Lower the playback resolution to make a video stream less demanding: on YouTube, open the player’s Settings > Quality and choose a lower option, such as 360p or 240p. On the YouTube mobile app, Data saver is another option when you prefer a quicker, steadier start over sharper detail. These steps are specific to YouTube; other streaming services may use different controls.
How lowering video quality can reduce buffering
A higher-resolution video carries more picture detail and uses more data. When the connection cannot deliver that data quickly enough, playback may take longer to start or pause to buffer. Choosing a lower resolution reduces the stream’s demands and can help on a slow or inconsistent connection, though it cannot guarantee uninterrupted playback.
YouTube may also change playback quality automatically. Its choice can depend on connection speed, the size of the player or screen, the quality of the uploaded video, and browser support. A manually selected resolution gives you more control, but the available choices vary by device and video. YouTube Help: Change the quality of your video.
Change quality for the video you are watching
- Open the video’s Settings. Select the gear icon in the YouTube player.
- Choose Quality. Select a lower resolution than the one currently playing. If the video is stalling at 1080p, for example, try 720p or 480p; if it still buffers, step down again.
- On mobile, consider Data saver. This option lowers picture quality and may help videos start faster. YouTube notes that higher picture quality uses more data, so videos may take longer to start or buffer more often. YouTube Help: Watch videos on slow connections.
Set a YouTube quality preference on mobile
To set a preference that applies beyond the current video, open the YouTube app’s profile menu and go to Settings > Video quality preferences. Set preferences separately for mobile networks and Wi-Fi. YouTube lists Auto, Higher picture quality, Data saver, and Advanced options; Advanced may not be available for every video. Menu wording can vary slightly with the platform and app version. YouTube Help: Change the quality of your video.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
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Choose a setting that fits your connection
| Setting | What it prioritizes | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Auto | Adapting playback quality to current conditions | Picture quality may change during playback. |
| Data saver or a fixed lower resolution | Lower data use and potentially faster starts on a constrained connection | Less picture detail than a higher resolution. |
| Higher picture quality | Sharper picture | Uses more data and may take longer to start or buffer more often when the connection is limited. |
YouTube’s approximate recommended sustained speeds are shown below. These are YouTube guidance, not universal guarantees or a promise that every connection at that speed will play without buffering. Other devices sharing the network may leave less speed available to your video. YouTube Help: Troubleshoot YouTube video errors.
| Resolution | Approximate recommended sustained speed |
|---|---|
| 4K | 20 Mbps |
| 1080p | 5 Mbps |
| 720p | 2.5 Mbps |
| 480p | 1.1 Mbps |
| 360p | 0.7 Mbps |
If the video still buffers
If lowering quality does not help, the cause may be the connection or playback setup rather than the resolution setting. Try these steps one at a time and replay the video after each change:
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
- Switch to another internet connection, if one is available.
- On a mobile device, clear the YouTube app cache.
- For a TV or other device on Wi-Fi, move it closer to the router and reduce physical interference between them.
- Pause downloads or limit other devices using the network, then test playback again.
- Close and reopen the app, or try another supported device to see whether the problem is specific to one device.
YouTube’s troubleshooting guidance also notes that live broadcasts can have a delay; live-stream delay is different from ordinary on-demand buffering. YouTube Help: Troubleshoot streaming & video issues.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
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- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
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- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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