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How to Resolve Kodi Buffering Problems
We all enjoy a smooth, continuous entertainment experience. To put it mildly, interruptions in any form are vexing. Kodi is a popular entertainment platform that allows users to watch on-demand, high-quality content for free. Despite the fact that this platform connects millions of online streamers with thousands of streaming sources, Kodi buffering issues aren’t uncommon. Kodi buffering issues are becoming more common as more and more streams are added without being checked. Fortunately, there are some solutions that can fix or at least reduce Kodi buffering issues on Kodi 18.9 and Kodi 17.6. These fixes are also simple to implement. Continue reading!
Kodi is a widely used media player among cord-cutters all over the world. This app, created by XBMC, instantly transforms your device into a media center. It not only allows you to play and cast locally stored media, but it also allows you to stream free and widely available content over the internet via various add-ons and builds. Even more amazing, this service is available on a variety of platforms, including Fire TV Stick, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, Windows PC, Mac OS, and Linux.
Kodi is undeniably fantastic, but it comes with its own set of issues. When compared to other services like Plex, some people find it more difficult to set up. What I’ve concluded is that once you’ve gotten your head around Kodi, you’re unlikely to like any other media player.
However, that was not the only consideration I had in mind when discussing the issues with this platform. The most serious problem with Kodi is buffering. Nothing is more aggravating than being interrupted while watching your favorite movie or television show.
Fortunately, there are a few options for resolving or minimizing Kodi buffering issues. We’ll learn how to fix buffering on Kodi Leia 18 and Kodi Krypton 17.6 in this guide. Continue reading!
how to fix buffering issues in Kodi
Unknown Sources on Kodi should be enabled.
There’s one last thing to take care of before we move on.
Kodi is intended to provide a secure entertainment environment. To achieve this, it employs a variety of security features and protocols.
By default, Kodi does not allow installation from unknown third-party sources to prevent dangerous builds and add-ons from infiltrating the system. However, not all third-party add-ons are dangerous, especially the ones we’ll discuss later in this guide.
We’ll need to temporarily enable Unknown Sources in order to install these add-ons. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: On the Kodi home screen, click the Settings (cog icon) in the top right corner.
Step 2: Select the ‘System Settings’ icon (or simply ‘System’ if using Kodi Leia 18).
Step 3: On the left, click “Add-ons,” then move the “Unknown Sources” toggle/switch to the right to enable it.
That is all there is to it! After you’ve installed all of the desired add-ons, make sure you disable Unknown Sources.
On what platforms do these techniques work?
Kodi has a universal interface that works on all platforms and devices (except for a few platform-specific additions). The methods below will work whether you’re trying to fix Kodi buffering issues on Windows, Android, iOS, or an Amazon Fire Stick.
Kodi Buffering can be fixed by increasing the cache size.
Cache is a type of auxiliary memory that helps with fast retrieval. While cache is widely used in the computer world, the video cache is the most important in video streaming or playback.
When you watch a video on the internet, your browser or app does not download the entire video at once. Instead, a small portion of the video is cached and temporarily stored (usually device RAM). You’ve probably noticed that if you lose your internet connection while streaming a video, the video continues to play for a while before stopping. The video that continues to play even after the internet is lost is the one that has been cached on the local system.
Two things must be addressed in order to alleviate Kodi buffering issues. To begin, you’ll need to set aside a large amount of RAM for Kodi’s cache memory. Second, you should keep clearing the cache on Kodi from previously watched videos because it takes up unnecessary space.
We’ll learn how to change Kodi buffer settings to accommodate optimal Cache space, as well as how to clear cache in Kodi, in the following text. There are five ways to get Kodi to stop buffering. Methods 1 through 4 work on all devices, including Amazon Fire TV and FireStick, while method 5 does not.
Method 1: Using Ares Wizard to Stop Kodi Buffering
One of the most popular Kodi maintenance and diagnostic tools is Ares Wizard. Let’s look at how to use this tool to adjust cache settings and fix Kodi buffering. Please install Ares Wizard on Kodi before proceeding.
Let’s see how we can fix Kodi buffering by optimizing the cache now that you’ve installed Ares Wizard.
Step 1: Open Ares Wizard and select the ‘Tweaks’ tab at the top.
Step 2: Select ‘Advanced Settings Wizard’ from the drop-down menu.
On the bottom right, there is a ‘Next’ button that you must click. But, before you do, make sure to read the developers’ word of caution.
