Simple Ways to Improve Your Streaming Experience

As the popularity of Disney+, Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services continue to grow, many viewers are finding that their home internet is simply not up to the task. Instead of watching their favorite TV shows and movies, those unlucky viewers spend lots of time watching spinning icons and waiting for their video to buffer.

If you are suffering from streaming malaise, you may think that paying for a more expensive internet connection is the only way out, but that may not be the case. Before you call your internet service provider and hand over your credit card, take the following steps to improve and speed up your streaming experience.

Turn Off Wi-Fi on Other Devices

Chances are you have a lot of electronic devices in your home, and many of them are constantly searching for an internet connection. Every time those devices connect, they put a strain on your home Wi-Fi network, and that can slow your streaming experience to a crawl.

Before you sit down to binge watch your favorite show, take a minute to turn off any devices you are not using. If you do not want to turn those devices off completely, just turn off the Wi-Fi so there will be less competition for your available Wi-Fi resources.

Shut Off Hardware Acceleration

If you are watching streaming video on your computer or mobile device and experiencing high levels of buffering or pixelated content, disabling hardware acceleration is one of the best ways to speed things up. Hardware acceleration can boost the quality of streaming if you have super-fast internet, but for standard internet connections this option can actually slow down your device and sharply reduce the quality of your experience.

You can find the settings for hardware acceleration inside the settings for your device. If you are unsure of how to find it, just check the user manual or go online to the manufacturer website for more information.

Change the Channel on Your Router

If your streaming experience is slower than it should be, changing the channel on your router could speed it up. Routers are designed to operate on a number of different channels, and switching the settings could put your buffering problems to rest.

You can change the channel easily enough by logging onto your router and looking at the settings. You may need to experiment with a number of different channels until you find the one that provides the best streaming experience.

Try a Hardwired Connection

If all else fails, you can always connect your TV directly to your router, bypassing the Wi-Fi signal altogether and providing faster and steadier performance. A hardwired connection can be much more stable, and far faster than even the fastest wireless options, and if you do a lot of streaming this may be the best way to go.

Even if your router and TV are far apart, you can run an Ethernet cable easily enough. And you can purchase long Ethernet cables for less than $20, far less than the cost of a single month of enhanced internet service.

Chances are you have been watching a lot of streaming video lately, from kid-friendly programs to keep the little ones entertained to more adult content to fight off your cabin fever. If your streaming experience is not living up to your expectations, the tips listed above could help you set things right, so you can enjoy some quality time with your television or computer.

"It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up.” --Vince Lombardi."