Is there anything more frustrating than watching your favourite TV Show or movie in 4K, then seeing your TV start to stutter?
If you are streaming that piece of content through a Firestick – then chances are, it’s having issues with the torrent of data. In most instances this stuttering can easily be fixed with a few tweaks here or there.
Just try any of our tried and true anti-buffering methods below:
Step #1 Disable Background Processes and Apps
- Manage Background Apps:
- Install an app like “Background Apps and Process List” from the Amazon App Store.
- Use it to close any apps running in the background that could be consuming bandwidth or processing power.
- Disable Automatic App Updates:
- Go to “Settings” > “Applications” > “Appstore.”
- Turn off “Automatic Updates” if your Firestick is struggling with multiple updates running in the background.
Step #2 Use a VPN for Streaming (Optional)
- Install a Trusted VPN:
- Sometimes ISPs throttle streaming speeds. Installing a VPN can help bypass this.
- Use a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
- Connect to a Fast Server:
- Connect to a server close to your geographic location for the best speed.
- Test different servers to find the fastest one for streaming.
Step #3 Reset Your Firestick (Last Resort)
- Factory Reset:
- If all else fails, consider a factory reset. Go to “Settings” > “My Fire TV” > “Reset to Factory Defaults.”
- This will erase all data on your Firestick, so only do this as a last resort.
- Reinstall Apps:
- After resetting, reinstall your essential apps and configure your settings again.
Step #4 Upgrade Your Firestick (If Necessary)
- Consider Upgrading:
- If you’re using an older Firestick model, upgrading to the latest version may solve buffering issues as newer models have more powerful processors and better Wi-Fi support.
- Choose the Right Model:
- The Firestick 4K Max is one of the best models in 2024, offering superior performance for streaming without buffering.
