Apple TV buffering on Smart TV refers to the process where the video content on Apple TV experiences delays or pauses during playback on a smart television. When a streaming device downloads some content in advance of what is being shown on screen, this is known as buffering.
It may happen when you’re in the middle of an exciting scene and the video freezes and buffers forever. But fear not!
In this article, I’ll show you the best ways to fix Apple TV buffering on smart TV.
Table of Contents
How To Fix Apple TV Buffering On Smart TV
Facing Apple TV buffering on Smart TV can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of watching your favorite show or movie. However, there are several effective ways to tackle this problem and ensure smooth streaming on your smart TV.
By following these steps, you can fix Apple TV buffering on smart TV:
- #1. Stream Lower Quality Content: Adjusting the video quality settings can significantly reduce buffering.
- #2. Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection: Check for any network connectivity issues that may be causing buffering problems.
- #3. Force Quit and Reopen the Affected App(s): Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app can resolve buffering issues.
- #4. Check Your HDMI Connection: Ensure that all cables are securely connected to avoid any disruptions in signal transmission.
- #5. Check the Streaming Service Server Status: Verify if there are any ongoing server issues with the streaming service you’re using.
- #6. Restart Your Apple TV: A simple restart can often solve various technical glitches and improve performance.
- #7. Updating the Streaming App(s): Keep your apps up to date to benefit from bug fixes and optimizations that enhance streaming stability.
- #8. Update Your Apple TV: Install software updates released by Apple as they frequently contain improvements related to streaming performance.
- #9. Reinstall the Streaming App: If an app continues to buffer excessively, consider uninstalling it and reinstalling it fresh from the App Store.
- #10. Delete Apps from Apple TV: Remove unnecessary apps that consume excessive resources or interfere with streaming quality through your device’s settings menu.
#01. Stream Lower Quality Content
When it comes to fixing Apple TV buffering on Smart TV, one of the simplest solutions is to stream lower-quality content.
While this may result in slightly less sharp visuals or reduced audio quality, it can help prevent buffering by allowing the video to load more quickly and maintain a steady connection.
To stream lower-quality content, you can adjust the settings within the app or streaming service you are using.
Look for options such as “video quality” or “streaming settings” and choose a lower resolution. Keep in mind that different apps may use different terminology for these settings.
#02. Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection
Troubleshooting your internet connection is one of the most effective ways to fix Apple TV buffering on Smart TV.
A poor or unstable internet connection can cause interruptions in streaming, leading to frustrating buffering problems.
Restarting both the router and modem can often resolve connectivity problems.
If that doesn’t help, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or connecting via an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
Sometimes, distance from the router or obstructions can weaken the signal strength.
#03. Force Quit And Reopen The Affected App(s)
One of the easiest and quickest ways to fix Apple TV buffering on Smart TV is by force quitting and reopening the affected app(s).
Sometimes, apps can get stuck or encounter temporary glitches that cause them to buffer excessively. You can usually fix these problems by making the app close and then opening it again.
- To force quit an app on your Apple TV, simply double-click the Home button on your remote. This will bring up the App Switcher screen showing all open apps.
- After locating the app that is causing buffering issues by scrolling through the list, swipe up to quit it.
- Wait a short while and then open the app again after making the quit. This essentially gives it a fresh start and can help clear any temporary glitches or memory hiccups that were causing buffering.
#04. Check Your HDMI Connection
One of the first things you should do when experiencing buffering issues on your Apple TV is to check your HDMI connection.
A loose or faulty connection can cause interruptions in the streaming process, leading to frustrating buffering problems.
Start by unplugging and re-plugging the HDMI cable from both your Apple TV and your smart TV.
Ensure that it is securely connected on both ends. Make sure both ends are firmly connected. Should it be possible, see if the problem is fixed by trying an alternative HDMI cable.
#05. Check The Streaming Service Server Status
One of the possible reasons for Apple TV buffering on smart TV could be a problem with the streaming service’s server.
To do this, you can visit the streaming service’s website or check their social media accounts for any announcements regarding server outages or maintenance.
If there is an ongoing issue with the streaming service’s server, unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do except wait for them to resolve it.
However, knowing that it is not a problem specific to your setup can provide some peace of mind.
