Last Updated on June 21, 2022
Streaming online has quickly become the preferred way to watch your favorite TV shows and with that comes a plethora of options for streaming platforms. Among the streaming platforms available is Kodi. However, it seems many people have trouble with buffering when using Kodi.
Although buffering issues are common, you can typically fix buffering with simple troubleshooting. Restarting your device or deleting and reinstalling the Kodi app are two of the most common ways to fix your Kodi app. Along with that, checking and turning off your VPN can make all the difference in the world.
In this guide, we’re going to cover all of the ways to troubleshoot your Kodi app when it won’t stop buffering. We’ll also cover other common issues with the Kodi app and how to fix them.
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How to Fix Kodi When it Won’t Stop Buffering
Buffering is a common issue with any streaming platform and when it happens, it can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, the problem can usually be solved by performing some simple troubleshooting. If your Kodi app won’t stop buffering, consider trying these simple fixes before giving up hope:
- Restart your device
- Check your network connection
- Update your Kodi add-ons
- Turn off your VPN
- Lower your video scaling settings
- Clear the cache on the Kodi app
- Reset your app settings
- Delete and reinstall Kodi
If none of these solutions work, your device may be outdated or compromised. If that’s the case, you may need to replace your device entirely. To correctly troubleshoot your device, follow these steps.
1. Restart Your Device
Restarting your device should be your first line of defense when it comes to any type of electronic issue. When you reboot a device, it allows the equipment to reset its calibration. When a device has a chance to reboot and recalibrate, it can eliminate any glitches or bugs that may have formed prior. Depending on your device, the process for rebooting it will differ.
If you’re on a Windows computer, you can restart your device by clicking the Windows icon in your taskbar and accessing the start menu. In the start menu, find the “Power Options” tab and click on “Restart.”
However, if you’re using Kodi on an Apple device, the instructions are slightly different. On an Apple device, click on the Apple menu and choose “Restart” from the Apple menu. On cell devices, follow the instructions for restarting the device that is specific to your phone.
Lastly, restarting an Amazon Firestick or other smart TV device can be done through the device remote and waiting a few seconds before powering the device back up.
2. Check Your Network Connection
Another common reason for Kodi buffering is an unstable internet connection. Most streaming platforms require solid internet connections to work properly. When a device can’t adequately connect to the internet, it can be tricky to maintain good streaming quality.
Checking your internet connection is extremely easy as all you need to do is check your WiFi or Bluetooth connection. If it indicates that you’re connected, you can perform a speed test using an internet speed checker.
If you notice an issue with your speed, you can usually solve the problem by restarting your modem or router. Restarting your modem and router helps re-establish the connection to your ISP servers. Once you’ve restarted the machinery, you should perform another speed test to make sure the problem is solved.
3. Update Your Add-Ons
Along with the Kodi app, there are also add-ons you can install to help give you access to more streaming content. If an add-on is out of date, it may not have the necessary technology to adequately support the content you’re trying to stream.
If you notice an issue, you can update your add-ons by launching Kodi and accessing your settings. In the settings tab, there’s an area for add-ons where you can control and update them when necessary.
If an add-on has an upgrade available, click on “versions” for each add-on and initiate an upgrade if there’s one available. After initiating the update, you can go back to your settings and enable the “auto-update” setting for future use. After updating the add-on, try streaming again to see if the buffering issue has been resolved.
4. Turn Off Your VPN
VPNs are meant to help protect your privacy by keeping your internet data safe from hacking or other entities that may try to access it. Although VPNs are effective in masking your streaming use, the process can cause delays and stuttering in your stream.
With that said, using a stable and well-known VPN can greatly reduce the risk of streaming issues while your VPN is on. If you’re experiencing buffering or stuttering issues, try turning off your VPN and rebooting your stream afterward.
5. Lower Your Video Scaling Settings
Streaming video and video game content may be more enjoyable with the highest quality video scaling and resolution, but adding extra stress to your network can cause issues with timely loading. If the device you are using isn’t designed to support higher-quality video, you’re far more likely to run into issues with buffering.
Instead, consider scaling back your video settings to the highest quality supported by your phone or other streaming devices. To change the video scaling on your Kodi app, launch the app and access your settings.
Once you’re into your settings, click on the “Player” tab and find the option that says “Enable HQ Scalers for Scaling Above.” After accessing that option, set the scaling to a lower value or adjust the setting to zero.
