Troubleshooting TikTok Buffering Issues: How to Fix Lag and Prevent Video Pauses

Numerous TikTok users have reported encountering significant lag and buffering during video playback on the app. Thankfully, there are several effective strategies you can employ to remedy this situation.

On October 21, 2024, a wave of TikTok users expressed their frustrations on platforms like Twitter/X and Reddit regarding an unexpected surge in buffering problems and video lagging. This lag often leads to videos halting at random intervals.

This isn’t a novel problem; rather, it’s an issue that frequently arises, impacting numerous users across the globe at various times.

TikTok has been really glitchy lately, with videos stopping halfway. Not sure what’s going on, but it’s quite frustrating.

— Sarah the Book Nerd ⭕️ (@harasnicole) October 22, 2024

While the exact reasons behind this sudden increase in buffering remain uncertain, several factors may contribute to these issues.

What Causes TikTok to Buffer So Frequently?

A key factor behind TikTok’s buffering issues could be technical malfunctions within the application itself. This can encompass server failures, glitches from recent updates, or other technical snags.

In addition to that, an unreliable internet connection is often a major reason for video buffering. If your connection is sluggish or inconsistent, it will struggle to stream videos smoothly.

Moreover, using an older device may affect app performance negatively, and running several applications simultaneously can diminish system resources, leading to lag on TikTok.

TikTok font change — Image courtesy of Unsplash: Solen Feyissa

How to Resolve Lagging Issues on TikTok

To tackle and potentially resolve these buffering dilemmas, consider trying the following methods:

Clear TikTok’s cache – Over time, accumulated cache can hinder performance. Clearing it may enhance speed and functionality.
Update to the latest version of TikTok – Ensure that your app is up to date. New updates often bring performance enhancements and bug fixes.
Restart your device – A simple restart of your smartphone or tablet can refresh the system and rectify various issues.
Test your internet connection – Confirm that you’re connected to a fast and stable network. If possible, switch to a more dependable Wi-Fi source.
Remove unnecessary app data – Clearing out junk files can free up space and improve app efficiency.
Force stop the app – This can reset the app and eliminate minor glitches.
Restart your modem and router – Often, lagging problems stem from sluggish Wi-Fi. Restarting these devices can enhance your internet connection.

If these suggestions do not alleviate the problem, it is likely that the issue resides on TikTok’s side, meaning you will have to wait for them to rectify any server complications or deploy an update to alleviate the buffering.

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