Buffering is one of the most frustrating issues, causing constant interruptions.

• Causes: Slow internet speed, small video cache, overloaded streaming servers, or even ISP throttling.
• Fixes:
  1. Check Internet Speed: Aim for at least 10 Mbps for standard definition (SD) and 25 Mbps for high definition (HD). Use an online speed test.
  2. Use a VPN: As discussed, a VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) can prevent your ISP from throttling your bandwidth, which is a common cause of buffering.
  3. Clear/Increase Kodi Cache: A cluttered cache can slow things down.
     • Clear Cache: Go to Settings > System > Reset or Clear Data (depending on your Kodi version and skin). Alternatively, some maintenance add-ons like “The Crew Wizard” or “Ares Wizard” have cache-clearing functions.
     • Increase Cache (Advanced): This involves modifying Kodi’s advancedsettings.xml file to allocate more memory to the video cache. This is for advanced users and can sometimes lead to instability if not done correctly.
  4. Reduce HQ Scaler: In Settings > Player > Videos, reduce the “Allow hardware acceleration – DXVA2” (Windows) or “MediaCodec” (Android) settings or adjust the “Render method.”