After changing the video scaling, try streaming your video content again to see if the issue is resolved.
6. Clear Your Kodi Cache
Just like any other website or app, Kodi uses caches to collect data and help everything run smoothly. However, just like other apps and websites, the Kodi cache can also get full. When a cache is cluttered with data, it can cause issues with loading speeds and buffering while streaming.
Depending on the device you’re accessing Kodi with, the process for clearing your cache will differ. For example, clearing your cache while on a Windows device requires you to press the “Windows” and “R” keys at the same time. Doing this will initiate the “Run Command” function.
Once that function shows up, all you need to do is type “%temp%” into the task bar and hit enter. This will allow you to delete all of the files within that specific folder.
On the other hand, if you’re using an Android TV or cellular device, you first need to find the app. Instead of launching the app, hold the button down on the app’s logo until a selection menu appears. On that menu, locate “App Info” and click on the “Storage & Cache” option. When you reach that point, you’ll be able to clear the cache.
For Fire Stick devices, all you need to do is access your settings, go to app settings, find the Kodi app, and then hit the “Clear Cache” button.
7. Reset Your Settings
Sometimes when you tweak certain settings within the Kodi app, you can unintentionally cause issues with loading and buffering while streaming. If this is the case with you, all you need to do to remedy the issue is to perform a factory reset on the app. To do this the right way, follow these steps:
Launch the app and find the settings. You’ll need to access this area in order to find the correct function for factory reset.
Access the “System” tab. This tab holds all of the necessary settings to tweak the general configuration of the app.
Reset each option. There are seven different options in the systems tab including display, audio, input, and other system requirements. To reset these options, scroll to the bottom of the available setting configurations and choose “Reset Above Settings to Default.”
Try streaming again. Once everything is back to factory settings, try streaming video again to see if the buffering stops.
8. Delete and Reinstall Kodi
If none of the options mentioned here have worked, it’s possible some of the files within the app have become corrupted. If this is the case, you can remedy the issue by deleting the Kodi app and reinstalling it before trying again.
When you delete the app, it also eliminates the files that no longer work. Reinstalling it afterward also automatically installs the latest update of the app. This way, you can be sure that the app itself isn’t the issue when it comes to buffering.
The process for deleting the Kodi app from your device varies depending on the type of technology and the operating system you use. For example, Windows devices require you to open up your computer’s control panel, find “Uninstall a Program,” and search for the Kodi app.
For Mac computers, access the “Finder” and find the “Applications” folder. Once you’re there, find the Kodi app and drag the app to the trash compartment on your computer.
On a cell device, all you need to do is hard tap (hold your finger down) on the Kodi app and choose the “Uninstall” option on the pop-up menu. To reinstall the app, just visit the app store on your phone and search for the Kodi app again.
Other Common Kodi Issues and How to Fix Them
Buffering isn’t the only issue experienced by Kodi users. Problems like consistent crashing, stream incapabilities, the inability to install or uninstall add-ons, blank screens, and stream stuttering are also common problems people face.
The process for fixing these issues is pretty similar to the troubleshooting processes for buffering video. However, the cause behind each may be slightly different. Let’s explore a little deeper into these additional problems a Kodi user might face.
Consistent Crashing
If you find that the app is consistently crashing whenever you try to access it, it can be due to a number of things. In most cases, you probably need to update the app. When certain bugs or glitches are present in an app, it can cause the app to crash. For this reason, you should be sure to report the issue to the developer.
Reporting the issue to the developer helps them know when it’s time to update the app to match current technology available. However, this problem can’t always be attributed to the need for an update. To remedy this issue, consider trying these solutions:
- Remove add-ons, updates, or custom builds. If you notice this issue after you installed certain add-ons or builds, you should first try to uninstall the add-on in question. Similarly, if the add-ons you currently have don’t have an update to match the current Kodi system, they may not be compatible and will need to be uninstalled.
- Disable the hardware acceleration. Hardware acceleration is a common cause for Kodi app crashing. To turn this function off, visit the Kodi home screen and click on the gear icon. In the “Player Settings” tab, you’ll find the toggle that enables hardware acceleration. Turn that off to see if the issue resolves.
- Clear the cache. It’s possible your cache is overwhelmed with stored data. By clearing out your Kodi cache, you allow more wiggle room for the app to function.
- Factory reset, or uninstall the app. By uninstalling and reinstalling, or performing a factory reset, the app is able to clear away any potentially corrupt files and start fresh.
