3 Tried Ways to Stop Kodi Buffering Issues in 2025

  • 8 January 2025
  • 8 mins read

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Table of Contents

How do you feel if you’re at the climax of your favorite movie and it gets stuck? Kodi is a popular open-source media player that provides a wide range of streaming options. But sometimes it buffers. These disruptions can result from sluggish internet speeds, limited bandwidth, or incorrect setup settings. 

Fortunately, there are various efficient techniques to stop Kodi buffering issues. We’ll discuss how you can optimize your internet connection, tweak Kodi's settings, or update your hardware for a buffer-free experience. These methods can improve your streaming by making it seamless and throttle-free.

Why Does Your Kodi Buffer?

Kodi is an excellent tool for streaming your favorite stuff. However, buffering problems can rapidly affect your streaming experience. The following are the reasons for your Kodi buffering:

  • Slow internet connection
  • Insufficient bandwidth
  • Network Congestion
  • ISP Throttling
  • Incorrect Kodi Cache Settings
  • Outdated or Faulty Add-ons

Identifying these possible causes allows you to take appropriate steps to reduce buffering and improve their Kodi streaming experience.

3 Effective Ways to Fix Kodi Buffering Issues Easily

Kodi buffering is a frustrating experience. Here are some effective solutions to get rid of these pesky pauses and enjoy seamless streaming:

  1. Optimize Your Kodi Cache Settings

Ares Wizard is one of the most popular Kodi maintenance and troubleshooting tools. Using this tool, we can learn how to adjust cache settings and fix Kodi buffering issues. However, before we proceed, you have to download Ares Wizard on Kodi.

  1. Go to Kodi's File Manager, create a new source named "Supreme Builds" and enter the right URL.
  2. Install the "repository.supremebuilds.zip" file using the Add-ons menu.
  3. Navigate to "Install from Repository," then "Supreme Builds Repository," "Program Addons," and lastly "Supreme Builds Wizard."
  4. Once installed, use the Supreme Builds Wizard to access and install different builds and add-ons.

Now that you've downloaded Ares Wizard, let's look at how we can improve Kodi buffering by optimizing the cache.

  1. Open Supreme Builds Wizard.
  2. Ignore pop-ups.
  3. Click Supreme Builds Maintenance.
  4. Open Ares Wizard and click the 'Tweaks' button at the top.
  5. Now select the 'Advanced Settings Wizard' button.
  6. Then, click on ‘Quick Configure Advanced Settings.xml’.
  7. Accept all of the recommendations and click ‘Write File.’
  8. If you already have an AdvancedSettings.xml file, it will prompt you whether you wish to overwrite it. Otherwise, the file will be automatically generated for you.

2. Adjust Your HQ scaler

If you're experiencing video stuttering and frame drops in Kodi, it could be due to how Kodi scales lower-quality streams. To change the high-quality (HQ) scaling settings, follow these instructions:

  1. Open Kodi.
  2. Go to the Settings (gear icon).
  3. Select Player Settings.
  4. Under the Videos tab, look for the Scaling technique option.
  5. To improve performance, change the scaling method to Nearest Neighbor or Bilinear.
  6. Exit the settings and test the video playback.

3. Use a VPN

The simplest way to avoid internet throttling and Kodi buffering issues is to use a reputable VPN. When you stream content on Kodi, your personal information may be exposed to your ISP and others on the network. 

This could result in ISPs restricting your speed, causing significant buffering issues. The VPN could prevent bandwidth limitation by the ISP. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and redirect it to a server in a location of your choice.

How Can I Avoid Kodi Buffering?

To avoid buffering in Kodi, use the following strategies:

  • Make sure you have a reliable and fast internet connection. Aim for a minimum of 25 Mbps for HD streaming.
  • For a more solid connection, connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet wire.
  • Adjust Kodi settings by: Going to Settings > Player > Videos and changing the Video Cache settings. Lower the Scaling Method to achieve smoother playing.
  • Make sure you clear the cache in Kodi or any add-ons you use regularly.
  • Limit background usage by closing any other applications or devices that are using bandwidth while streaming.

How to Set Up a VPN to Stop Buffering on Kodi

Setting up PureVPN can assist in reducing Kodi buffering by preventing ISP throttling. This is how you do it:

  • Launch Kodi and begin streaming to enjoy less buffering.commended.
  • Visit the PureVPN website and create an account.
  • Get the PureVPN app for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, etc.).
  • Open the app and enter your PureVPN credentials.
  • Choose a server location.
  • Click the Connect button to establish a secure connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How to get Kodi to stop buffering?

    Plus

    To avoid Kodi from buffering, first, ensure you have a strong and reliable internet connection. For HD streaming, aim for a minimum speed of 25 Mbps, and increased stability, use a wired Ethernet connection rather than WiFi.

  • How long does Kodi's buffering last?

    Plus

    The duration of buffering in Kodi varies depending on several factors, including your internet speed, stream quality, and server traffic. Typically, buffering can take anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes, however adjusting your settings and connection can greatly reduce this time.

  • Does a VPN prevent Kodi buffering?

    Plus

    Using a VPN can assist in reducing buffering in Kodi by evading your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) throttling, particularly during peak usage times. Plus, a VPN can enable access to less congested, quicker servers, thereby improving streaming speed and reducing interruptions.

  • How can I stop buffering on Kodi Firestick?

    Plus

    To stop buffering on the Kodi Firestick, try decreasing the video quality settings in Kodi to minimize the stress on your internet connection. Also, choose an Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi. Use a reputable VPN to prevent ISP throttling, clean the Kodi cache regularly, and keep your software updated.

  • How does PureVPN improve your Kodi experience?

    Plus

    PureVPN improves the Kodi experience by providing a secure connection that bypasses ISP throttling, allowing for faster streaming and less buffering. Plus, it provides access to geo-restricted content, allowing users to experience a broader range of add-ons and streaming sources without restrictions.

Wrapping Up!

Using PureVPN with Kodi can greatly improve your streaming experience by providing faster, uninterrupted access to content while also protecting your online privacy. A VPN enables you to enjoy a flawless and diversified Kodi experience by resolving buffering issues and accessing a wider range of add-on options.