Fire Stick buffering and running slow
Your WiFi connection is either too slow or getting interrupted. Check your internet speed at speedtest.net — you need at least 15 Mbps for smooth streaming. If the Fire Stick is on WiFi, plug it into the router with a network cable and buffering will stop almost immediately.
Streaming video uses a lot of internet bandwidth. When your WiFi is slow or unstable, video can't download fast enough, so it pauses to buffer. A network cable is faster and more stable than WiFi, which fixes buffering straight away. If you can't use a cable, check that your internet speed is fast enough and that no other devices are using up your bandwidth.
- ✓Have a speedtest.net ready on your phone or computer to check your internet speed
- ✓If you're moving to a network cable, find an Ethernet cable and have it ready
- ✓Ask other people in your home if they're streaming or downloading right now
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Checking upload speed instead of download speed — only download speed matters for streaming
- Leaving WiFi on even after plugging in a network cable — the Fire Stick can still try to use WiFi
- Only restarting for a few seconds instead of waiting a full 30 seconds for the power-down
Signs you need professional help
- Your internet speed is 25 Mbps or higher, you're on a network cable, and buffering still happens constantly.
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