Twitch launched in 2011 and has become one of the biggest streaming platforms in the world. Millions are tuning in to Twitch streams every day to watch their favorite content, and most of the time, it’s a simple process. A good internet connection should mean you can watch Twitch without any interruptions, right? Unfortunately not. Twitch buffering can still happen, and it can be incredibly frustrating.
If you’re one of the unfortunate users that keeps experiencing Twitch buffering, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Your internet speed is fine, so why the constant buffering? In this blog, we look at the most common reasons for Twitch buffering issues and give you the best tips to fix Twitch lagging. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Slow Internet
Not every internet connection is equal, and a slow connection will struggle to handle Twitch videos. Streaming is one of the activities that use the most data and relies on a good connection. Start with the basics and run a speed test before starting more advanced troubleshooting to fix Twitch buffering.
A poor network connection will show itself in other areas too. For example, you will experience issues on other streaming platforms and probably face slow downloads and website loading problems. You can try using a wired connection instead of wifi to see if things improve. If they don’t, you will need to contact your ISP to discuss an upgrade to a better package.
2. ISP Throttling
Believe it or not, no matter how fast your speeds are, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) could be intentionally slowing you down. This is known as throttling and is a pretty common practice. It happens during busy periods, for example, if you’re trying to watch a Twitch stream on a Saturday night when the ISP traffic levels are at their highest. If your internet connection is slowed enough, you will notice an almost immediate difference in the quality of your streaming videos. It can become a blurred, lag, buffer, or not work at all.
To check if your ISP is throttling your internet speed, have a read of your terms and conditions. The ISP likely states this in the small print. If you can’t find it, run some speed tests yourself. For example, check your internet speed while simply browsing versus when you’re watching a Twitch stream. Also, test the speed during quiet periods against busier network periods.
If you’re being throttled, speak to your Internet Service Provider or move to another provider that promises not to slow you down.
3. Cache, Cookies, and Advertisements
Targeted advertisements are part and parcel of the internet. Cookies are stored, and advertisements are placed on most places you visit, including when you’re watching Twitch. If these ads aren’t annoying enough, they can cause buffering issues with Twitch. It’s not that cookies or adverts slow your internet down; they use a lot of bandwidth – bandwidth you need to watch streams.
Cached web content fits within the same category of issues. This is when a website version is saved in your temporary files so that you don’t have to download the images or other site data every time you visit. It’s a great idea, and it often works, but it can also be counter-productive and leave you with not enough bandwidth for Twitch. So instead, clear your cached images and files and block cookies if they lead to Twitch buffering. This can be done under the ‘clear browsing data’ option in the menu on Google Chrome and other popular browsers.
4. Viruses and Malware
Viruses and malware are things nobody wants to have on their computer. But with many not opting to use Antivirus software, these threats are all too common. It might not be immediately apparent that you have a virus or malware on your device, but it will almost certainly result in issues with Twitch streaming. This is because viruses slow your entire machine down, and if your CPU usage is too high because of said virus, you will encounter buffering issues.
This applies to the overall performance of your PC and not to your specific browser. So whether you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, a computer virus will face lag and buffering. To test for such issues, install Antivirus software, do a full system scan and remove any threats detected.
5. Background Programs and CPU Usage
CPU usage could be a reason why Twitch keeps buffering. CPU stands for the Central Processing Unit, and if utilization is high, it means that your computer has to work hard. Of course, how much of the CPU can be used depends on hardware specs, and any decent computer can handle more than you probably think. However, if you’re live streaming and want smooth playback, it’s recommended that you keep your CPU utilization low.
This means that the Twitch stream has more space to load and playback, meaning no buffering issues. To keep your CPU utilization low, you should close background programs that you’re not using. This includes browser extensions, which can also cause the Twitch buffering issue. We recommend that you disable unnecessary browser extensions when using any streaming platform for the best performance.
