How many times have you asked yourself, “why my Twitch keeps buffering?”. Here are the 4 most common reasons for the lag in Twitch streams: hardware issues, software issues, Twitch service-related issues, problems associated with ISP peering.
What To Do When You Have Hardware Issues
If you have hardware issues, check their compatibility or, if one or several of your components are obsolete, replace them.
What To Do When You Have Software Issues
Check your antivirus software to see if it conflicts with Twitch. Also, disable all the unnecessary browser extensions during the stream.
What To Do When You Have A Twitch Service Issue
Always be informed about the latest updates and maintenance time for Twitch to know if something can impact your stream from their end. If you are sure your software and hardware are good, reach out to Twitch support to check your account.
What To Do When You Have ISP Issues
Check your internet speed. If you are sure you meet all the requirements for an uninterrupted stream, try modifying your DNS or turning off your VPN.
Say that you are enjoying a stream on Twitch and everything is going perfect, up until you encounter one of the biggest enemies of a good time – the Twitch stream lagging.
The thing about Twitch stuttering is that it has a tendency to do so at the worst possible time, potentially ruining the entire experience! Luckily, there are a couple of easy ways to resolving the issue as to why is Twitch so laggy and how to fix it.
Table of Contents
Twitch Buffering Fix
No matter how annoying when Twitch keeps freezing over a prolonged period of time (putting up with it for a day is enough), it is, fortunately, quite easy to put a stop to Twitch stream stuttering by following these methods;
1. Use your Antivirus Software to scan and change its settings
The first intuitive thing to do when encountering a problem such as this (scanning your computer for malware) is sometimes the best solution, as malware comes in a large variety of different variations that could hinder your internet speed.
However, it is also possible that your antivirus is actively blocking communication between your computer and Twitch servers, and that might just be the cause as to why your Twitch streams keep freezing.
Check if the antivirus you are using is not interfering with Twitch or disable it before testing the bandwidth. If this does not solve the problem, scroll down to the next method.
2. Modify your DNS
A more commonly employed tactic aimed at resolving Twitch stream lagging is to switch your DNS to Google’s DNS, as it has shown remarkable results in many cases where streamers could find no better alternative, this is how you can do it.
- Gain access to the network tab through your desktop’s Taskbar.
- From there, click on the option “Change adapter options,” from which you will be able to access your Ethernet’s properties.
- Click on the option Network connection and go right to Properties. From there, you should be able to locate “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/Ipv4).” Select that displayed setting and go to its properties.
- Now comes the finishing touch: manually configure the server’s addresses to match the codes in both the alternate and preferred server.
3. Clean-up your cache
If you are using Twitch from your browser, this is one of the best methods to start from. It is quite often the case that many broadcasters have their browsers “swimming” in pilled up data that needs to be cleaned.
Aside from offering a solution to Twitch stream stuttering, it might also improve your browsing experience and clear up the lag in many different areas of use, all in a few short steps.
We will use Chrome for demonstration.
- Access the settings of your browser (usually located at the top right corner within the options tab- three dots).
- Within the menu displayed within “Privacy and security,” you will be able to find the command to clean up your browser’s cache.
- It is highly recommended that you delete everything in order to effectively troubleshoot, which means that deleting all files within the entire time range of the browser’s use.
4. Deactivate browser extensions during streaming/viewing on Twitch
You might be the type of browser user who utilizes many extensions on their browser during everyday use, and that might be a reason as to why you currently have a lack-luster experience on Twitch.
While numerous extensions will almost certainly put a strain on your browser’s speed, sometimes even a couple of them can disrupt an otherwise lag-free streaming use.
To check if this is the case for you as well, do the following;
- Click on the Settings icon located on the top right
- Click on “More tools” and head on over to extensions
- Deactivate all or most of them
When you disable all the extensions you got installed, test out Twitch and see if anything has changed for the better.
If you see an improvement, you might want to disable your extensions whenever you are using Twitch and re-enable them afterward.
