How to Stop Kodi Buffering Issues in 2024 (5 Easy Fixes)

Our streaming dreams are simple. We want zero waiting and zero buffering. However, it’s common these days to face frequent interruptions while streaming online content. That statement also applies to Kodi streams. With new add-ons and builds, Kodi buffering problems are becoming increasingly prevalent. Luckily, we can easily stop Kodi buffering issues or at least reduce the number of such instances.

In this article, we will figure out how to fix buffering on Kodi boxes and address its top possible reasons. Before we dive right in, an essential piece of information: many things can cause buffering issues with Kodi, which makes it impossible to give a solution that’ll work for everybody. Check out the following content to see what we’re going to discuss to fix Kodi buffering.

Why Does Kodi Buffer? What Causes it?

In conjunction with the evolution of how we consume content, Kodi boxes have also evolved. We already know streaming in real-time takes a massive bandwidth. For that, we need a fast and stable internet connection. The higher the stream quality, the better the connection speed has to be to play the video without any stuttering. 

Kodi could struggle with buffering for several reasons, including a lousy internet connection and faulty Kodi settings. Here are the most common reasons for buffering on Kodi:

1. Slow internet connection. 
2. Unstable connection or network issues. 
3. Over-congested streams on Kodi.
4. Unconfigured Kodi cache.

How to Stop Kodi Buffering?

Kodi is an outstanding media center because of its popular third-party addons and builds. However, these addons can also lead to lagging and buffering issues while streaming online content, despite being used by thousands of users.

In this section, we list step-by-step instructions on how to fix buffering on Kodi through the following solutions.

Solution #1: Clear Kodi’s Cache & Junk Files

As you use Kodi, the application generates plenty of cache files – which might corrupt over time. Therefore, a solution to stop buffering on Kodi is removing those files.

• First, make sure to install the Indigo addon for Kodi.
• Once you install it, launch Indigo by going to Add-ons > Program Add-ons.
• Select ‘Maintenance Tools’ using Indigo’s main menu.
• This is where you’ll see a series of options. You need to click on the following ones: Clear Cache, Delete Thumbnails, Delete Packages, Delete Crash Logs, Delete Textured13.db.
• As you click on the options mentioned above, you’ll be asked to confirm your decision each time. So, make sure to click on ‘YES.’
• Once done, restart Kodi and try streaming a video.

Solution #2: Use a Reliable VPN Service

Most Kodi viewers use a VPN service, and rightfully so. We have seen how vulnerable Kodi infrastructure is and how the applications, IPTV services, and add-ons are hosted on insecure servers.

Without a reliable VPN service, your personal information, like your location, is consistently logged on your history. This could easily expose you to hackers and third-party cyberattacks. 

A VPN not only masks your real IP address to an anonymous one, but it also gives a handful of security and privacy features. These features could prevent you from your ISP, local government agencies, and third-party vendors.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to install a VPN service on your Kodi device to stop Kodi buffering: 

1. Select a reputable VPN service. For Kodi and online streaming in general, our recommendation is ExpressVPN. (You can try it risk-free for 30 days.)
2. Sign up for the VPN service and save the credentials.
3. Download and Install the service on your device. For Android TVs, you can directly install the VPN app from the Google Play Store.
4. Find the VPN app from your home screen and log in using your credentials.  
5. When prompted, choose a server of your choice. 
6. Click on Connect to join the VPN network.

By doing this, now you have successfully changed your IP address. You can go back to the home screen, and the VPN will continue its work in the background.

If you want to disconnect from the VPN service anytime, you can simply relaunch the service and disconnect from the server.

Learn: 7 Reasons Why You Must a VPN While Streaming via Kodi / Is It Safe to Use a Kodi Without a VPN?

Once you’re ready to get started with this type of software, make sure to turn to our guide on installing and configuring a VPN on Kodi.

Solution #3: Tweak (Hack) Kodi’s Settings

There’s a way to optimize how Kodi streams files based on your device’s specs and Internet connection speed. This is done by editing an XML file called ‘AdvancedSettings.’

Where Is Kodi’s ‘AdvancedSettings’ File Located?

Please take a look at the following bullet points, where we’ve covered the file’s location on several different platforms.

• Windows: Press the Windows key + R and then paste the following navigation path: %APPDATA%roamingkodiuserdata. Press Enter to confirm the path.
• MacOS: Navigate to /Users/(yourusername)/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata.
• Linux: Go to ~/.kodi/userdata/.
• Android: Use any File Manager to go to Android/data/org.xmbc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata.
• iOS: Navigate to /private/var/mobile/Library/Preferences/Kodi/userdata/.

