There’s nothing better than curling up in the comfort of your home to catch your favorite shows or at-home movie releases. While it may seem as simple as logging into your chosen streaming service, there are several steps you can take to optimize your home for streaming movies and TV shows—especially if you’re experiencing slow streaming issues.
The team at GetWindstream is here to help you optimize your streaming experience. Find out how to fix slow streaming and make sure you’re getting the most out of your home internet connection.
1. Remove Excess Devices
The average American home has 10 connected devices, which means your bandwidth may be spread thin—especially if you have an internet plan with a data cap. If you’re encountering troubles streaming movies and TV shows, take a minute to review how many devices are connected to the internet in your home and remove any that aren’t actively in use or are rarely used.
2. Upgrade Your TV’s Software
Did you know that smart TVs have software that needs to be updated regularly? While most TVs update automatically, automatic updates may be missed if the TV is off or the internet is down. Check your settings to make sure your software is up to date if you’re encountering issues connecting to a streaming service. Even more importantly for streaming, check that the apps you use to stream are also updated so you can rest assured that any bugs are fixed.
3. Review Your Internet Plan
Just because your internet plan is advertised as “high-speed internet” doesn’t mean you are accessing the correct speed for your home. Use a speed test tool to see how quickly your internet is uploading and downloading data—if the rate detected isn’t working for you, use that as a baseline to upgrade your internet package. While you’re at it, make sure your plan has unlimited data so your provider doesn’t slow down your speed when you hit a data cap.
4. Install a Wi-Fi Extender
If you’re trying to watch your favorite show in a room that’s across the house from your router and modem, you may be just out of range to access high-speed internet. Install a Wi-Fi extender to boost your signal to the far corners of your home and avoid dreaded buffering screens.
5. Upgrade your technology
It could be time for a tech refresh if you’ve had the same TV, modem, and router for years. While software updates will keep your tech running for a while, all electronics eventually require replacement. Treat yourself to updated equipment and get back to the shows and movies you love most.
If you have been asking yourself, “why is my streaming slow?” we hope this internet streaming guide will help you escape buffering screens and get back to your favorite entertainment.