Why Is Paramount Plus Buffering? (Reasons, Fixes)

 

Paramount Plus has no shortage of shows and movies and even live sports.

However, because it’s a streaming platform, you might encounter some buffering issues.

The following reasons might be behind the interruptions which can help you solve the problem and enjoy your shows.

 

Why Is Paramount Plus Buffering? (Reasons, Fixes)

 

1. Slow Internet Speed

 

The number one culprit behind buffering problems is often slow internet.

Different streaming platforms sometimes have different speed requirements.

Paramount Plus, for example, requires its users to have internet speeds of at least 4.0 Mbps.

Obviously, if you have internet speeds faster than this amount, then that’s ideal.

Even if you pay for a certain internet service that provides an internet speed that’s faster than 4.0 Mbps, that doesn’t always mean that’s the speed you’re receiving.

There are several speed tests you can take online to determine just how fast your internet is.

You might discover that your internet speed is actually far lower than what you’re paying for.

If your internet speed is below 4.0 Mbps, then it’s too slow to run Paramount Plus efficiently.

If you’re watching a video in ultra quality, then there’s also a good chance that you’ll need even higher internet speeds.

There are several factors that might impact your internet speed.

From the package that you pay to the location of your router, these factors can decrease how quickly data travels.

That said, there are a few things you can do to help boost your internet speed.

 

Fix: Move Router Or Upgrade Internet Service

A common problem with slow internet speeds is the location of your router.

If you’re using WIFI to stream content, then it’s subject to interference.

The location of your router might be making that interference even worse.

Putting it behind your TV, for example, isn’t ideal.

You’ll also want to refrain from setting the router on the floor or in an enclosed area.

It needs to be out in the open.

With fewer physical barriers around it, the WIFI signal becomes stronger which can increase your internet speed.

Besides moving your router, you might also need to upgrade your internet service.

All internet packages have a top speed.

If your top speed isn’t cutting it, then you may need to buy a package that comes with a higher speed.

Of course, this also means that you’re going to be paying more money for it.

It’s always worth determining if your budget can handle another expense.

Once your internet is able to operate at faster speeds, you should notice that Paramount Plus stops buffering.

 

2. Unstable WIFI Connection

 

Your internet speed isn’t the only problem that could be impacting how well Paramount Plus streams on your device.

You could also be looking at problems with your WIFI connection.

If you have unstable internet, then it means the data is transferring and stopping.

Whenever the connection goes out, the data fails to send.

You see your video buffering because these interruptions during the transfer of data are keeping the service from receiving the data it needs.

Unstable internet connections can occur for a variety of reasons, and you may not even come to know what the actual cause is.

Because WIFI sends out signals, there’s always a chance that those signals can become distorted.

Microwaves are one of the sources that can cause disruption when they’re running.

Even another WIFI network close by can cause problems.

Those who have satellite internet might see interference with clouds.

Distortions keep data packets from arriving at their destination.

Your video buffers as a result.

 

Fix: Limit Interference Or Use Ethernet Cable

Unless you know the exact reason behind WIFI distortion, you might be unsure of how to fix it.

One obvious fix is to keep from running the microwave when you’re trying to watch Paramount Plus.

You can’t exactly tell your neighbor to stop using WIFI, so the next best solution is to use an ethernet cable.

An ethernet cable provides a physical connection between your router and the device you’re using to stream Paramount Plus.

It’s a more effective means of data transfer because it doesn’t use signals.

There’s less risk of disruption and interruption.

The data passes through the wire and ends up at its destination.

Ethernet cables can be an effective way of making your internet connection stable.

With a stable internet connection, you should notice that your Paramount Plus stream runs smoothly.

 

3. Outdated Software Or Device

 

In order to keep your Paramount Plus app running at its best, you need to download any updates.

The company releases updates regularly to patch problems or introduce new features.

If you try to use the app in its outdated form, then you might run into some bugs or glitches.

Those bugs can impact how well the platform performs which means it might buffer.

It isn’t just the streaming platform, itself, that you have to worry about either.

Your device might be in need of an update.

Devices also have system updates to keep them running efficiently, safely, and correctly.

By keeping your device updated, you can also ensure that it works well.

Without those updates, you might see some problems that cause Paramount Plus to buffer.

 

Fix: Update Everything

Fixing this problem is easy.

You just need to make sure that everything has the appropriate update.

You can check to see if there’s an update you’re missing by checking the company’s social media.

The company usually releases an announcement stating that it has an update available for download.

You can also restart the Paramount Plus app or your device to force it to update if an update exists.

To make this process easier, you should turn on automatic updates.

The app and your device will automatically update the moment a new update drops.

By updating your device and Paramount Plus, you can keep it from buffering.

 

4. Low Or Full Device Memory

 

If the memory of your device is full, then it might also be causing Paramount Plus to buffer.

Devices have two memories.

It has long-term memory storage and RAM which acts as its short-term memory.

Both memory banks can become full.

Long-term memory storage can cause Paramount Plus to buffer when it’s full because it can’t accept any more data.

Since it’s unable to access any more data, the video pauses which you see as buffering.

RAM also has its limits.

When your RAM is full, it’s also unable to pull in and transfer any more data.

The good news is that clearing up some space on your device is relatively easy.

 

Fix: Clear Memory Or Restart Device

Clearing out your long-term memory on your device can take some time.

It usually requires you to manually go through your files and programs and delete the ones you no longer need.

The process doesn’t end there either.

You need to empty the trash bin, too, if your device has one.

Otherwise, the device is still holding onto that information.

Clearing your RAM’s memory is a lot easier.

You just need to restart the device.

This wipes the RAM’s short-term memory.

With both memory storage banks clear and with a bit more space, it can take on more data.

As a result, Paramount Plus is able to stream without interruption.

 

5. VPN Slowing Down The Internet

 

There’s also a chance that your VPN is slowing down your internet.

VPNs are useful in that they can change the perceived location of your IP address.

This allows you to set your region to a different country.

That can unlock geo-restricted content.

Some VPNs also provide virus and malware protection.

However, because the data has to pass through them, it can make your internet run a bit slower.

If your internet is already slow, then using a VPN can make it so it’s unable to process data quickly enough for Paramount Plus.

 

Fix: Pause VPN

Thankfully, it’s easy to keep your VPN from slowing down your internet.

All you need to do is pause it.

Most VPNs have a toggle that you can use to quickly turn it on and off.

Before you start watching Paramount Plus, you’ll want to turn the VPN off.

This ensures it doesn’t interfere with the internet and you’re able to receive fast service.

You should notice that Paramount Plus runs faster.

 

6. Network Congestion

 

A final reason why Paramount Plus might be buffering is due to network congestion.

Network congestion occurs when there’s too much data transferring to different destinations.

This can be due to having several apps or tabs open, or because there are several devices all using the internet at the same time.

For example, if someone is downloading something on another device while you’re trying to watch Paramount Plus, then it could impact your stream.

Network congestion is an easy fix depending on its cause.

 

Fix: Close Apps And Shutdown Other Devices

If it’s because you have too many apps or tabs open, then just exiting out of them can help your stream perform better.

If it’s because another person is using a device, then things become a bit trickier.

You might need to ask them to wait to download something until you’re done watching Paramount Plus.

It might also be worth inviting them to watch the stream with you.

Or, at the very least, you may need to wait until they’re done using the internet to watch Paramount Plus.

Either way, if you can reduce network congestion, Paramount Plus should stop buffering.