5. Close or put to sleep taxing background apps
I will just point at the elephant in the room: an enormous number of pc users, in general, forget to close their applications. This can be the answer to the question of why does Twitch keep freezing.
One of the de facto leading causes for slow computers, in cases where old/un-updated hardware/software or malware are not the problem, is because of unclosed browser tabs, taxing apps running in the background.
Even some games people might forget to close before starting a new one!
You can see all the running apps in your system by opening up Task Manager and close those you deem unnecessary at the moment.
6. Temporarily disable your Hardware Acceleration
As yet another taxing feature your system might be using is the hardware acceleration function.
Although the primary purpose of this particular option is to offload the heavy strain placed on the CPU by delegating several tasks towards other PC components (usually the GPU), it can overload the optimal efficiency of your browser.
It can result in Twitch stream stuttering. Here is what you can do:
- Open up your browser and find the settings button that will lead you to a more expansive menu.
- On your left, you will find a set of menus and options that you can access, click on “Advanced” and then click on “System.”
- You will see a box with a couple of toggle buttons that will feature the hardware ac. feature. Toggle it off, and you are good to go!
7. Turn off your VPN to resolve Twitch Keeps Buffering issue
Some VPNs don’t interfere with Twitch broadcasting software, nor do they slow down your internet (or at least not very noticeably) to the extent that you would not be able to enjoy lag-free activities on your browser or other apps.
Others, however, not not only cause Twitch stuttering but can also interfere with other features of Twitch.
That makes it much harder, if not impossible, to fully bask in the opportunities the streaming services has to offer.
If you notice an improvement after turning the VPN service off, you might want to keep it that way whenever you are using the streaming service through browser/app.
You could find a more suitable VPN that won’t cause interference.
8. Use Channel Bonding Tech to get around the lag
When you have exhausted most of the methods available to you when it comes to changing your PC’s configuration, you might find a resolution on the internet.
Or, more precisely, within software designed to unlock bandwidth from every other device you are not currently using.
The most popular and easiest option to use is Speedify. The program has a fantastic reputation within both the streaming and gaming communities.
It optimizes internet use and prioritizes activities based on the user’s needs. This will help you to resolve Twitch constantly buffering issue.
9. Reinstall the Twitch app
If nothing else works, the most straightforward method(if you are using Twitch from your desktop) is probably the best one you can use.
Reinstalling Twitch is very quick and might as well resolve all of your problems (if they originated from your app).
So, don’t hesitate to use it, especially if you suspect that the reason why your Twitch keeps freezing might be related to corrupted files.
Why Does Twitch Keep Buffering
A seemingly simple inquiry that sometimes leaves even tech-savvy Twitch veterans scratching their heads. The questions’ complex nature only begins to show once you attempt a Twitch buffering fix without prior knowledge!
Many users, including those who didn’t invest a substantial amount of time into learning the ins and outs of computer science, will know that a sub-par internet connection will be one of the main factors at play, yet there is more to the question as to why does Twitch keep buffering that meets the eye, such as.
1. Hardware issues
Is the device you are using old? Does it meet the recommended specs? The age of the device, especially if it is over 3 years old and un-updated, could be the leading cause for your Twitch stuttering problem.
2. Software issues
Some software might be in conflict with the software Twitch utilizes and is causing the problem (it might even be your antivirus).
Another related problem of this nature are open taxing applications (usually multiple browsers or games you are not actively streaming) which might overload your computer’s CPU and GPU
3. Twitch service-related issues
It is entirely possible that the problem as to why your Twitch stream keeps freezing is entirely unrelated to your hardware/software but to Twitches servers.
If that is the case, you might as well wait it out as they will fix the issue eventually and, if you need confirmation, you can access the latest information at their official Twitter account.
4. Problems associated with ISP peering
Most commonly associated with other streaming services akin to Vimeo or Hulu. More info on ISP peering is useful yet not necessary for fixing this kind of problem
Another helpful bit of information that is, sadly, quite often overlooked is how common Twitch lag on limited data plans is (when you are using your phone’s internet, for example).
Taking into account your usage and how taxing watching streams can is easily viewable in the image below:
