As a DirecTV user, you can enjoy a range of TV channels, from sports, music, movies, TV shows, documentaries, you name it. All you need is a good internet connection and a compatible device: Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, phones (DirecTV app), computer (browsers).
However, sometimes users on DirecTV Now experience buffering issues, which can interrupt the video streaming constantly and cause a terrible viewing experience.
What causes DirecTV buffering issues?
DirecTV Now buffering is designed to improve your viewing experience. However, when it occurs constantly as you are watching a video, it can lead to a jerky viewing experience, exactly what it was designed to prevent.
On DirecTV, buffering issues can occur due to:
- Network issues – poor Wi-Fi signals (when connecting your device wirelessly) or poor cable connection (when using Ethernet cable), which leads to inconsistent broadband speeds, hence the constant buffering
- Low broadband speeds — a problem with your network router, or a problem with your ISP, leading to a network connection that cannot support the stream adequately
- Outdated DirecTV app – older app versions can cause buffering issues due to bugs and slow interfaces
- Bandwidth problems – too many people streaming leading to slow speeds
- A problem with the streaming device
How to fix DirecTV buffering issues?
If DirecTV Now keeps buffering on Roku and other streaming devices, here is a list of solutions you can follow to fix the issues.
- Fix your network issues
- Improve your internet connection speeds
- Update your DirecTV app
- Restart your device
- Change your streaming device
- Contacting Directv customer service
Solution 1: Fix your network issues
One of the most likely causes of buffering issues is a poor network connection (wireless or cable), which causes poor packets distribution by the network – hence fluctuating or slow speeds.
You can fix these issues by using a stronger router or reducing the distance between the router the streaming device (to avoid the loss of wireless signals).
Alternatively, you can connect your device to the internet using a LAN cable. If you are currently using a LAN cable but still experiencing buffering issues, changing it for a better quality cable might fix the problem.
Software problems can also cause network issues that result in buffering. A quick reboot of your network router can help to fix the problem.
If restarting the router does not resolve the issue, the problem might be on the ISP’s end. A call to their customer service can help to fix the issue.
Solution 2: Improve your internet connection speeds
Buffering can occur if your internet speeds are too low – either due to small or overloaded network bandwidth.
You can fix this issue by reducing the number of devices sharing the connection. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a faster internet package to guarantee faster streaming speeds.
Solution 3: Update your DirecTV app
An outdated DirecTV Now app is another issue that can be causing the buffering. A quick update to the latest app version can help to end the nightmare, allowing you to enjoy a smooth streaming experience.
Solution 4: Restart your device
Buffering issues can occur due to minor problems (software issues) with your streaming device. These problems can be fixed by restarting (rebooting) the device. Two reboot options are available:
- A soft reset – by powering the device off and then on or using a reset/restart button
- A hard reset – by restoring the factory settings (useful when the soft reset does not work)
Solution 5: Change your streaming device
A faulty device is another reason why you might be experiencing buffering issues. Replacing your device with a newer one can help to fix the problem.
You can also try to switch the streaming device you are using – for example, switching to Roku instead of computer browsers.
Solution 6: Contact DirecTV customer service
If the above solutions fail to fix your buffering issue, the DirecTV customer support team can help to diagnose the problem.
To contact DirecTV, click on their customer service page here, where you will find both their general support and 24/7 support phone numbers.
Solution 7: Pause for a few minutes, then play
Buffering occurs when the program is playing a video faster than it can download. To solve the issue, start the movie then press Pause for a few minutes to let it download.
Press play and enjoy your movie without buffering. This solution was suggested by one of our readers, Rob Scarpa.
Now that these solutions have worked for you, why not check out our streaming media diagnostics and reviews?
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