App keeps buffering every few minutes — systematic troubleshooting

NancyBuffer

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Joined

Jun 3, 2019

Messages

40

• Jan 8, 2020

• #1

Hi everyone! Starting this thread to discuss the topic and hear from others with similar experiences. Happy to answer questions and share more details if needed.

 

DaveStreamer

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May 5, 2011

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53

• Jan 12, 2020

• #2

Need more info: what device, what connection type, what speed?

 

PaulHD

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Apr 4, 2013

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64

• Jan 14, 2020

• #3

Fire Stick 4K, Wi-Fi, 100Mbps plan.

 

Frank_Tech

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Mar 21, 2019

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35

• Jan 17, 2020

• #4

100Mbps plan doesn't mean 100Mbps at the device. Wi-Fi cuts that significantly.

 

SupportAlex

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Feb 10, 2011

Messages

1

• Jan 13, 2020

• #5

Use the Downloader app to run fast.com or check via the router admin panel.

 

StreamKing

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May 19, 2014

Messages

43

• Jan 16, 2020

• #5

How do I check actual speed at the Fire Stick?

 

TechMike88

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Jul 27, 2010

Messages

75

• Jan 14, 2020

• #6

Actual speed at Fire Stick: 23Mbps via Wi-Fi on a 100Mbps plan.

 

MaryLogin

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Jan 5, 2019

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58

• Jan 29, 2020

• #7

That's why you're buffering. 23Mbps barely covers 4K.

 

TV_Tim

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Aug 19, 2016

Messages

47

• Feb 1, 2020

• #8

Wi-Fi distance and interference kills throughput. What's your router distance?

 

NickCable

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Jan 12, 2017

Messages

41

• Jan 17, 2020

• #9

Router is one room away with a wall between us.

 

LauraApps

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Jul 4, 2018

Messages

39

• Jan 28, 2020

• #10

One wall drops signal significantly. 2.4GHz is worse than 5GHz here.

 

chris_tv

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Feb 25, 2012

Messages

57

• Jan 30, 2020

• #11

Switch to 5GHz band on your router. Much better for streaming.

 

TechMike88

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Jul 27, 2010

Messages

75

• Feb 1, 2020

• #12

5GHz made a huge difference. 58Mbps now at the Fire Stick.

 

KevinNet

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Oct 24, 2018

Messages

50

• Feb 16, 2020

• #13

If possible, try an Ethernet cable or a powerline adapter for rock solid connection.

 

KevinNet

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Oct 24, 2018

Messages

50

• Mar 4, 2020

• #14

No buffering since switching bands. This thread is gold.