My stream is buffering, what should I do?
Buffering happens when your device can't download video as fast as it plays it. In almost every case the cause is on the home network or the device, not the channel itself, and it can be fixed in a few minutes. Work through the steps below in order and test a channel after each one.
Quick fixes to try first
- Close the player app completely, then open it again and replay the channel.
- Unplug your TV, streaming stick or box from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Restart your router and modem the same way, and wait two minutes for the connection to come back.
- Try a different channel. If only one channel buffers, it may be a temporary source issue; tell support so we can check it.
Check your internet connection
StelloTV needs a steady connection, not just a fast one. Run a test at speedtest.net on the same device you watch on, ideally while the TV is on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Confirm you get at least 10 Mbps for HD or 25 Mbps for 4K on every device that streams at the same time.
- Pause large downloads, game updates and cloud backups on other devices while you watch.
- If possible, connect the TV or box to your router with an Ethernet cable. A wired connection removes most Wi-Fi drops.
- On Wi-Fi, move the router closer to the TV or use the 5 GHz network instead of 2.4 GHz.
Fix the player app
- Open the device settings, find your player app, and choose Clear cache (not Clear data, which signs you out).
- Update the player app to its latest version from the app store or Downloader.
- In the player settings, switch the stream format from HLS to MPEG-TS (or the reverse) and test again.
- Increase the buffer size in the player settings if the option exists.
When to use a VPN, and when not to
Some internet providers slow down video streams during busy evening hours. If buffering only appears at peak times and your speed test looks fine, a good VPN can help. If you already use a VPN, try switching it off or picking a closer server, because a distant server is a common cause of buffering.
Still buffering?
Contact our 24/7 support team on WhatsApp or live chat with your device model, your speed test result and the channels that buffer. We can check your line and suggest the best settings for your setup.