Is your Apple TV slow? Fear not, some simple solutions can help improve the speed and performance.
We have made a guide that can assist you by providing some simple tips that help fix your Apple TV app if it is slow.
Why is Apple TV so slow?
The leading cause of Apple TV slow performance is likely a software or internet connection problem.
Apple TV streaming problems are usually fixable by taking the right steps.
Are you running the most up-to-date Apple TV version, and is your Apple TV account adequately logged in and connected?
Here are some tips on how to make stop Apple TV from being slow:
How to fix Apple TV slow performance
Method 1: Restart the Apple TV app
Restarting the Apple TV app if you are experiencing slow performance is a good idea.
Restarting the Apple TV app allows any updates to be installed correctly and establishes a new connection with the Apple TV servers.
Method 2: Sign out of the Apple TV app
If you a wondering why is Apple TV so slow, then you should sign out of the app.
By signing out of your Apple TV account before your return and logging in, you may resolve any account-related issues causing slowness problems.
Method 3: Restart your streaming device
To access the Apple TV app, you will be using a streaming device to access the app.
The most common streaming devices for the Apple TV app are:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming Stick such as Apple TV, Firestick, or Roku
- Games Consoles such as PlayStation and XBOX
- A PC or MacBook Laptop
Our recommendation for these devices and the first step in eliminating the slow Apple TV app performance is to perform a power cycle of these systems.
When you have slow performance, it is not unusual for Apple TV stuttering issues when viewing content.
To perform a power cycle of the devices, unplug them for 60 seconds before plugging them back in.
This restart allows any updates downloaded in the background to install and start successfully and clears the system cache.
Clearing the system cache and any lingering apps running in RAM can help increase the speed of the Apple TV app.
Reducing the number of apps running in the background helps eliminate Apple TV slow performance.
Method 4: Reset your Router
When I encounter Apple TV slow streaming, restarting my router can remedy the situation.
How do I reset my router?
The easiest way to reset your router is to 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 the Apple TV app.
Why does resetting your router reduce the Apple TV app being so slow?
Think of all the devices that are and have been connected to the router. I’m sure that in today’s digital world, 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 Apple TV app and subsequently throttle your download speed, creating slow playback.
Method 5: Update your Apple TV app
If you are streaming Apple TV using a device such as a Firestick, Roku or smart TV, then I recommend that you update the app if possible.
Method 6: 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 games or apps on XBOX?
If so Apple TV can buffer and the performance will slow down.
Every device you can disconnect from your internet connection will help stop the Apple TV app so slow.
Method 7: Manually clear the Apple TV cache
It is worthwhile clearing the Apple TV cache when you experience slow performance.
Method 8: Decrease Video Quality
Check in the Apple TV app options when watching content if there is a toggle for video quality.
The higher quality content that you stream, the more likely it is that slow playback will occur.
Try and decrease the video quality, especially if you have the quality set to 4K.
Method 9: 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 the Apple TV slow performance.
Ensuring that you have the latest software on your devices also gives you access to new apps and an improved viewing experience.
Method 10: 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 the Apple TV app to be slow.
I always use a wired connection when it is available, and you should too!
Method 11: Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs
VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect the streaming performance of the Apple TV app.
Your connection to a VPN will always limit the speed at which you can stream content.
We understand that using a VPN can be a sensible choice, especially due to privacy concerns.
Unfortunately, by using a VPN, you are creating another dependency that can cause Apple TV to be slow.
Method 12: 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 13: Upgrade your Router
This option will not apply to everyone, but the router could be the bottleneck in their home network, causing the Apple TV app slowness 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 a massive bottleneck and a solid explanation as to why the Apple TV app is so slow.
Method 14: Check to make sure the Apple TV servers are operational
When Apple TV is freezing or acting slow, most of the issues will usually be with your network or streaming device.
Before you go into the other fixes listed below, it is worthwhile to check that there are no issues or outages with the Apple TV platform.
Method 15: Contact Apple TV Support
If you have tried all the tips above and nothing has worked, then you can contact Apple TV app support for further assistance.
Conclusion
If you have followed the guide, then you would have been successful in stopping the Apple TV app from acting slow.
We hope that you enjoy faster streaming.
