Why Is Spectrum App Buffering On Roku? : (Easy Fix)

Wondering why Spectrum app buffering on Roku? Well, keep reading to learn everything!

The buffering is a natural process that prepares the content ahead of your streaming so you can enjoy smooth playout the entire time.

However, when Spectrum is unable to pre-buffer the upcoming content, the playout stops and waits for a server response, interrupting the stream.

When the Spectrum app keeps buffering on Roku, begin with a power circulation on your setup and close inspection and test of the internet/WiFi.

In case that doesn’t help, check for Spectrum outages and try lowering the Roku bitrate in case your internet is too slow!

There is much more to unwrap so let’s continue!

Spectrum App Buffering on Roku – Must Know Facts!

To understand why the Spectrum app keeps buffering on your Roku player, we first need to acquire a basic understanding of what is buffering.

This is the process of preloading data into a reserved memory area so the content can be broadcasted later without interruptions.

The “buffering issue” is actually the fact that Roku is unable to buffer!

The preloading data happens when your Roku device sends a request from the Roku servers as well as later receives the data packet (response).

When your Roku player cannot communicate with the Roku servers or the response is taking too long, the content stops buffering properly.

Why Does My Spectrum App on Roku Keep Buffering?

When combined, all Spectrum buffering causes can be shown in a short list:

A temporal issue with the Spectrum app on Roku.
Unstable, weak, or inconsistent WiFi and internet.
A data corruption issue with the Spectrum app.
Too high Roku bitrate and slow internet connection.
A temporal Spectrum services outage/maintenance.

How to Fix When Spectrum App Buffering on Roku?

Tip: Test all of the solutions below in the order that they are listed!

1. Reboot Roku & Spectrum App!

The very first step against the Spectrum app buffering problem on your Roku would be to reboot both instances – the app and your Roku TV or stick.

We recommend performing the power cycle process, which is proven to refresh all hardware and software operational services in one go!

Here’s how to power cycle your Roku setup and refresh Spectrum in easy steps:

First, exit the Spectrum application on your Roku.
Next, turn off your Roku TV using the Power button.
Then, unplug the Roku TV from the power outlet.
Also, disconnect the power cable from the connector.
Wait for approximately 5 minutes for a full discharge.
Finally, reconnect the Roku TV power equipment.

Note: If the Spectrum app continues to endlessly buffer, test whether other applications on your Roku will produce the same buffering issue.

2. Troubleshoot Internet Connection

Note: Skip this step if other apps on your Roku are able to stream content without buffering!

In case you’ve identified that not only Spectrum but all apps on your Roku player are buffering exactly like Spectrum, then you’re facing an internet inconsistency.

Since there are many factors involved in Roku’s internet connection, it’s best to test this chronological list of tips and tricks:

Restart your network router by unplugging it from the power.
Reconnect your Roku to the WiFi or via an Ethernet cable.
Perform a free internet speed test on one of your devices.
Close the proximity between the router and the Roku player.
Switch from a 5 GHz WiFi thread to a 2.4 GHz frequency.

Have You Checked For Spectrum Outages?

In case you’re confident that your internet and WiFi are intact, you need to check whether there are any Spectrum outages in your city.

In case of unplanned or planned maintenance Spectrum services might be temporarily unavailable on your Roku and from any other accessible platform.

Check for Spectrum Outages, by clicking on the “Check Outages” button!

Note: In the “Chat With Us” pop-up, select “Am I in an outage”, and sing-into your account.

3. Reinstall the Roku Spectrum App

One of the most-efficient ways to troubleshoot buffering issues with the Spectrum app on your Roku would be by performing a clean reinstallation.

In case the buffering doesn’t seem to be related to the internet or an outage, erasing the entirety of the app and installing freshly helps!

Here’s how to perform a clean reinstallation of the Spectrum app on Roku:

First, by using the Roku’s remote, tap the Home button once.
Next, enter “Streaming Channels” and open the Channel Store.
Then locate “Spectrum”, highlight the app, and press “OK”.
Finally, select the “Remove” option to uninstall Spectrum.
Next, press the Home remote button again, to go back.
Scroll and select the “Store” icon to enter the content store.
Locate and select the “Spectrum” channel and press “OK”.
Since the Spectrum app is free, simply select “Add Channel”.

Note: The Spectrum app will now be added at the bottom of the apps on the home screen!

4. Switch to Another Bit Rate (Override)

Sometimes the reason for the constant Spectrum buffering on Roku is not because of an issue, but because of a slow WiFi or internet connection.

Hence, when the internet is simply weak, and not fast enough to buffer high-quality content in a timely manner, simply lower the bitrate a little.

Use the Roku’s remote control to access the “Bit Rate Override” screen:

Tap on the Home button 5 x times
Press the Rewind button 3 x times.
Press the Fast Forward 2 x times.

You will then see the “Select a Bit Rate” screen with many options available. The Roku will be on the default bitrate setting, so lower the bitrate by only 1 option.

For example, if you’re at 7.5 Mbps currently, lower to 5 Mbps or maximum down to 3.5 Mbps to test streaming Spectrum.

You will notice the quality of the content gradually decreases as overriding a lower bitrate but the buffering time will shorten.

In case lowering the bitrate helps, this generally means that your internet is probably below 5 Mbps speed, which is required for streaming HD content.

Note: Lowering the bitrate too much will keep decreasing the quality until it’s unwatchable!

5. Connect Roku to Personal Hotspot

In case nothing by now helped, it’s time to test whether the Spectrum app on your Roku will still buffer when connected to a nearby and a new WiFi network.

You can easily create such new WiFi, by sharing a hotspot from your smartphone and connecting your Roku device afterward.

How to Share a Personal Hotspot?

Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering
iOS: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Tap on the toggle to enable.

How to Connect Roku to WiFi?

Tap on the Home button on the Roku’s remote.
Then scroll down to the device’s Settings tab.
Next, select Network > Set Up Connection.
Select Wireless, for connecting to the hotspot.
Select the SSID of your phone’s WiFi hotspot.
Insert the predetermined hotspot password.
When the Roku is connected, sign in Spectrum.
Stream content to check for any buffering now.

Tip: While sharing a hotspot, keep your smartphone as close as possible to the Roku player!

6. Factory Reset the Roku Player/TV

In case the Spectrum app on Roku continues to buffer without proper reasoning, it’s time for the ultimate solution – a factory reset.

This is not a basic troubleshooting method and it’s very efficient against any type of software-related errors or buffering issues with any of the apps.

Alert: After the reset, all data, content, and apps on your Roku will be permanently erased.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on your Roku TV in easy steps:

Tap the Home button from the Roku’s remote.
Next, go to Settings, and find the “System” tab.
From there, choose “Advanced System Settings”.
Next, choose the Factory Reset option from the list.
Finally, select “Factory Reset Everything” to continue.
Follow all of the on-screen instructions to complete.

Note: When your Roku is reset, carry out the initial setup, connect to a WiFi, and then cleanly download and test whether the Spectrum app will not continue to buffer.

Quick Recap:

Now we know why Spectrum app buffering on Roku as well as how to efficiently solve any buffering issues.

We’ve learned that the best solution is to identify potential issues with the internet or simply, perform a factory reset on Roku against any software faults!

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Finn Wheatley

Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.

Why Is Spectrum App Buffering On Roku? (Easy Fix)