Skip to Content

How To Fix Delay/Lag/Slow Response With Netflix

Timing is everything in a good movie or television show. The comedic timing. The action sequence. Even the musical score. When there is a lag, the scene – and emotional connection to the show – are ruined.

To fix delay/lag/slow response with Netflix, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Restart the router or move the router close to the TV to increase and stabilize the internet connection. Restart your device. Sign out and then back into the Netflix app.

Watching netflix in laptop

There are a lot of tiny moving parts when it comes to our electronics. If one of these moving parts does not cooperate, everything is affected. This article will help you to determine which issue is causing a lag while you are trying to enjoy your Netflix show.

How To Fix Audio Delay On Netflix

Couple watching TV

A lag in the audio can cause you to feel like you are watching a bad lip-syncing contest. You don’t want to miss the punchline before the audience starts laughing or spend your evening trying to guess what the actors are saying.

You can fix audio delay on Netflix by first checking your network connection. If the network connection is weak or unstable, there will be a noticeable lag in the audio. Open Netflix and go to ‘Settings’. Select ‘Diagnostic Section’ and then select ‘Check Network’ to run an internet speed test.

Disable HD Streaming

Any setting that is outside the normal default settings will require more of the streaming device you are using, whether it is a TV or smartphone. This is especially true when it comes to watching anything in High Definition.

If you are not able to download the show or movie first, disabling HD Streaming will increase the bandwidth of your network and will free up memory space within your streaming device so that more milliseconds can be given to the audio settings.

Step 1: Open the Netflix app.

Step 2: Go to your account profile.

Step 3: Select Profile & Parental Control Section.

Step 4: Select the profile you want to edit.

Step 5: Select Playback Settings.

Step 6: Change the audio setting to Medium.

Update Netflix

Sometimes a pending update can cause different settings within an app to stop working correctly. If an update is pending for Netflix this could be the reason for the lag. Open Netflix in the app store to see if any updates are pending and then click ‘Install Now’.

How To Fix Delayed Captions On Netflix

Couple watching TV

Closed captioning is a feature that is enjoyed not only by those who are hard of hearing but also by those who enjoy foreign films or simply can’t understand what is being said. Regardless of the reason why we need captions, we don’t want a delay in what we’re reading versus what we’re seeing.

You can fix delayed captions on Netflix by making sure the subtitle setting is turned on. Toggling the subtitle setting off and on will refresh this feature. Signing out and then back into your Netflix account will resolve temporary glitches and bugs within the Netflix app.

Change Subtitle Settings

Subtitle configuration errors can cause subtitles and closed captioning to not work correctly or be displayed in an incorrect style. There may be a delay in the captioning or the words go off-screen. The steps outlined below will walk you through adjusting this setting.

Step 1: With the Netflix app open, go to Settings.

Step 2: Select Accessibilty.

Step 3: Select Caption Preference.

Step 4: Select Use Captions.

Step 5: Finally, select your preferred Subtitle style settings.

How To Fix Netflix Bluetooth Lag

Frustrated man while watching tv

Bluetooth allows us to connect wirelessly to our devices. We don’t have to worry about cords and wires. And we can still enjoy our favorite midnight show without disturbing anyone.

You can fix Netflix Bluetooth lag by using headphones that support Bluetooth 5.0. Make sure the headphones are within range of the device playing Netflix. Disable other Bluetooth-sharing devices that are nearby. Make sure the device utilizing the Bluetooth setting was correctly paired.

Here are three other areas to troubleshoot when you are experiencing a lag while using Bluetooth.

Battery Life

It’s important to make sure the device you are using has enough battery. When the battery is low, your device will go into Power Saving Mode and will reduce the effectiveness of the Bluetooth connection.

Restart Device

Restarting the device will clear out any bugs or glitches that could be affecting the Bluetooth connection. When the device restarts, make sure the Bluetooth setting is turned on and the device is correctly connected.

