This post covers the possible reasons why your FireStick keeps buffering and solutions to fix the issue. 

If you own a Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, or any other Fire streaming device, this guide is for you.

It can be incredibly frustrating when you are trying to watch your favorite show, and the FireStick suddenly starts buffering.

This is a common issue experienced by many viewers. I, too, have experienced it.

Therefore, in this article, I will help you identify the underlying problems and provide solutions to fix the buffering issues.

Why Does My FireStick Keep Buffering?

There are 9 most common reasons why your FireStick keeps buffering:

1. Slow internet connection: The most obvious reason behind buffering on a FireStick is insufficient internet speed. Your connection speed must be at least 3 Mbps for SD streaming.
2. Poor Wi-Fi signals: Weak connection signals caused by distance or interference between your FireStick and router limit the internet speed, causing buffering.
3. ISP throttling: Some internet providers deliberately slow down connection speeds in peak hours to accommodate other customers.
4. Too many devices using your internet: If multiple people use your internet simultaneously to download and stream content, your FireStick will get slower.
5. Outdated streaming apps: You’re more likely to experience buffering on older versions of streaming apps.
6. Running low on RAM: Multiple apps running in the background can eat up your FireStick RAM, causing the device to load videos improperly.
7. Low storage: Fire TV devices come with only 8GB and 16GB in respective models, and if your device runs low on storage, it starts slowing down all processes.
8. FireStick overheating: Heat thermal throttles your FireStick, affecting its performance.
9. Outdated FireStick OS: An old FireStick OS version may also limit the actual performance of your device.

Solving the Buffering Issue on FireStick – 9 Quick Fixes

Here are the solutions:

1. Restart FireStick

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the FireStick buffering issue. Restarting your device clears app caches, deletes unnecessary temporary files, and fixes bugs.

Here are the steps to restart your FireStick:

1. Click the Settings Gear icon on the right side of your FireStick home.

2. Open My Fire TV.

3. Select Restart.

4. Click the Restart button again and wait for your FireStick to restart.

Your FireStick will restart now, and the system will refresh.

2. Use a VPN to Prevent Buffering

Recommended for better speed as well as privacy

Many ISPs engage in internet throttling, deliberately slowing down your connection when a certain level of streaming activity is detected. This can lead to buffering issues on your FireStick and slower downloads, especially during peak hours.

However, you can bypass ISP throttling using a trusted VPN service for your FireStick. A reliable VPN not only prevents throttling but also offers additional benefits:

• Hiding your streaming activities from your ISP and other third parties entities.
• Accessing geo-blocked content on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, etc.
• Block ads, malware, and trackers for a safe browsing and streaming experience.

 because it’s a trusted leader in the VPN industry. It provides military-grade data encryption, lightning-fast speeds, and no activity logs.

3. Check for Internet Speed

If you have a high-speed internet connection above 10 Mbps, you should be able to stream up to 1080p content smoothly. The built-in tool on your FireStick allows you to check your internet speed.

However, if you aren’t getting your desired speed, you must troubleshoot your FireStick connection.

Check and Improve Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Signal strength plays an equally important role in a smooth streaming experience. The signal strength is stronger when the modem is near your FireStick and weaker when it is far away.

Here is how you can check the signal strength on Amazon FireStick.

1. Go to the Settings from the FireStick home screen.

2. Click Network on the next window.

3. Highlight your Wi-Fi address/name. On the right, you will find the status under Signal Strength.

If it says ‘Very Good,’ you are receiving proper Wi-Fi signals. However, if it indicates ‘poor’ or ‘weak,’ there is a problem.

For the best signal strength, the ideal modem distance should be within 20-30 feet of the device. If your modem is farther than this, you may consider buying a Wi-Fi Extender. A Wi-Fi Extender expands the coverage area of your modem, allowing it to be effective in a larger area.

Another thing to keep in mind is to ensure that there are no electrical devices near your modem that may cause interference with the signal.

Additionally, placing the modem at a slightly higher elevation (6 feet or higher) would help improve signal coverage.

Use an Ethernet Cable for a Wired Connection

A wired connection is usually much faster than a wireless connection. Firstly, it doesn’t rely on the proximity of the router to the device. The Ethernet wire is plugged directly into your Amazon FireStick.

Secondly, there are no obstacles between the router and the device. Many electrical and certain mechanical obstacles can weaken the Wi-Fi signal.

A wired connection allows you to control or even stop buffering on FireStick. To use a wired connection, you can buy the Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices from Amazon.com.

The internet/LAN wire and the power cable from your FireStick power adapter will go into the Ethernet adapter, and then a single cable from the Ethernet adapter will be plugged into your FireStick.

Note that you DO NOT need to buy the Ethernet Adapter if you already get substantial network speed through your Wi-Fi connection.

4. Clear Up FireStick RAM

Amazon FireStick devices have RAM ranging from 1 GB to 2 GB. While this is enough for a streaming device, it is not much, meaning it will get used up rather quickly.

Low RAM space is one of the primary causes of the buffering you experience on FireStick. You will be surprised to know that some apps keep hogging the RAM by running background processes, even when you are not actively using them.

You can clear up RAM space by simply closing the background applications. But how do you find which apps are running in the background? It can be really tedious to uninstall each installed app one by one.

Thankfully, there is a free app called Background Apps and Process List that allows you to find and close background applications. It is available from the Amazon Store.

Here are the steps to download the Background Apps & Process List app and to use it to close the background apps (alternatively, you can use the Task Killer app):

1. Go to the FIND option from the FireStick home screen and click Search

2. Look up the Background Apps and Process List app and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

3. Select the app tile.

4. Select Get to download the app.

5. Select Open.

6. When you open the app, a screen will appear. Select Got it. 

7. You will see a list of all the apps running in the background. In the top-left corner, click Close All Apps.

8. The first app on the list will display the following window. Go ahead and click Force Stop. When you are done, press the back button on the remote.

You will get the same options for the next app on the list. Click Force Stop again. Do this for all other apps running in the background.