When you are trying to stream content and notice your Vizio TV is buffering, it can be irritating.
We have built a guide which covers the reasons why your Vizio TV keeps buffering and how to fix it!
Why does my Vizio TV keep buffering?
Your Vizio TV is likely buffering due to a bad internet connection or a software issue.
Most commonly, resetting your internet connection and updating your software resolves most issues, but there are plenty of things that you can try.
Here are some tips on how to stop Vizio TVs from buffering:
- Reboot your Vizio TV
- Reboot your router
- Update your Vizio TV software
- Reduce the devices connect to your internet
- Close other apps on your TV
- Decrease the video quality when streaming
- Use a wired connection rather than WiFi
- Upgrade your home internet
- Disable any VPNs or ad blockers
- Upgrade your internet router
- Contact the Vizio TV support
How to stop your Vizio TV from buffering
Method 1: Reboot your Vizio Smart TV
Vizio TV buffering issues may be resolved by restarting your TV to resolve any potential software issues.
Additionally, by completing this step, the RAM and cache will be cleared. When they are full, Vizio Smart TVs may experience content buffering.
There is an article on how to clear the cache on your Vizio Smart TV.
To complete a power cycle, unplug your Vizio TV for 60 seconds before connecting it back in.
Check to see whether you can now play content on your Vizio TV without buffering after plugging the TV back in and turning it on.
Method 2: Reboot your Router
Another useful tip to stop your Vizio TV from buffering is to reset your router.
How do I reset my router?
Simply unplugging your router from the wall socket for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in is the simplest way to reset it.
By performing this, you’ll “power-cycle” your router and give your Vizio TV extra bandwidth, which can help you avoid 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.
With all of those devices connected, your Vizio TV will have less bandwidth available, which will slow down your download speed and lead to buffering.
Method 3: Update your Vizio TV firmware
When streaming content to your Vizio TV, we’ve noticed that outdated, unsupported Vizio TV firmware can causes buffering.
To guarantee that you have the most recent software, access to new apps, and an enhanced watching experience, I advise that you update the firmware on your Vizio TV.
How to update your Vizio TV Software
Assuming your TV is already turned on, hit the MENU button on the remote.
Now you will see the menu interface appear. Select SYSTEM and then choose CHECK FOR UPDATES
Once the updates have been installed, restart your TV and see if you still experience buffering.
Method 4: Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
If you are experiencing buffering on your Vizio TV, it’s a great idea to disconnect other devices from your home internet.
Every device that you can disconnect from your internet connection will help in reducing buffering on your Vizio TV.
Method 5: Close any apps that are running
If you restarted your Vizio TV, then this step would have been completed for you, otherwise please continue to close any open apps.
How does having open apps cause your Vizio TV to buffer?
The more open apps you have on your Vizio TV, the slower your TV and internet connection will be.
When streaming content on your Vizio TV, this performance decline may cause buffering.
Method 6: Decrease Streaming Quality
You can usually lower the video quality of the streaming content inside the app that you are using.
The likelihood of buffering on a Vizio TV increases with the quality of the video that you are playing.
Try and decrease the video quality, especially if you have the quality set to 4K.
Method 7: Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
To reduce Vizio TV buffering issues, an ethernet cable is a better option than using a Wi-Fi connection.
Data is transmitted more quickly and with less interference over wired connections. Additionally, there are fewer variables that could impair the connection’s quality.
Wi-Fi connections are slower and generally have a slower response time.
The quality of your internet connection can be negatively impacted by the distance between your playback device and walls, floors, and ceilings, which can lead to Vizio TV buffering problems.
I always use a wired connection when it is available, and you should too!
Method 8: Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs
VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect the playback performance of your Vizio TV and cause buffering.
The speed at which you may play content will always be constrained by your VPN connection.
We understand that using a VPN can be a sensible choice, mainly due to privacy concerns.
Unfortunately, utilizing a VPN adds yet additional dependency that, in the event of troubles or speed limitations, may result in Vizio TV buffering problems.
Method 9: 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 should go without saying that a connection with 100 mbps will have a slower download speed than one with 1 gbps.
Method 10: Upgrade your Router
You might want to check the maximum download speed of your router if you have continuously upgraded your internet speed through your ISP but are still using an outdated router.
It’s all good having a 1gbps connection, but if your router can only download at 100mbps, you’ve got a massive bottleneck and a solid explanation for why your Vizio TV is buffering.
Method 11: Contact Vizio TV Support
If you have tried all of the steps and your Vizio TV is still buffering then it may be time to consider contacting Vizio support
The support team will be able to take a closer look and offer alternative ways to resolve this issue.
Conclusion
I hope the previous techniques were helpful in stopping your Vizio TV from buffering.