In a nutshell, you should be aware of the following:
- There is no one-size-fits-all Cache allocation that is ideal for everyone. It is highly dependent on the device you are using to run Kodi as well as the system specifications (especially RAM size)
- The cache can be stored on the device (such as a hard drive) or in RAM (which is highly recommended)
- For caching purposes, Kodi uses 60MB of RAM. However, if you have a lot of free RAM, you can increase the size.
Step 3: Once you’ve grasped the above concepts, click “Next.”
At this point, Kodi will display the available RAM and suggest the ideal video cache memory allocation size (which is 1/3 of the available RAM). However, it is also recommended to leave a 10% buffer in case other programs consume more memory.
For example, if you have 900 MB of memory, 300 MB is 1/3 of it. The 10% margin would be 30 megabytes. As a result, 270 MB is the ideal video cache memory allocation.
NOTE: Allocating too much memory to the Kodi cache may degrade the device’s overall performance.
Step 4: On the bottom left, click the ‘Generate Settings’ button.
Step 5: On the next screen, change the Video Cache Size by dragging the slider left or right (check the image below)
As you can see, I had 900 MB of free RAM. As a result, Ares Wizard advised me to use 270 MB.
Ares Wizard also has four buffer modes, which you can see just above the ‘Apply these settings’ button at the bottom. What these modes do is as follows:
Mode 1: In this mode, Kodi will buffer all internet streams, including those from cloud sources and FTP servers.
This is the default mode. Mode 2 (recommended): This is the recommended mode. Kodi will try to buffer almost everything in this mode. It will even buffer the files that are being played from local storage.
Mode 3: Buffering is limited to website streams only in this mode.
Buffering is completely disabled in Mode 4.
If you are experiencing Kodi buffering issues in spite of having substantial RAM size then make sure that Mode 2 is selected. This mode provides the smoothest playback because it caches a large portion of the video ahead of time.
Delete Kodi Temporary Files using Ares Wizard Maintenance
If Kodi keeps freezing or crashing on a regular basis, you may be running out of storage space. This is most common on devices with limited storage. For example, if you have a handheld Android device with 16 GB of storage and regularly use Kodi with various add-ons, you may quickly run out of space. Apart from finding a solution to the Kodi buffering problem, resolving this issue will give you a smoother, more enjoyable entertainment experience.
Step 1: To clear the temp files, go to the top of the page and click the Maintenance button. You should see something similar to this:
Step 2: Now, one by one, click the following buttons:
- Trash Thumbnails
- Uninstall Packages
Because I recently deleted Thumbnails and Packages, they now take up less space on my hard drive. However, they took up nearly 1 GB of space when combined.
If you have any caches saved or stored, they will take up a lot of space. On Kodi, you can clear cache to free up a lot of storage space. But don’t be concerned! The settings we just discussed in the previous section will not be affected by deleting cache.
Method #2: Use a VPN to Fix Kodi Buffering
Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) make lofty claims about providing their customers with high-speed, unlimited internet access. While most average users can count on them to keep their promises, heavy streamers are frequently subjected to bandwidth throttling. Depending on your country, this may or may not be illegal. Also, sometimes they have clauses in the Terms & Conditions that we accept without even looking at them; well, that’s what the majority of us do.
When a user’s data usage exceeds a certain threshold, ISP throttling slows down or stops them from accessing the internet. As I previously stated, this is more common among heavy users. If you enjoy watching movies and shows on the internet using services like Kodi, you may fall into their category of heavy users. Since it was announced a few months ago that Net Neutrality would be repealed in the United States in the near future, the legal aspects of throttling have become increasingly hazy.
Using a reliable VPN is the best way to avoid internet throttling and Kodi buffering issues to a large extent. A good VPN service does more than just keep your online identity hidden. It also hides the details of your data usage from your ISP. To put it another way, if you use a VPN, your ISP will no longer be able to see what kind of data you’re using. They’d only be able to figure out how much data was being used.
Throttling is affecting those who stream videos, download torrents, and share large files over the internet, according to several users around the world.
You won’t have to be concerned about ISP throttling if you use a VPN. The top 5 VPNs in the industry are listed in the table below. Personally, I use ExpressVPN, which is currently the fastest VPN available.
How to Setup and Use a VPN on a FireStick
How to set up a virtual private network (VPN) on any streaming device
Method 3: Using Supreme Builds Wizard to Stop Kodi Buffering
Another popular Kodi maintenance tool is Supreme Builds Wizard. Let’s find out more about it.
