Is your Netflix stuttering and interrupting your TV shows? Don’t worry, and you are not alone, we’ve been there!
We wrote this guide to help you understand why Netflix is stuttering and how to fix it!
Why does Netflix keep Stuttering?
The cause of Netflix Stuttering is likely caused by inefficient internet bandwidth optimization.
When your internet bandwidth is not optimized, Stuttering will often occur when playing content.
You can increase your ability to reduce Stuttering when viewing the Netflix app in several ways.
Here are some tips on how to make stop Netflix from Stuttering:
How to stop the Netflix app from Stuttering
Method 1: Check to make sure Netflix servers are operational
When Netflix is kicking you out or stuttering, most issues will usually be with your network or playback device.
Before you go into the other fixes listed below, it is worthwhile to check that there are no issues or outages with the Netflix platform.
Method 2: Restart the Netflix app
Restarting the Netflix app if you are experiencing Stuttering issues is a good idea.
Restarting the Netflix app allows any updates to be correctly installed and establishes a new connection with the Netflix servers.
Method 3: Sign out of the Netflix app
Another potential quick fix to the Netflix Stuttering problem is to sign out of your account.
By signing out of your Netflix account before your return and log in, you may resolve any account-related issues with are causing the Stuttering problems to occur.
Method 4: Restart your Streaming Device
To access the Netflix app, you will be using a playback device to access the app.
The most common playback devices for the Netflix app are:
- Smart TVs
- Content Devices such as Netflix, Firestick, or Roku
- Games Consoles such as PlayStation and XBOX
- A PC or MacBook Laptop
The universal recommendation for these devices and the first step in trying to eliminate the Netflix app Stuttering issues is to perform a power cycle of these systems.
To perform a power cycle of the devices, 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 Stuttering of the Netflix app.
By reducing the number of apps running in the background, you give the Netflix app the best performance.
Method 5: Reset your Router
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it is effective in reducing the Stuttering on the Netflix app.
You should also check whether you have an issue where Netflix not working on your TV but works on your phone.
This could indicate that your home internet or TV is the issue that is causing stuttering.
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 play content faster on the Netflix app.
Why does resetting your router reduce the Netflix app Stuttering?
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 Netflix app and subsequently throttle your download speed, which in turn creates Stuttering.
Method 6: Update your Netflix app
If you are playing Netflix using a device such as a Firestick, Roku or smart TV then I would recommend that you update the app if possible.
Method 7: 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?
Every device that you can disconnect from your internet connection will help in stopping the Netflix app Stuttering issues.
Method 8: Close any apps that are running
If you have followed our first step of restarting your playback device, then this step would have been completed for you, otherwise please continue to close any running apps.
How does having open apps cause the Netflix app to Stutter?
Imagine your internet connection to your Netflix application like an artery in your body. The more games and apps that are running are like blockages in your arteries, sorry for the weird analogy!
Those blockages impede your ability to play content faster, and then that results in Stuttering occurring when watching the Netflix app.
Method 9: Decrease Video Quality
Check in the Netflix app options when watching content if there is a toggle for video quality.
The higher the quality of content that you play, the more likely it is that Stuttering will occur.
Try and decrease the video quality, especially if you have the quality set to 4K.
Method 10: Update your device software/firmware before downloading
Whether you are using a TV, Content Device, 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 playback device.
Old firmware or a partial firmware installation could cause the Netflix app to Stutter.
Ensuring that you have the latest software on your devices also gives you access to new apps and an improved viewing experience.
Method 11: 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 playback device along with the walls, floor, and ceilings can all deteriorate the quality of your internet connection, causing the Netflix app Stuttering issues.
I always use a wired connection when it is available, and you should too!
Method 12: Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs
VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect the playback performance of the Netflix app.
Your connection to a VPN will always limit the speed at which you can play 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 Netflix to Stutter if there are any problems or limited speed.
Method 13: 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 14: Upgrade your Router
This option will not apply to everyone, but for some gamers, the router could be the bottleneck in their home network, causing the Netflix app Stuttering 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 the Netflix app is Stuttering.
Method 15: Contact Netflix Support
If you have tried all the tips above and nothing has worked, then you can contact Netflix app support for further assistance.
Conclusion
If you have followed the guide, then you would have been successful in reducing the Stuttering of the Netflix app on your content device.
We hope that you enjoy Stutter-free playback.