When watching videos online, you might sometimes notice issues like blurriness, buffering, or pixelation. These problems can be caused by various factors, from your internet connection to device settings.
Common Video Quality Problems
Before troubleshooting, it helps to identify what type of quality issue you're experiencing.
Blurry or pixelated video: The image lacks clarity or detail
Buffering or stuttering: Video stops and starts frequently
Low resolution: Video appears grainy even on a good connection
Audio/video sync issues: Sound doesn't match the video
Quick Fixes for Better Video Quality
1. Check your Internet Connection
A strong internet connection is essential for smooth, high-quality streaming.
Recommended speeds for different quality levels:
HD Video: 18-35 Mbps
SD Video: 1-18 Mbps
💡 TIP: Test your internet speed at fast.com to see if your connection meets these requirements. Network speed is never constant and can vary at different times of the day.
2. Adjust Video Quality Settings
You can manually change the video quality in your web browser.
Click the Settings (⚙️) icon in the video player
Select Quality from the menu options
Choose your preferred resolution:
Higher resolutions (1080p, 720p) offer clearer video but demand a stronger internet speed
Lower resolutions (480p, 360p) load faster and can help prevent buffering
📝 NOTE: On mobile apps, video quality adjusts automatically based on your device and connection. Manual quality settings are only available when using a web browser.
3. Clear Your Browser Cache
Clearing cached data can resolve many playback issues.
For Chrome
Click the three dots in the top right corner
Select Settings > Privacy and security
Click Clear browsing data
Select Cached images and files
Click Clear data
For Safari
Go to Safari menu > Preferences
Select the Advanced tab
Check the Show Develop menu in menu bar
From the Develop menu, select Empty Caches
For Firefox
Click the menu button (three lines)
Select Settings > Privacy & Security
Scroll to Cookies and Site Data
Click Clear Data
4. Close Unnecessary Tabs and Applications
Too many open tabs or apps can slow down your device and affect video playback.
Close all unused browser tabs
Shut down background applications
On mobile devices, close apps running in the background
5. Restart Your Device and Router
A simple restart can often fix streaming issues.
Restart your device (computer, phone, or tablet)
Restart your router:
Unplug your modem/router from power
Wait 30 seconds
Plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect
6. Try a Different Browser or Device
If problems persist, try watching on a different browser or device.
Switch from Chrome to Firefox, Safari, or Edge
Try watching on your phone instead of a computer (or vice versa)
Use a different network if possible (switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data)
7. Disable Browser Extensions
Some browser extensions can interfere with video playback.
Try watching in an incognito or private browsing window
If that works, disable extensions one by one to identify which one is causing the issue
Device-Specific Troubleshooting
For Mobile Apps
If you're experiencing quality issues in the mobile app:
Update the app to the latest version
Restart the app completely (close and reopen)
Check your connection (Wi-Fi is generally more stable than mobile data)
Free up storage space on your device
For Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
For issues with TV apps or streaming devices:
Check for system updates on your device
Restart your streaming device or smart TV
Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible
Make sure your TV firmware is up to date
⚠️ WARNING: Older or outdated devices may not be compatible with newer streaming technologies and could cause playback issues.
FAQs
Why does video quality change during playback?
Why does video quality change during playback?
The player automatically adjusts quality based on your internet connection. If your connection speed fluctuates, the video quality may change to prevent buffering.
Can I download videos to watch offline and avoid quality issues?
Can I download videos to watch offline and avoid quality issues?
You can download videos via the mobile app, if available, to watch offline without streaming quality concerns.
Why do videos sometimes look worse at the beginning?
Why do videos sometimes look worse at the beginning?
Videos might start at a lower quality and then improve as the player determines your connection speed.
Does watching in full screen affect video quality?
Does watching in full screen affect video quality?
Full screen mode doesn't directly affect quality, but it makes quality issues more noticeable since the video is displayed larger.
Why might video quality be different on my TV compared to my computer?
Why might video quality be different on my TV compared to my computer?
TVs have different display capabilities and may be connected to your network differently. A wired connection to your TV or streaming device often provides better quality than Wi-Fi.