How to Fix Twitch Buffering
The fix to Twitch buffering depends entirely on what’s causing the problem. By using the advice in this blog, you should now have an idea of what is causing constant buffering on Twitch. One of the easiest ways to overcome these common problems is using a Virtual Private Network, known as a VPN.
How a VPN Helps Twitch Users
So how does a VPN help you to watch Twitch streams without lag and buffering? We’ve covered everything you need to know below.
1. Hides Activity and Beats Throttling
Firstly, it can hide your activity from your Internet Service Provider. So if If your ISP doesn’t know you’re streaming Twitch, it can’t throttle you for it. This works by funneling your traffic through a virtual intermediary server and also helps to keep your connection private and secure. This is the only way to beat speed throttling without upgrading for a better internet connection or package.
2. Improves Internet Connection
A lot of Twitch buffering issues come down to poor network connections or unreliable speeds. A good VPN can actually help to improve network connectivity, resulting in buffer-free live video streaming. Just be sure to choose a VPN advertised as great for streaming and other high data usage activities.
3. Prevents Viruses and Adware
It doesn’t all come down to speed and the internet connection. A VPN can also help prevent viruses, malware, and advertisement issues, all known to cause buffering problems when you access Twitch. Such threats cannot overcome the high levels of encryption a VPN provides and can’t bypass the internet protocol version that VPNs use.
4. Allows Multiple Connections
Don’t worry about having to choose which device to use your VPN on. All premium VPNs can protect multiple devices at the same time, known as simultaneous connections. Each provider will support several devices, but some, like Surfshark, will allow you to connect as many as you need. This means that you can watch Twitch without any buffering problem on your computer, mobile, or tablet.
5. Bypasses certain apps
There are some apps and websites that won’t work with a VPN. Some prime examples include online banking, betting sites, or local news websites. This can be a problem if you’re using the VPN for Twitch but are switching between different apps and activities. This is where split tunneling comes in. Split tunneling allows you to select which apps use the VPN and which don’t. You can watch your Twitch stream in one browser, enabling the VPN, and visit other sites on a different browser, with the VPN disabled.
More Tips for Twitch Users
As well as using a VPN to overcome several issues, there are a few activities you can do regularly that will help prevent Twitch from constantly buffering. Here they are:
- Clear browsing data regularly – This includes cookies, browser cache, and other browsing and site data that is saved to your computer. Browser caches can create huge files, slowing down your computer and the websites you visit, including Twitch.
- Close background programs – High CPU usage can result in a terrible experience for Twitch users trying to watch a stream. Your computer has to work really hard and can’t handle Twitch, causing it to start constantly buffering. Close anything you’re not using to prevent this.
- Use a wired connection – If your internet is slow or unreliable on wifi, using a wired connection can make a big difference. This means that the internet comes straight through the ethernet and into your computer instead of connecting wirelessly. This should result in better speeds and clearer streams if your internet package is good.
- Try a different browser – Some browsers are notoriously slower than others. Some are better for browsing but not great for streaming. If you’re having problems with Twitch streams on Microsoft Edge, try faster browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
- Use hardware acceleration – This is an advanced setting within browsers like Chrome. Turning hardware acceleration on means that the browser will offload some processes and tasks to other components. In lamens terms, it can help to speed up your browser and reduce buffering on Twitch. Of course, you can disable hardware acceleration at any time.
Will a Free VPN Solve a Buffering Problem on Twitch?
There are plenty of free VPNs out there, and the appeal is obvious. Why pay for something that you can get for free, right? But there’s a catch. Free VPNs are extremely limited and are not designed for streaming. You will encounter further speed throttling, bandwidth limitations, and very few alternate DNS server options. These free VPNs will also not protect you against internet threats like viruses, adware, or spyware.
The answer is no. A free VPN will not solve a buffering problem on Twitch. We recommend that you stick with a premium VPN service. It’s worth noting that some provide free trials and those that don’t have a money-back guarantee if you’re not 100% satisfied. NordVPN and Surfshark are examples of two premium VPNs that work great with Twitch and offer users a hassle-free money-back guarantee within 30 days.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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