#06. Restart Your Apple TV
Restarting your Apple TV is a simple but effective way to fix buffering issues on your smart TV. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick reset to get things running smoothly again. Here’s how you can do it:
- On your Apple TV, start by going to the Settings menu.
- Scroll down and select “System”.
- Choose “Restart” from the options provided.
- Confirm the restart by selecting “Restart” again.
Wait for your Apple TV to power off and then turn it back on automatically. Check to see if the buffering problem has been fixed after it has restarted and try streaming content again.
#07. Updating the Streaming App(s)
Outdated streaming apps are one of the most frequent causes of Apple TV buffering on Smart TV.
Just like any other software, streaming apps need regular updates to ensure optimal performance.
If you’re experiencing buffering problems, it’s worth checking if there are any available updates for your streaming apps.
To update your streaming app(s), follow these simple steps:
- Go to the home screen of your Apple TV and navigate to the App Store.
- Look for the app you wish to update once you’re in the App Store.
- From the search results, select it and look for the Update button. Click on it to start updating that app.
- Wait for the update process to complete before launching your streaming app again.
By keeping your streaming apps up-to-date, you can take advantage of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features that may help resolve buffering issues.
#08. Update Your Apple TV
Updating your Apple TV is an essential step in fixing buffering issues on your smart TV. You can ensure that your device has the newest features and bug fixes, which could enhance overall performance, by keeping the software updated.
- To update your Apple TV, start by going to the Settings menu on your home screen.
- Choose Software Updates under System from there.
- To start the update process, select Download and Install if one is available.
Regular Apple TV updates will help ensure that any responsible for software-related issues are promptly resolved, potentially reducing buffering issues when streaming content on your smart TV.
#09. Reinstall the Streaming App
Reinstalling the streaming app can often resolve buffering issues on your Apple TV. This process will remove any corrupt files or settings that may be causing the problem. To reinstall the app:
- On the home screen of Apple TV, press and hold the app you’re going to reinstall until it starts shaking.
- Select the symbol “x” on that app to delete it.
- Then search for that streaming app in the app store of Apple TV.
- From the search results, select that app and Install that one.
- Once you’ve completed these steps, launch that installed app and check if the buffering issue has been resolved.
Reinstalling an app can often fix any glitches or errors that are causing playback problems.
#10. Delete Apps On Apple TV
Deleting apps from the settings menu is one method you might try if your Apple TV is having buffering problems. This can help free up space and resources on your device, allowing for smoother streaming.
To delete apps from the Settings menu, start by:
- Navigate to your Apple TV’s home screen.
- From there, go to “Settings” and select “Apps.”
- A list of all the installed apps on your device will appear. Scroll through the list and find the app(s) that are causing buffering issues.
- Once you’ve identified them, click on the app’s name and then select “Delete.”
- Confirm your decision when prompted.
Conclusions
The problem of Apple TV buffering on smart TVs can be resolved by implementing the previously mentioned solutions.
So when your Apple TV buffering on a smart TV, check your Internet connection, stream low-quality content, reopen the app, update the app and Apple TV, reinstall the app, check the server issue of that app, check for HDMI connection, restart Apple TV, and delete apps on Apple TV.
Hopefully, this article will be helpful to you and you’ve resolved your issue. If you’ve any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comment section.
FAQs
Why is Apple TV buffering on Smart TV?
There are several reasons for issues with Apple TV buffering on Smart TV. It can be your weak internet, old versions of Apple TV or streaming apps, loose connection of HDMI cable with Apple TV or Smart TV, and server issues of streaming apps.
How to Fix Apple TV Buffering on Smart TV?
To resolve the issue of Apple TV buffering on Smart TV, check your Internet connection, stream low-quality content, reopen the app, update the app and Apple TV, reinstall the app, check the server issue of that app, check for HDMI connection, restart Apple TV, and delete apps on Apple TV.
Jack William is a freelancer, editor, and author. He has written for technology, Apple TV, Software, and gaming magazines. He is a Senior Editor at activemarketingfunnel.com and has been writing for the site since 2021. The current role involves editorial oversight, how-to's, and contributing reviews. Up to now, Jack has published articles on activemarketingfunnel.com, creating a complete solution system for various Apple TV, Tech, iPhone, and Android issues. Before joining the Editor team, he had over 10 years of working experience in the field of software and technology. Jack William has a Master's degree in computer science and engineering.
