Starlink buffering can be very common to some people depending on how your internet signal experiences interference.
Several factors can interfere with the strength of your Starlink internet signals leading to buffering.
However, slow internet speed is the most common cause.
If your internet speed is not fast enough, it can’t effectively offer the amount of data required to run internet activities such as downloading, streaming, and gaming.
We detail the causes of Starlink buffering and the possible solutions. But first, let’s clarify what buffering is.
Table of Contents
- What is Buffering?
- What Causes Slow Starlink Buffering?
- How to Correct Slow Buffering While Streaming
- Summary
What is Buffering?
Buffering refers to the process of loading a portion of data and storing it in a reserve memory called a buffer before streaming.
This saved data enables you to stream video without interruption.
However, you require a strong internet connection to load the required buffered data before your stream.
Most people think this is the point video streaming stops. Your streaming stops when buffering is slow or has failed.
Video data can’t load fast enough while you are watching, so the streaming stops to play catch up.
But for clarity, we will refer to this point as buffering too.
What Causes Slow Starlink Buffering?
Starlink buffering occurs when the internet speed is not strong enough to preload the required data.
In such cases, your device will buffer the data for streaming and then pick up when data is downloaded enough to prevent lags in the stream.
Buffering varies with internet speed and is not constant.
The data pocket being loaded remains ahead of you when Starlink’s internet speed is strong and stable to support streaming without lags.
However, poor internet speed results in inconsistencies in the downloaded pocket data and, therefore, slow buffering.
How to Correct Slow Buffering While Streaming
Clean Cache, Browsing History and Cookies
Clearing the browsing history, cache, and cookies should be the first thing to do when experiencing buffering.
Advanced System Optimizer’s Privacy Protector can help you clean up the system. Cleaning up your system will improve its performance and buffering speed.
Stop Streaming for a Few Minutes, then Resume.
Another simpler way is giving your streaming a break. Pausing the video for a few minutes allows it to collect a large buffer for stable streaming when you resume.
So instead of waiting for the video to resume after it pauses, simply stop it and give it some time. This will lower buffering issues when you resume.
Check Starlink Internet Speed
The solution to buffering mostly revolves around trying to improve your Starlink internet speed. So use a speed test and check your Starlink internet speed.
Starlink internet speed for Residential ranges between 20 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
The business package can offer up to 220 Mbps download speed, but anything above 50 Mbps can still be okay.
RV users should expect a download speed between 5 and 50 Mbps.
The most common cause of slow speed for Starlink’s internet is network congestion. Starlink is still fairly new and spreading, but the demand is overwhelming.
Test if it is network congestion by running a speed test outside the peak hours, around 7 pm, and compare it with what you experience during peak hours.
If it is faster outside peak hours, then congestion is the issue. That said, you must reschedule internet activities that consume a lot of data.
Check WiFi Connection
If you are experiencing slow internet speed, check your WiFi connection. Most connected devices usually display WiFi strength meters.
The distance from the router can result in WiFi issues. Usually, the further you are from the router, the slower your internet strength.
For that reason, moving your device closer to the router or the router closer to where you stream can help solve the Starlink connection issue.
You can test this using a smartphone. If you get a better speed when standing close to the router and it reduces as you move away, then distance is the reason for poor connection.
A woman connecting a smartphone to WiFi
Use Ethernet Connection
Another way you can solve WiFi connection issues is by connecting your device using an Ethernet cable instead of WiFi.
Even the most stable WiFi network is still vulnerable to interference. An Ethernet cable connection will help you avoid these interferences.
A man connecting Ethernet cable to a WiFi router
Close Unwanted Programs and Apps
Running many programs and applications at the same time on your PC may interfere with video streaming.
Ensure the ones you no longer use are closed or deleted from your PC. You can do this manually or use Advanced System Optimizer to turn off the apps quickly and save time.
Disconnect Other Devices
Connecting too many devices on the same network can also cause buffering. Disconnecting other devices will free up the bandwidth.
Once you do that, try streaming and see if this has solved the buffering.
Stream at a Lower Resolution
To get high-resolution streaming, you will need a stable network. Without a stable network, you will encounter buffering issues.
Streaming at a lower resolution can help prevent buffering when the network is low.
If your streaming service is capable of lowering the resolution automatically whenever the network goes down, the better.
Upgrade Your WiFi Router
Your Starlink WiFi router requires regular maintenance. You don’t just set it up and forget about it.
Update the firmware, and if this doesn’t work, consider a hard reset.
Simply disconnect the router, then switch it off. Let the router rest for ten seconds and replug it.
Summary
When enjoying your favorite streaming, Starlink buffering can be very disappointing.
Luckily, we have offered useful tips to help you improve slow buffering.
However, you can be creative enough to generate more if what we offer you doesn’t solve your problem.
Contact the company support team for help if your troubleshooting efforts fail.