To begin, go to Add-ons > Program Add-ons and launch the Supreme Builds Wizard from the home screen. Here’s how to get Supreme Builds Wizard on Kodi if you don’t already have it.
Step 1: Select Supreme Builds Maintenance from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Next, select ‘(Supreme Builds) System Tweaks/Fixes’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: On the next screen, select ‘Advanced Settings.’
Step 4: Select Quick Configure AdvancedSettings.xml from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: It is strongly advised that you leave the recommended settings alone. Take a quick look and then click the bottom left-hand ‘Write File’ button.
Step 6: Click ‘Remove Settings’ if an error message appears asking if you want to remove an active AdvancedSettings.xml file. This warning message will not appear if you are using Supreme Builds Wizard for the first time to update these settings.
Method #4: Fix Kodi Buffering with Real-Debrid
You may have noticed that, despite having a lightning-fast internet connection, many Kodi streams frequently buffer. This leaves us perplexed, wondering if the problem is with the internet’s allotted speed or the streaming server.
If you have a fast internet connection, there’s a good chance Kodi isn’t using it to its full potential while streaming your favorite content. We would have a much better Kodi experience if the internet could be used to its full speed potential. Real Debrid enters the picture at this point.
Real Debrid is a multihoster that gives you access to a vast array of high-quality streams for the content you want to watch. It adds new 1080p Full HD streams that aren’t available on other hosts.
Real Debrid is both a restricted and unrestricted downloader. With connections of up to 300 Mbps, it can use up to 80-90 percent of your original internet speed if not fully utilized. That’s nothing short of amazing.
There are a few things about Real-Debrid that you should be aware of. To begin with, it is not an add-on; however, it does work with other popular add-ons. Real Debrid will only work if you have one of the compatible add-ons installed. The good news is that it’s compatible with a variety of popular (and not-so-popular) add-ons, including Exodus Redux, Seren, Yoda, Gaia, and others.
Real-Debrid is a paid service. It is a high-end service. You can sign up for a free account and try out the limited-featured service. There are fewer full HD streams available on the free service, and the speed optimization isn’t as good. Also, if you use the free service, Real-Debrid streams are only available for a few hours during the day.
With the premium subscription, Real-true Debrid’s potential can be realized. Using one of the many Real Debrid streams will solve the majority of your Kodi buffering issues. This service will cost you approximately $5 per month if you pay month to month. You can save money by choosing a plan with a longer duration.
So, what’s the best way to get Real Debrid on Kodi?
We have a detailed guide that will walk you through signing up for Real Debrid and getting it set up on Kodi. See How to Install and Use Real-Debrid on Kodi for more information.
Method #5: Using a Code to Fix Kodi Buffering Issues
We’ll use this method to place a file with a specific file name and codes in the userdata folder of Kodi’s installation folder on your system.
If Kodi continues to buffer despite using the methods listed above, there’s a good chance you’ll notice a significant improvement after going through this troubleshooting process. While this method may appear to be a little complicated at first, I will do my best to make it as simple as possible. Simply take each step one at a time. You won’t even need to start Kodi.
Instructions for a Windows PC/Laptop
Here’s what you need to do if you’re a Windows user:
Step 1: Launch the Notepad app (press Windows + R at the same time, type in Notepad, and hit Enter; alternatively, use Windows search/Cortana to find Notepad).
Step 2: In Notepad, copy and paste the following codes:
<advancedsettings>
a network
/buffermode> /buffermode> /buffermode> /buffermode> /buffermode> /buffermode
1.5 readbufferfactor/readbufferfactor/readbufferfactor/readbufferfactor/readbufferfactor/readbufferfactor/readbufferfactor/readbuffer
104857600 /cachemembuffersize> cachemembuffersize> cachemembuffersize> cachemembuffersize> cachemembuffersize> cachemembuffersize> cacheme
/network> /network> /network> /network
/advancedsettings> /advancedsettings> /advancedsettings
Step 3: Save this file as advancedsettings.xml somewhere on your hard drive (DO NOT change the file name)
Step 4: Press the Windows + R keys again to open the Run dialog box, then paste the following into it: Now type in percent APPDATA percent kodiuserdata and hit Enter.
OR
Copy the code percent APPDATA percent kodiuserdata from Cortana or the Windows search function.
Step 5: The preceding step creates a folder. In this folder, paste the advancedsettings.xml file that you created earlier.
Step 6: Open Kodi and start watching a video. You’ll notice that Kodi’s buffering issues have been significantly reduced.
Other Platforms’ Steps
The idea is to copy the advancedsettings.xml file into the device’s userdata folder, just like Windows. The location of the folder, on the other hand, differs between devices.
