of restarting your streaming device, then this step would have been completed for you, otherwise please continue to close any running apps.
How does having open apps cause Crave TV to buffer?
Having open apps takes system resources and internet bandwidth, the more of those that are used, the more likely Crave TV is to buffer.
Several users have reported increased performance when closing apps on LG TVs.
Method 5. Update your streaming device software/firmware before downloading
Whether you are using a TV, Streaming Stick, or Games console, updating your firmware or software to the latest version can help in preventing issues from arising over time.
Sometimes updates can be missed, or an installation can be interrupted and cause issues with your streaming device.
Old firmware or a partial firmware installation could cause Crave TV to buffer.
Ensuring that you have the latest software on your devices also gives you access to new apps and an improved viewing experience.
Method 6. Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
It is almost always true that when you use an Ethernet (Wired Connection) rather than Wi-Fi, you will get a better download speed.
Wired connections transmit data quicker and with less interference. There are also fewer variables that can hinder the quality of connection.
Wi-Fi connections are slower and generally have a slower response time.
The distance from your streaming device along with the walls, floor, and ceilings can all deteriorate the quality of your internet connection, causing Crave TV buffering issues.
I always use a wired connection when it is available, and you should too!
Method 7. Upgrade your Internet Connection
Not everyone has access to high download speed through their ISP (Internet Service Provider), but for those that do, consider upgrading your internet connection.
It is pretty straightforward that a 100mbps connection will have a slower download rate than a 1gbps connection.
Method 8. Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs
VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect the streaming performance of Crave TV.
Your connection to a VPN will always limit the speed at which you can stream content.
Method 9. Upgrade your Router
This option will not apply to everyone, but the router could be the bottleneck in your home network, causing their Crave TV buffering problems.
If you have consistently upgraded your internet speed through your ISP but are still using an older router, you may wish to check what the maximum download speed of your router is.
It’s all good having a 1gbps connection, but if your router can only download at 100mbps, then you’ve got yourself a massive bottleneck and a solid explanation as to why Crave TV is buffering.
Method 10. Contact Crave TV Support
If you have tried all the tips above and Crave TV continues to buffer, then you can contact Crave TV support for further assistance.
Conclusion
We hope that the tips that are outlined in this article have helped resolve buffering issues with Crave TV.
Let us know how it went or if you have any other tips in the comments below.