Updated by Kaley Torres - | Contact Author
How to Fix Amazon Prime Video Buffering/Stuttering/Freezing
"Streaming from Amazon Prime over WIFI is starting to buffer on my iMac. It is hardwired,32gb RAM, Radeon 4MB. I've tried doing some research, but I haven't been able to successfully diagnose the problem. Any ideas?"
Many users are experiencing one or more of the following misbehaviors when streaming Amazon Prime Video movies/TV episodes on Roku/Samsung/Sony smart TV, PS4, PCs, and Xbox, including Skipping, freezing videos, buffering/Lagging/Choppy, poor video quality, insufficient bandwidth, etc. Below are some troubleshooting tips on getting back to the action.
Why does My Amazon Prime Video Keep Freezing/Buffering?
1. Low internet speed.
There are internet speed requirements for streaming content from Amazon. 3Mb/s is recommended for SD quality content, 5Mb/s is recommended for HD video, 25Mb/s is for streaming Ultra HD 4k quality. If the connection is not fast enough, the streaming will freeze, buffer, or lag. There's commonly an error message on Amazon Prime Video telling insufficient bandwidth.
2. Outdated app/software.
Amazon Prime Video streaming buffers if you are using an old version of the app or system.
3. Device issue.
Device configuration issues can also cause Amazon Prime Video streaming to buffer, lag, or freeze.
4. Amazon problem.
Some users reported that they got a freeze when streaming videos on Amazon Prime Video, but it was only Amazon. Streaming runs fine on Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and other sites. If so, there's no problem with your device, internet connection, but Amazon itself is to blame.
See also: How to Troubleshoot Discord Cloudflare Server Error 1105
How do I Get Amazon Prime to Stop Buffering
1. Improve your internet speed.
There are a few things you can do. Restart the router, modem, and your Amazon Prime Video app device. Disconnect other devices from your network when watching Prime Video. Close bandwidth-intensive apps on your PCs or other devices while streaming Prime Video. Directly connect your Prime Video device to your router using an Ethernet cable. Pause the video when it seems choppy, stutters or audio gets off until the buffering finishes.
2. Lower streaming quality.
Change to a lower resolution that works well for Amazon Prime video streaming. To do so, go to Prime Video app > Menu > Settings > Stream & Download, tap on Streaming Quality and Download Quality, adjust the video resolution to a lower one.
3. Download Amazon Prime Video titles.
One way to avoid buffering is to download the movie or TV episodes you want to watch. A part of Amazon's video catalog has the download feature, such as some of Amazon's original programming. Prime Video members are limited to download 25 titles at a time.
4. Try other basic troubleshooting tips.
Try the following commonly used tips for Amazon Prime Video buffering/freezing.
- Close Prime Video on your device and restart the app.
- Update your device's DNS settings.
- Disable any VPN or proxy server you are using.
- If you're connected a TV or another monitor, your HDMI cable and display must be compatible with HDCP 1.4 (HD) or HDCP 2.2 (UHD/HDR).
- Clear Amazon Prime cache, and data. Or Reinstall the app.
[Amazon Prime Video Help] Troubleshoot Prime Video Streaming Issues
1. Amazon Prime Video shows error code 9535, 5004, 1060, 7204, 7206, 8020, 9074, won't load/respond/connect, unable to play, to name a few. Check full guide to fixing Amazon Prime Video not working properly.
2. Amazon Prime Video TV episodes/movies are not available for streaming, with an error message "Video is unavailable in your location/country" or such likes. use our tips for Amazon Prime video unavailable.
3. When streaming a title on Amazon Prime Video, the app shows a black screen, with a message "call customer service at amazon.com/contact us." Learn fixes to Amazon Prime Video black screen with/without sound.
If you are sick of Amazon Prime Video buffering issues, you can turn to Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. It's also a good way to watch DVD movies on TVs, mobile devices, or computers if you have easy access to DVDs.
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