Streaming Won’t Work at All
If you find that your video streaming won’t work at all, it’s likely due to one of three reasons. Among these reasons are a lack of stable internet connection, an add-on no longer works, or the content you’re trying to watch is region-locked.
For unstable internet connections, you can diagnose the problem by checking your internet speed. If you find the speed isn’t at an ideal pace, you should reset your modem or router and then perform another speed test when the system reboots.
If you’re dealing with an add-on that doesn’t work anymore, it’s likely due to legal action against the add-on app developers. If this is the case, you won’t be able to access the add-on in question anymore. Beyond that, other add-ons that you have installed for Kodi may not work or be stable either.
For accessing region-locked content, you can get yourself a VPN. VPNs are a common tool for accessing content that is only available in certain areas. For example, if you live in the US but you want to stream content only available in the UK, you can get a UK VPN that will allow you to access the stream you’re looking for.
Inability to Install or Delete Kodi Add-Ons
If you’re having issues installing a specific add-on, it very well may be due to the fact that the add-on is outdated and isn’t supported by the developers any longer. Certain add-ons may also be too old to be supported by newer versions of the Kodi app. In some cases, installing certain add-ons also simultaneously uninstalls important system functions needed to run the app.
You may also find yourself in a situation where you can’t delete certain add-ons. When this happens, you can usually fix the problem fairly easily by deleting the add-on outside of the Kodi app. To do this correctly, here’s what you need to do:
- Find your C: drive. Click on “users” and find the user account you use for your computer.
- Click on “App Data.” Once you’re in this folder, you’ll need to click on “roaming” and then the Kodi folder.
- Find the right plug-in. Once you locate the plug-in for the add-on that is causing trouble, you can delete it and try launching the app again.
In cases where you aren’t sure which add-on is causing the problem, you should start by deleting your most recent add-on before trying the app again. Repeat this until you find the add-on causing the issue.
Black or Blank Screens
There are a few things that may cause a black or blank screen when trying to access your Kodi app. Of all the problems that can cause this issue, perhaps the most common comes from updating Kodi 16 to any newer version of the Kodi app. The skins of Kodi 16 and the consequent updates are different and the update to the new skin has been known to cause issues with many users.
However, this problem is easily solvable. All you need to do to fix a blank or black screen is to delete the file with your add-ons in it. Depending on the device you use Kodi with, this file is located in varying spots.
You may also be able to fix the issue by force-stopping the Kodi app and clearing the cache before relaunching it and trying again.
Stream Stuttering
If you’re trying to stream high-resolution content like 4K or UHD and your stream keeps stuttering, it’s likely due to an internet connection that isn’t strong enough to support the quality. This issue can easily be diagnosed by doing a quick search on your device to see the highest quality it can adequately support.
How to Correctly Install Kodi
The process for downloading Kodi onto your device largely depends on the device in question. For example, downloading Kodi onto your iPhone is going to look very different from installing it onto your Amazon Firestick.
Kodi is compatible with most major electronic devices and operating systems. For a full list of compatible devices, you can visit the Kodi downloads page. Among the devices are five main operating systems: Windows, Linux, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Apple. Along with these operating systems, you can also download and install Kodi on both the Xbox One and the Xbox 360. Here’s a more specific step-by-step for downloading Kodi on each platform.
Install Kodi on Windows
To download on Windows, you have three options. You can download through the Microsoft store, a 32-bit installer, or a 64-bit installer. Once you download the file, you’ll immediately be prompted through the installation process.
Install Kodi on Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system, similar to Windows and Apple. However, the process for downloading apps, like Kodi, is a bit more complicated. To download Kodi onto your Linux system, you first need to open a terminal window and type in this code:
sudo apt-get install software-properties-commonsudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppasudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install kodi
Each part of the code needs to be typed one line at a time in order for the download to begin.
Install Kodi on Android
Installing Kodi on your Android device is relatively simple. All you really need to do is open up your app store and search for the Kodi app. After downloading the app, you can also install any add-ons desired for use within the Kodi app.
Install Kodi on Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a small computer system that is just the size of a credit card. While it’s generally used for teaching various coding techniques, you can still download Kodi onto the interface. To do this, it’s easiest to use a Linux distribution designed specifically for Kodi.