Adjust Device Performance Level

Android users can select one of three performance modes – balanced, normal, and performance. Using the Performance setting can sometimes limit the device’s processor which, in turn, limits the overall performance of the device.

Adjusting the Performance Level to balanced or normal will reduce the delay time because your device can transmit the data quicker to the Bluetooth function.

How To Fix Netflix Lag On PC

Watching Netflix in PC

Most of us live on our computer’s these days. When you only have a few minutes to enjoy Netflix, you don’t want to spend that time being annoyed by any lag on the PC.

You can fix Netflix lag on PC by ensuring your network is fast enough to support Netflix. You may be paying for High-Speed internet but it may not be fast enough. Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for HD quality streaming. For Ultra HD streaming, the recommended speed is 25 Mbps.

There is a variety of reasons why you are experiencing a lag while watching Netflix. Continue reading to troubleshoot suggestions from lowering the picture resolution to changing the domain name.

Lower Picture Resolution

If your internet provider has a cap, or limit, on the amount of data or bandwidth you can access, adjust the video quality setting on your PC to low or medium. Yes, the picture quality will not be as crisp and clear as you prefer, but at least you will still be able to enjoy Netflix on your PC.

Check Internet Connection Speed

You can test your internet connection speed within the Netflix app.

Step 1: Go to the Netflix Home Screen.

Step 2: Select the Settings icon.

Step 3: Select ‘Check Your Network’. If your internet connection speed is too low, you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider for further assistance. You can also purchase a Wi-Fi mesh or network extender to boost your current internet signal.

Close Background Apps

Apps often fall into the category of “Out of sight, out of mind”. We think that because we are not using the app or it is not open on our desktop, it is not running.

If the app was not closed out, it is still running in the background. This means data is being used and memory space is being taken up.

Step 1: Press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc at the same time.

Step 2: Once the Task Manager opens, Right-click on any applications that are currently running but need to be closed out.

Step 3: Select End Task to close the applications.

Restart Home Network

Restarting your router or modem will refresh the network connection. Unplug your router or modem for at least 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, plug in the router or modem and wait until the indicator lights are back to normal.

Change Domain Name

Domain Name System (DNS) is how domain names, such as Netflix, are translated into IP addresses, the language Google understands. By changing the DNS of Netflix to the Google DNS address, you should get a speed boost.

Step 1: Go to your PC’s Control Panel.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on February 16, 2022.

Step 2: Under Network and Internet, select View Network Status and Tasks.

Step 3: Select Change Adapter Settings.

Step 4: Right-click on your network on then select Properties.

Step 5: Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Step 6: Select Obtain an IP Address Automatically.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on February 16, 2022.

Step 7: Select Use the Following DNS Server Addresses.

Step 8: For Preferred DNS server, enter Google’s Public DNS address 8888.

Step 9: For Alternative DNS server, enter Google’s Public DNS address 8844.

Step 10: Click OK.

How To Fix Netflix Lag On TV

Watching Netflix in Tv

You could be experiencing interference due to your wireless network connection. Moving the router closer to your TV will help. Move any wireless devices such as a cordless phone, a baby monitor, even wireless speakers, away from the router or turn them off altogether.

Increase Bandwidth

Bandwidth is much like a highway and any connected devices are like cars. The more cars on the highway, the more bandwidth is needed. If the highway, or bandwidth, becomes congested with traffic, the cars (or other devices) will slow down or even stop until more highway (or bandwidth) opens up.

You can fix Netflix lag on TV by reducing the number of devices connected to the network. Close any apps that may be running in the background. Uninstall any unused apps. Refresh the TV software by unplugging the TV for 60 seconds. Make sure your TV is connected to the correct network.

Related Articles

Managing Netflix Search/Watch History

Netflix AirPlay Not Working

Laptop Netflix Not Working

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on February 16, 2022.

Netflix Not Working On Xfinity