Twitch Buffering: 5 Ways to Fix Lagging (2024)

Streaming live gaming videos on Twitch is exciting and fun unless you have to deal with the issue of Twitch buffering. It becomes irritating and annoying when a live video suddenly stops and you have to wait forever to continue watching the video.

Well, Twitch buffering is a common issue that is caused mainly due to poor internet connectivity. 

If you are facing the issue of Twitch buffering, we are here to help you out. In this article, we will be discussing the common reasons that cause Twitch buffering and the most effective troubleshooting methods that you should follow to rectify the issue once and for all. Keep scrolling to know more.

What Causes Twitch Buffering?

No doubt Twitch is a famous and popular live video streaming app, but it has its own flaws. Make sure you check the Twitch’s status page if all systems are operational. In most cases, the Twitch video buffers due to network problems or browser issues. External interference is another cause of Twitch buffering.

Let us get to know some of the common causes of Twitch buffering. 

1. Connectivity Issues

The most obvious and common reason for Twitch buffering is the problem with the Internet connection at your place. If the Internet speed is slow or the connection is distorted, it results in Twitch buffering.

First and foremost, you must check the Internet speed and ensure that the connection is properly installed to rectify the issue clearly. 

2. Cookies or Cached Files

If your system has unwanted files or cookies that are no longer in use, you must ensure to delete them as they can result in taking up unnecessary space in your system. It can slow down the working of your device and cause lag or buffering while you stream Twitch videos.

3. Virus or Malware

Another possible cause of Twitch buffering could be a virus or malware. If a virus or malware has infected your device, it can cause continuous lags and buffering in the Twitch videos.

Cyber attacks have frequently risen nowadays and so viruses and malware are likely to be a reason for Twitch buffering. 

4. Pending Software Updates

Most significantly, pending software updates are another reason that can result in Twitch buffering. Most often users neglect the software update request. If you do not update the software timely, it results in a buffering issue.

Thus, pending software updates can result in Twitch buffering. 

How to Fix Twitch Buffering and Lagging?

Knowing the reasons that result in Twitch buffering, you might be searching for the troubleshooting methods that can resolve the issue for you. Following are some efficient troubleshooting methods that you can try to enjoy Twitch live streaming conveniently. 

1. Check the Antivirus Software

First and foremost, you must check the Antivirus Software of your device as malware and viruses can affect the effectiveness and functionality of your device. The virus can hinder the seamless processing of the device.

Thus, it is important to check your computer for any malware and you must remove it as soon as possible. 

In case no malware is detected in your device, you need to disable certain features in the Antivirus software. However, if that does not resolve the issue for you, you must upgrade to a better Antivirus software. 

2. Disable Your VPN

If you use Twitch from a location that does not enable the working of the platform, chances are that you might be using a VPN to watch live videos. This can interfere with your Twitch stream.

Consequently, you need to disable your VPN and upgrade to one that does not cause lagging or buffering in the Twitch live video streaming.

3. Change the DNS

For most users, changing their DNS has worked wonders in resolving the Twitch buffering issue. You can change your DNS to Google DNS and check if the problem continues to persist. To change the DNS, you need to follow the steps given below.

  • On the control panel of your device, click “Network and Internet” from the sidebar
  • Then click “View Network Status and Tasks” under the Network and Sharing Center
  • Further, you have to click “Change Adapter Settings” from your sidebar
  • A dialog box will appear on the screen. It will display your network connection
  • Right-click on it and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu
  • Then from the list choose “Internet Protocol”. Then choose “Properties”
  • Click “Use the following DNS server address” and enter the code
  • Then click “Okay” and your work will be done

4. Clear Your Cache

Twitch buffering could be due to unnecessary files and cached data in your system. To ensure that you resolve the issue of Twitch buffering, you need to get rid of some of the files and folders from your device to have a seamless streaming experience.

To clear your cache on Google Chrome, follow the steps below.

  • On the top right corner of the screen, you need to click “Settings” from the drop-down menu
  • Scroll down and you will see an option of “Clear Browsing Data” under “Privacy and Security”. Click on it to continue
  • Further, you will see a pop-up box that displays the time range
  • Select “All Time” and then click on “Clear Data”

5. Disable Unnecessary Browser Extensions

In case your browser has any unnecessary extensions, it can cause the problem of Twitch buffering.

If your Twitch has been working appropriately in the past few days and you have recently developed the problem of buffering, you need to search for extensions in the “More Tools” options and disable all the unnecessary browser extensions that you do not need. 

What Does Twitch Buffering Look Like?

You might be wondering what Twitch buffering looks like and what signs indicate that a Twitch video is about to buffer. The following factors indicate Twitch buffering. 

Twitch Stream Keeps Freezing

The prime indication to see if a Twitch video will buffer is a continuous lag while playing a game.

Low Resolution 

When the internet connection is poor at times, the Twitch video will not buffer rather the resolution of the video will become low. This shows that the Twitch video is buffering. 

Conclusion

Twitch is an interesting platform to enjoy live streaming of your favorite game. The platform is no less than a paradise for gamers. Gamers can find like-minded people on the platform, however, the issue of Twitch buffering can be troublesome for a person.

It can be easily resolved by the manual troubleshooting methods mentioned in the article.