You can then use the LibreELEC USB-SD Creator Tool to choose the right image to use and then you can plug in the card to your RPi. Although only 2GB of data is needed for this process, it’s recommended to have at least 4GB of data available.
Install Kodi on Apple
When installing on an iOS device, like an iPhone, you can do so either by jailbreaking and installing Cydia, or you can follow the instructions given on the Kodi website. The process for downloading on an iPhone is more extensive than other options, but it’s doable for those who really want it.
Unlike the three options you have for downloading Kodi onto a Windows computer, Mac devices only allow for installation via a 64-bit installer.
Install Kodi on Xbox
For Xbox One devices, you can download and install the Kodi app by visiting the Microsoft store. All you need to do is type in “Kodi” into the Cortana function and it will redirect you to the page for downloading the app.
For Xbox 360 devices, the process is a little different. Instead of accessing the Microsoft store, you just access the internet and go to the Kodi website. From there, you’ll be directed as to how to download and install the Kodi app.
How to Correctly Install Kodi Add-Ons
When deciding which add-ons to install on your Kodi app, it’s important to make sure they’re official Kodi add-ons. Anything that is unofficial runs the risk of corrupting your files and even sending viruses throughout your operating system.
Of all the official Kodi add-ons available, the five most common add-on apps are Netflix, Exodus Redux, Disney+, Magic Dragon, and Venom. To download these official Kodi add-ons, and others like them, follow these steps to ensure you do it correctly:
- Get a stable VPN. VPNs are really helpful when it comes to hiding your viewing content. Not only that, but having a VPN for a specific region also gives you access to region-locked content you wouldn’t otherwise be able to watch.
- Launch the Kodi app. Once the app is up, find and click on the “add-ons” tab. Be sure your VPN is connected before you download your add-ons.
- Click the package icon. The package icon holds the space where you can browse and choose the add-ons you wish to have.
Install from repository. After clicking the package icon, you’ll need to find the function that allows you to install from the repository. Here, you’ll find all of your options.
Click on “Kodi Add-On Repository.” Scroll to the video add-ons options and then choose your desired add-ons from the list.
Install the add-on. There should be an “install” button located at the bottom of your screen.
Launch the add-on. To start using your add-on, go back to the add-ons screen and launch the app.
Kodi FAQs
– What is Kodi?
Kodi is a free and open-sourced media player that allows you to access a long list of streaming content for your enjoyment. Within the Kodi system, you can download certain add-ons for other streaming services, like Netflix or Disney+, so all of your favorite TV shows and movies are in one place.
– Do you need a VPN to use Kodi?
Although a VPN isn’t required for using Kodi, it’s generally recommended as it can help mask your information from potential hackers and other outside entities that may want your information. Along with that, a VPN is a loophole that helps steer you around region-locked content.
How do you get a VPN?
To get a VPN, you should first find a stable and highly rated option. This is important because the VPN is responsible for hiding your IP address and encrypting the network you’re using to protect your information. Most VPN users will recommend using ExpressVPN as it’s easy to use and has fast and reliable speeds while protecting your information.
Once you find a good option, go to the VPN provider’s website, download the app, and then install it. After the installation is complete, open the app and log on. After logging in, you’ll just need to find the right server you’re trying to use and connect the VPN to that server.
Is it legal to use Kodi?
Kodi is completely legal to use, as are the official Kodi add-ons. However, some unofficial add-ons aren’t secure and also offer copyrighted content. With that said, streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal and we won’t condone these practices.
What are Kodi Add-Ons?
Kodi add-ons are simply additional apps that you can install within the Kodi app. Once installed, you’ll have access to the streaming content made available through those platforms all in one place. In order to get started using the Kodi app, add-ons are essential for accessing the plethora of streaming content on the web.
What are Kodi builds?
Unlike add-ons, Kodi builds are special additional downloads that allow you to change the appearance of the app. With that said, some special builds also come with built-in add-ons. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding those add-ons and downloading them yourself.
Although builds aren’t required to use the Kodi app, it does make the experience more personal and fun.
Parting Thoughts
Nobody likes being interrupted by constant buffering while they’re streaming their favorite TV shows or movies. While this is a common mishap when it comes to streaming platforms, like Kodi and others, it’s generally pretty easy to troubleshoot. By remembering to clear your cache and hard restart your Kodi app, you can significantly reduce the risk of buffering and other common issues.
We hope this guide has been helpful in giving you the tools to diagnose and fix buffering and other issues within the Kodi app.
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