Create an advancedsettings.xml file with the code given above, regardless of the device or platform you’re using.
After that, navigate to the userdata folder using a file explorer/manager app as follows:
org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata/Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata/
/private/var/mobile/Library/Preferences/Kodi/userdata/ /private/var/mobile/Library/Preferences/Kodi/userdata/ /private/var/mobile/Library/Pre
/.kodi/userdata/ on Linux
/Users/your user name>/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata/ /Users/your user name>/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata/
How to Fix Covenant / Exodus / Sportsdevil Kodi Buffering
Exodus, Covenant, and Sportsdevil have their own section because they are among the best Kodi addons and are used by thousands of people around the world. They have a large content library and provide high-quality live TV streaming. If you don’t already have these addons, click the links below to get them.
The steps to fix buffering on Kodi that I outlined above are common and should be followed by all users. The steps I’ve listed below for the Covenant, Exodus, and Sportsdevil are optional and can be done for any Addon. The steps can also be completed on any device, including the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Clear the Cache in Kodi to Fix Addon Buffering
Step 1: Go to Kodi Home Screen > Add-ons > Video Add-ons to launch the addon.
Step 2: Go to the bottom of the page and select ‘Tools.’
Step 3: Select the option to Clear Cache.
Step 4: To confirm your action and clear the Covenant cache in Kodi, click ‘Yes.’
Most addons should work with this. If the addon doesn’t have a cache-clearing option, you can always use the Ares Wizard method described above.
Reasons for Kodi’s Slow Streaming and Buffering
The speed (or slowness) with which Kodi buffers the playback is determined by a number of factors. Let’s take a look at what could be causing Kodi issues.
The first reason is a slow Internet connection.
We enjoy watching our favorite shows and movies in high definition. The majority of us prefer 720p HD streaming. The higher the streaming quality, the larger the file size. This is why you’ll need a fast enough internet connection to allow for smooth, uninterrupted streaming.
Netflix recommends a minimum internet speed of 0.5 Megabits per second, whether via cellular data or Wi-Fi. However, for most streaming qualities, the minimum speed is insufficient.
It is strongly advised that you have a minimum internet connection speed of 5 Megabits per second. That should allow you to stream SD videos without the annoying buffering.
If you want to stream in HD or Ultra HD, you’ll need at least 20-30 Megabits per second.
Thankfully, most ISPs have begun to offer high-speed internet capable of streaming content in a variety of resolutions. Of course, as previously stated, you can avoid ISP throttling by using a VPN.
You can test the bandwidth of your internet connection using a variety of websites and apps. The most popular is www.speedtest.net by Ookla, but there are many others that provide accurate download and upload speed data (download speed affects buffering speed).
Important Internet Speed Enhancement Recommendations
Here are some suggestions to help you get faster internet:
- If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure your device is physically as close to the modem/router as possible.
- Use Ethernet LAN connectivity (wired connection) whenever possible to improve internet speed.
- While watching videos on Kodi, make sure no other app or program on your device is heavily using the internet. For example, if you are downloading a large file in the background, Kodi may become slow to stream.
- If you have too many devices connected to the same network, Kodi may experience buffering problems. Disconnect some of the devices if possible.
What if I have high-speed internet but the problem still exists?
If you have high-speed internet and have followed all of the steps in this section, you should try one of the troubleshooting methods listed above.
If you’re not getting the internet speed you expected from your internet plan, you should contact your ISP’s customer service.
Reason #2: Overcrowding in the Streaming Source
There are some things we can influence or improve, and others we cannot. Because many people access popular streaming sources at the same time, they are frequently overcrowded. As a result, their overburdened server begins to act erratically, causing Kodi buffering issues.
This is something we can’t change, improve, or control. The good news is that most Kodi add-ons include a link to multiple video sources for each video. So, if one source is overburdened, switch to another. This will most likely solve the Kodi buffering issue.
Final Thoughts on Kodi Buffering Issues
The user experience has been harmed by Kodi buffering issues, and it continues to be so. Fortunately, we have some very effective solutions that either significantly reduce or completely eliminate buffering issues. I can’t stress enough how important it is to use a VPN when using Kodi. You’ll notice a significant difference in buffering speed. Aside from that, allocating a larger size to the video cache and clearing the cache are both critical in resolving the problem. I hope the solutions I provided above were helpful in resolving your Kodi buffering issues. If none of the solutions work, I recommend resetting Kodi to start over.