In case you don’t see the ‘advancedsettings.xml’ file in the directory you’ve opened, feel free to create one. That is done by creating a new text file and making sure you’re using the XML file format.

How to Edit Kodi’s ‘AdvancedSettings’ File?

For the file to be recognized by Kodi, you need to use a set of codes. With that said, we’ll first give you these codes and then show you what the file should look like.

• <memorysize> - This is a numerical value telling Kodi how much RAM to use. However, make sure to input this value in bytes. For example, if you want to set Kodi to use 2GB of RAM, you’ll need to input ‘2147483648’ in this field. For this purpose, you can use an online converter to get a precise number.
• <buffermode> - This is also a numerical value, and there are three possible values here (0, 1, 2, and 3). To allow Kodi to buffer all Internet filesystems, you need to input ‘0.’ To buffer all Internet and local file systems, you must go with ‘1.’ Then, ‘2’ is used to buffer only ‘true’ Internet filesystems (like HTTP). And to prevent all buffering, go with ‘3.’
• <readfactor> - Once again, a numerical value. By default, the value of this field is set to ‘4.0.’ If you have an above mid-range CPU, you can double that number.

How Does the ‘AdvancedSettings’ File Should Look Like?

Take a look below, and you’ll see an image showing the XML file's final appearance. Make sure to take a good look, and then replicate the file on your device using the same codes found below.

Finally, we’d like to offer some helpful tips and tricks regarding Kodi’s ‘advancedsettings’ file. So, don’t forget to check out the following bullet points.

• To be recognized by Kodi, this must be an XML file. So, save the text file as an XML file, or rename it to include the new file extension.
• Each command has its opening and closing argument. For example, to allow Kodi to use a specific portion of your RAM, you’ll need to begin with <memorysize> and then end this command with </memorysize>.
• Make sure the XML file is saved in the appropriate folder, as described above.

Solution #4: Stop Using Illegal & Untested Kodi Addons

We understand that “unofficial” Kodi addons might be quite enticing. After all, they promise the latest Hollywood blockbusters without you having to pay anything. However, keep in mind these “unofficial” add-ons can quickly destabilize your Kodi.

Learn: Why Are Unofficial Kodi Addons Not Safe to Use? / Official vs. Unofficial Kodi Addons – Which Ones to use?

When talking about “unofficial” addons, we’re typically talking about copyright infringement and piracy. Therefore, this is precisely what’s illegal about Kodi. Besides, that alone should be a reason enough to stop using illicit types of software.

There’s also another thing to keep in mind. With piracy comes malware, as this is especially true for Kodi. The majority of “unofficial” repositories are ridden with malware, causing all kinds of streaming- and buffering-related problems with Kodi.

Learn: How to Uninstall Kodi Addons / “SafeKodi” Is Here to Save Kodi Users From Risky Addons

Solution #5: Reset Kodi to Its Factory Settings

If nothing else helps, it’s time to think about resetting Kodi to its factory settings. This will remove all your Kodi-stored content and set Kodi’s preferences to their default values. This is the most drastic step you can take to fix Kodi buffering.

So, here’s how to reset Kodi its factory settings. Go through the following steps:

• First, you’ll need to install the Indigo Kodi addon.
• Then, launch the addon by going to Add-ons > Program Add-ons.
• Click on the add-on's icon to open it. Wait until you see its main menu.
• Scroll down and select ‘Factory Restore.’
• Confirm your decision, and Indigo will wipe all your data and reset everything.
• Once done, restart Kodi.

Final Thoughts

Kodi is an excellent service that provides a hassle-free streaming experience unlike any other app on the market. However, like any other software, it sometimes faces bugs and buffering issues. This can annoyingly disturb the streaming experience for a lot of Kodi users.

Fortunately, we have a handful of solutions to stop Kodi buffering issues or considerably bring down the number of instances. Getting a reliable VPN service and clearing or allocating a bigger space for the video cache could greatly improve the stuttering problem. And, like always, if nothing works, try resetting Kodi on your device to fix Kodi buffering.

You’ve reached the end of our guide on how to stop Kodi buffering issues. If you have any questions for us, don’t forget to post a comment below. And of course, don’t forget to share this article online. Thanks – and enjoy using Kodi!