When a YouTube video keeps buffering, it’s usually because of a poor internet connection. YouTube videos rely on a strong connection to a server to stream the content to your phone or computer. The server contains the video information, so when your internet is too slow or too weak, your device won’t load the video properly.
Common causes for YouTube video buffering are:
- Technical issues with the internet service provider
- Outdated firmware
- Viruses
- Bloatware
- Outdated Wi-Fi card
- High latency
Whenever the problem isn’t related to your internet speed, it’s usually because of:
- Problems with the YouTube app
- YouTube server problems
How to Troubleshoot Technical Issues with Your Internet Service Provider
Your internet service provider (ISP) could be having technical issues that affect your internet speed. To fix this, check your internet speed on websites such as:
If your connection isn’t up to the standards of the internet service you pay for, it’s time to call your ISP to find out when they can fix the problem.
How to Troubleshoot Outdated Router Firmware
There are two ways to check and upgrade your router firmware: you can call your ISP and ask them to update the firmware remotely, or you can do it yourself.
If you’re going to do it yourself, look up your router’s IP address and then copy and paste it into your browser. It will take you to the router manufacturer’s website, where you’ll find the firmware update you can download. Before accessing the website, you may need to log in as the administrator with your IP password.
How to Troubleshoot Viruses and Bloatware
To detect viruses on your device, run a virus check by either using a free, online checker or running a scan from your system’s virus checker in your settings. For Windows, you can run the Windows Defender Offline Scan.
You can remove bloatware by deleting the cache on your device. On your phone, you can find that option when checking the app information on your system settings. On your computer, you can download a system cleaner that can find and delete all the unnecessary junk files on your device. Here’s a list of great junk file cleaners for PC:
- CleanMyPC
- Clean Master
- Avira PC Cleaner
- File Cleaner
- Total PC Cleaner
How to Troubleshoot an Outdated Wi-Fi Card
Check your Wi-Fi card driver by going to the device manager, which can be found on your computer’s search bar. You should see the name of your Wi-Fi card under network adapters.
Right-click it, select “update drivers”, and then choose whether you want to download existing drivers from your computer or if you want the computer to search the internet for an appropriate driver.
How to Troubleshoot High Latency
High latency is common over a wireless connection. To solve this problem, connect your device to the modem via an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi.
How to Troubleshoot App Issues on Your Phone or Tablet
On your phone’s system settings, go to the YouTube app and see if it’s updated to the latest version. To avoid video buffering due to an outdated app in the future, set the YouTube app to automatically update by changing the settings on your device or the app store.
How to Troubleshoot YouTube-Server Problems
If there’s a problem on YouTube’s side that’s causing video buffering, there’s nothing to be done except wait until YouTube fixes it. Usually, they’ll report when they’ve been made aware of the problem on their social media, as well as provide updates on when the problem is fixed.