7 Quick Fixes for When Sling TV Keeps Freezing: Solutions to Stop Buffering Issues
- Resetting your modem and router can resolve internet connectivity issues that cause Sling TV to freeze or buffer.
- Adjusting the Sling TV app’s resolution or bandwidth settings can improve streaming performance, especially with slower internet speeds.
- Using a wired internet connection, disabling VPNs, and limiting the number of connected devices can enhance internet stability and speed, reducing freezing and buffering on Sling TV.
In this article, I’ll provide seven quick fixes to address the frustrating issue of Sling TV constantly freezing and buffering, ensuring you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming.
Let’s dive into these simple solutions to get your Sling TV running smoothly again!
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1. Reset Your Modem and Router
Streaming requires a strong and stable internet connection, so your Sling TV app may be freezing if your internet keeps cutting out.
Your modem and router could be glitching, causing this problem.
A good way to ensure your router is working properly is by resetting it. This process is simple but is highly effective at rebooting your router’s hardware and internet connection, solving a host of connectivity problems.
Let’s learn how!
Step 1: Unplug the modem and router from their power source. If your router has a power button (usually found on the back of the device), press it first to turn your router off before unplugging it.
Step 2: Wait for 10 to 30 seconds before plugging your modem back into the wall outlet. Ensure the power cable is secure at both ends. If your modem has a power button, press it to turn the device on.
Step 3: The modem will take a minute or two to reestablish a connection. Once you see that its LED indicator lights are lit green, you can plug the router back into power.
Step 4: Wait for a minute or two for the router to turn on and reboot. Your TV will also reestablish its connection with your router. Now you’re ready to open the Sling TV app and see if it continues to freeze or buffer.
2. Adjust the Resolution
If your home’s internet is slow, it may not be able to keep up with the Sling TV’s high resolution. For instance, the Sling TV app is going to have a difficult time displaying 4K content with low bandwidth.
An easy way to fix this problem is to adjust your Sling TV app’s resolution in its settings.
Don’t worry. This won’t affect your other streaming apps’ resolutions.
Sling TV automatically adjusts the resolution based on how much bandwidth it uses. You can manually adjust its bandwidth usage by following the steps below.
Step 1: Open the Sling TV app.
Step 2: Navigate to the Settings.
Step 3: Click on Connection from the menu on the left side of the screen.
Step 4: Set the Max Bandwidth Allowed. If your internet is slow, select Medium Quality or Low Quality, then play something to see if the problem has been fixed.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to change your Sling TV app’s resolution following the steps above.
3. Use a Wired Internet Connection
Wired connections via an Ethernet cable tend to foster faster internet speeds than Wi-Fi. They also tend to be more stable, meaning your internet connection won’t cut out every few minutes.
You’ll need an Ethernet cable for this process. If your TV, monitor, or laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you will need to invest in an Ethernet adapter. We recommend the Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter, which plugs directly into your device’s USB port.
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Last update on 2024-11-21 / Paid Link.
To set up a wired internet connection, simply plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your TV, monitor, or laptop and plug the other end into your router.
Some smart TVs require you to adjust your network settings to receive a wired internet connection.
So, if your smart TV does not immediately accept the wired internet connection, head to its network settings and adjust them accordingly. You may also consult its manual for more information.
4. Disable Your VPN
VPNs are great at keeping your IP address and personal information secure, but they can drastically slow down your internet speed. This is because the signal must go through extra steps before “arriving” in your Sling TV app.
Additionally, the VPN may make your IP address appear as though it’s in another country. While this may be useful when traveling or living abroad, it can be unhelpful for U.S. residents, as the Sling TV app only works in the U.S.
So, if your VPN has set your IP address to another country, your Sling TV app may be blocked. This means you won’t be able to access all of the shows you know and love.
The solution here is simple: disable your VPN.
Depending on your VPN, you may need to disable it within the app or through your device’s Wi-Fi settings. Check out these articles on how to disable NordVPN and ExpressVPN, or look up instructions on how to disable your specific VPN brand.
5. Limit the Number of Connected Devices
Your router has a limited amount of bandwidth, which it tries to portion out to all of the connected devices (e.g. your smartphone, smart TV, laptop, etc). This means that the more devices connected to your router there are, the lower each of their bandwidths will be.
Bandwidth allocation can affect your internet speed, meaning devices with lower bandwidth will have slower internet speeds than devices with higher bandwidth.
Slow internet speed can cause your streaming apps, like Sling TV, to freeze and buffer.
If you’re interested in learning more about what bandwidth is and how it can affect your streaming experience, check out the article Bandwidth VS Internet Speed.
To increase your device’s bandwidth, disconnect other devices that you’re not using from the internet. Bear in mind that your smartphone, tablet, and laptop still consume bandwidth even when you’re not using them.
Try turning off their Wi-Fi and using mobile data instead. This will clear up some of your router’s bandwidth, hopefully increasing your internet speed.
6. There are Internal Problems with the Sling TV App
Sling TV recently release a tweet on their official Sling Answers account announcing that there have been some problems with their app’s software, which cause users to experience buffering and freezing.
This problem is internal and not a result of poor internet connection or user error.
Luckily, Sling TV released another tweet a couple of hours later stating that this problem had been resolved.
However, it’s safe to assume that this problem could be reoccurring, causing the Sling TV app to randomly buffer.
If you think that the problem could be a result of the Sling TV app glitching, ask a friend who also has Sling TV if they’re experiencing similar issues or head to Twitter to look for any official statements.
Worst-case scenario, you may have to wait a few hours until the issue’s resolved.
7. Ensure the Sling TV App is Updated
It’s not uncommon for certain software updates to contain bugs, which can cause connection issues like freezing and buffering.
So, ensure the Sling TV app is updated and regularly check for updates that may resolve this issue.
Depending on which device you’re using to watch Sling TV, you may have to update the app through your smartphone/tablet’s app store or through the settings if you’re watching it on a smart TV or streaming device.
Your device will need to be connected to a stable internet connection to update the app. You may also be able to opt for automatic updates, so you don’t have to manually look for and install updates every few weeks.
Good luck!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.