Why Does Spectrum Keep Buffering?

Spectrum is a great way to watch all your favorite TV shows on demand. Although most people use Spectrum without any issues, there can be times where Spectrum keeps buffering. This can be frustrating when you are trying to catch up on your favorite series. 

If Spectrum keeps buffering, it’s usually because the internet is really slow, the router is not close enough to the TV, there are faulty cables, or the software needs to be updated. Luckily, most of the issues can be fixed easily. 

You might still be wondering how to troubleshoot the issue with your Spectrum. We will go over more details in this article. We will also discuss tips on how to fix each of the issues so you don’t experience problems in the future. 

Checking Your Internet Connection 

If you’re experiencing buffering issues, the first thing you want to do is check your internet connection. This is the most common cause of constantly experiencing buffering. You can contact Spectrum and ask if there are any outages or issues in your area. 

If you have Spectrum TV but are using a different internet provider, you might want to contact the internet company and ask if there are any outages.

You can also do the following to check your internet connection: 

1. Download an app like this one to check the speed of your internet. You can stand near your TV and test the WIFI speed. It will tell you if it’s too slow to properly stream. 
2. Use another device like your phone or computer to try and stream. If it’s also buffering, the problem is with your WIFI and not the TV. 
3. Check that your router is plugged in and working. 

If you are constantly experiencing issues with your internet, you might want to consider contacting someone from Spectrum support and have them come to your house and check the signal and other potential issues. 

Checking the Router 

Spectrum might not be experiencing issues, but your router could have problems. 

Most people find that restarting their router fixes all their problems:

1. To restart your router, you can unplug it, wait for a few minutes, then plug it back in.
2. You can also find the power button and hold it down until it turns off. Wait a few minutes and then press the power button again to turn it back on. 
3. Try streaming once the router is back on and see if the problem is fixed. You also need to make sure the router is in a good position relative to the TV. 

These rules apply for Spectrum routers or a router you might be using from a different company. 

Check the Signal Limit On Your Router

Some of the Spectrum routers also have signal limits, such as not being able to connect to a device that is more than 50 feet away. 

To make the most out of your router, ensure the following:

• Your router is in the same room or the same area of the house as the TV and your Spectrum device 
• There is nothing large blocking the signal like a concrete wall 
• Your router is on and is not flashing red or beeping 

Check with Spectrum and see if there is a signal limit. If you live in a very large home, you might even have to get more than one router or a router extension. Try to place your router in a central location where all the devices have an easy time reaching the signal. This could be in the sitting room or in a place that’s close to everyone’s bedrooms.

Ensure All Software is Updated 

If you have checked the internet and the router and it does not fix the issue, you might need to update the software on your Spectrum router. When it’s updated, your chances of experiencing buffering are much less. 

Follow these steps to update your Spectrum router:

1. Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router. 
2. Go to the website of the manufacturer for your router. Most Spectrum routers use NETGEAR, but there are others. 
3. Enter the model number of your router. 
4. Click Downloads. 
5. Click the newest version of the firmware. 
6. Click Downloads. 
7. Unzip the file that is downloaded. 
8. Go to routerlogin.net. 
9. Log into your account. 
10. Click Advanced. 
11. Choose Administration. 
12. Choose Firmware Update. 
13. Click Choose File. 
14. Choose Upload. 

You can now disconnect the ethernet cable and try using your Spectrum TV with your router to see if the buffering has improved. 

Check for Faulty Cables 

If you have done all of the above and your Spectrum is still buffering, you should check all your cables. If there are any wires or cables that are frayed, broken, or split, you should replace them right away as this can mess with the internet signal. 

Final Thoughts 

If you experience your Spectrum buffering, there can be many potential problems. Most can be fixed by checking the router, checking the internet connection, replacing faulty cables, and updating the software on the router.