The apps themselves cannot cause buffering. This is because the apps do not host the files, but merely display them in an easy to use list for you.

Please note that there are many reasons you may be having buffering problems, but hopefully the following steps will help limit buffering issues for you.

The First Step in Troubleshooting:

– The first thing you should always do if you have any issues is clear the app cache. This can be done through your device settings. You should also restart your device and unplug your router, waiting approx. 5 minutes before plugging it back in.If the above solutions don't work, continue on...

Your internet connection:

– Many people say “but I have xx Mbps, it shouldn’t buffer”. What you pay for and what you get can sometimes be two different things. The best thing to do is run a speed test. Netflix offers its on speed test at https://fast.com/. It is recommended to have download speed of at least 5 Mbps for basic HD (up to 720p), 10 Mbps for 1080p full HD, and 25 Mbps for anything higher than that. The connection needs to remain steady, with little fluctuation.

– Being on a wireless network can also sometimes cause lesser speeds. Try checking the speed with a device that is connected via Ethernet cable too see if wireless gives different results. If it does then you may need to connect via Ethernet cable rather than use wireless.

Number of devices:

– The more devices using the same network as you the less speed you will have. If they are also streaming or downloading this will decrease the speed and share of the network you have. If you are going to stream, try and do it at a time when other devices are either off or not using much bandwidth.

Improve Wi-Fi performance:

– If speed tests appear to be a lot less than what you are paying for and there is no significant difference between wired and wireless devices then there is little chance of other devices affecting the speed.

It may be that the signal strength of your Wi-Fi router isn’t the best.

There are a few things you can try to help with this:

+ Make sure your router is not positioned near walls, metal objects or other objects that can interfere with Wi-Fi (like microwaves or cordless phones, wireless door chimes and even baby monitors!)

+ For streaming, try and be in the same room as the router

+ If your router allows it, and most do, change to a different channel, as other Wi-Fi signals from homes near yours may all be using the same channel as you.

Provider Throttling:

– What could also cause buffering is if your ISP throttles speeds to streaming sites. This is one way of them trying to prevent users from being able to stream from these sites, by slowing your speed down so much that you give up. One way to check if this is happening is to download a free VPN app, turn it on, and try streaming again. If there is less buffering, chances are that your ISP is throttling speeds on streaming, and the only options to get around it would be to invest in a good VPN or change providers.

Outdated Router:

– If all else fails to strengthen your Wi-Fi signal it may be that your router is older. In that case you may need to purchase a new router. While sometimes, yes, providers do have some issues or server problems, more often than not buffering issues are on the user end due to one of the above situations.