How to Fix Constant Buffering on Disney Plus

Disney Plus is a nearly perfect streaming service. But, like most technology, errors and problems do occur. There are some common Disney Plus issues reported by the users, such as buffering issues.

Our advice is going to help you determine why you have playback problems on Disney Plus so that you can fix them. Some of them are hardware related, but most are software-related.

Start with Your Internet Connection

The more common culprit of buffering is a weak or intermittent internet connection. Streaming content takes a lot of bandwidth, and buffering happens when the data experiences interruptions.

The official Disney Plus recommended internet speed is 5.0 Mbps if you want your content streamed in high definition (720p or 1080p) or 25 Mbps if you want to stream in 4k Ultra HD. This is the bare minimum though, and you should probably have even higher speeds for the best performance.

It’s best to run a speed test to confirm that the internet is causing your buffering issues. You can use the Speed Test website to determine your download and upload speeds to check your internet connection. Not only will a speed test tell you the download and upload speeds, but it’ll also show you if you’re experiencing intermittent data loss (the connection is going in and out).

If the speed test determines there’s an issue with your internet connection, you aren’t wholly out of luck. Here’s what to do about a poor internet connection:

• Switch to another network – If you have other options (a mobile network, another WiFi network, etc.), try connecting to another network and see if the buffering stops.
• Restart your router – If you typically have enough bandwidth to support streaming, but it isn’t working correctly right now, unplug your router and wait 30 seconds. Then, plug it back in, wait for the lights to stabilize, and try watching Disney Plus again.
• Disconnect other internet devices and close unused web pages – Perhaps you aren’t getting the data speeds you need because too many devices are connected to your WiFi, or you have too many browsers and apps open on your device. Close out any unused apps and browsers and/or disconnect any other devices connected to your network.
• Turn off your VPN or change to a different location – A VPN can cause buffering if the server location is too far away or there’s a glitch.

If your internet isn’t the problem, look into the other fixes below. If your internet is too slow, talk to your ISP about upgrading the package or switching to a better ISP.

Make Sure the Software Is Updated

Perhaps your internet speeds are fast enough to support Disney Plus, but the content is still buffering. The next common culprit is outdated software. App developers often release updates to fix bugs and glitches and implement new security protocols. Whether your device is running outdated software or the Disney Plus app is outdated, buffering might be a side effect.

To start, make sure you’re using the latest version of the Disney Plus app for Android or iOS devices. Just tap the link while on your device and select Update if the option appears. If you see Open rather than update, the app is already running the latest version.

After the app has updated, try watching Disney Plus again. If the buffering continues, check your streaming device for a software update.

The instructions to update your device’s software varies, but you will find the Software option in the Settings of nearly every Disney Plus compatible device.

Check the Hardware

Aside from software, the hardware may also cause a problem. While you probably already know whether your device is compatible or not, you can also verify that the computer or browser is compatible (if you’re using a computer). Assuming the device you’re using meets Disney Plus’s system requirements; the next step is to check the cables.

Believe it or not, Disney Plus recommends cables for the best streaming experience. If you are using a smart TV, Roku, Fire TV, etc., you should use the following cables: HDCP 2.2.

These cables serve high-quality, high-speed streaming without buffering, especially in UHD streaming. Make sure that your device is compatible with these cables.

Try Restarting Everything

You can also try the old reliable restart. Some call this a power cycle. This is when you shut everything off and on again. Everything includes your streaming device, your modem, and your router. Do the following:

1. Start with the modem and router. Turn them off by pressing the power button or unplug them from the power source.
2. Then turn off the streaming device you are using (TV, tablet, computer, etc.).
3. After a good minute or so, turn the modem and router back on.
4. Turn on your streaming device.

This power cycle has the power to resolve many playback issues, including buffering. Relaunch Disney Plus on your streaming device and see if the issue is still there.

Clear Out the Cookies and Cached Data

Whenever you use your browser, some of the data is stored as a cache, and so are the website cookies. But sometimes, this can overload your browser, especially if you haven’t cleared its cache in a while. Since the steps differ for every browser, check out the official support page for instructions.

In essence, the steps are as follows:

1. Launch your browser.
2. Go to options, settings, or preferences.
   
3. Choose History or Privacy and find where you can clear your browsing data.
   
4. Finally, clear the recent history, cache, and data. Make sure to select and remove everything.
   

You can also do this on Android tablets and phones by accessing the settings. Then, tap on Apps, followed by storage. Here you can clear the cache and data from any app, including Disney Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paying for a service that you can’t enjoy is incredibly frustrating. If you still have questions, we have some more answers here!

I don’t have a good internet connection. What else can I do?

Unfortunately, some areas just don’t get a great internet connection. If your internet is running slow, you probably won’t be able to enjoy Disney+ through streaming. But fortunately, there is a workaround. Disney+ lets you download content to watch offline later.

This workaround is great because you can download it on your mobile device while you have a faster connection or download content with your slower connection (which may take a little while). When you’ve downloaded the content, you can see it on all of your streaming devices.

All you need to do to download your favorite shows and movies is select something you want to watch. Tap on the download icon (an arrow with a line underneath it). Wait for it to download. Then, stream it as you please.

I’ve tried everything, but it’s still buffering. What else can I do?

Assuming you have a good connection and the application is working correctly, you may still face problems. It’s a good idea to try streaming on another device. For example, if it works fine on an Xbox but not on your PC, there’s a device-specific problem. But, if all of your devices are buffering Disney+, it may be an issue with the streaming service.

To be sure it isn’t an issue on Disney’s end, check the DownDetector website. Type in ‘Disney Plus’ and click enter. Review for any reported outages. You can also read through other users’ complaints. Assuming there updated reports of issues, you’ll need to wait it out, unfortunately. The developers behind Disney+ are likely aware of the issue and working to fix it.

Be Patient

Sometimes a little patience goes a long way. Disney Plus is still new, and sometimes the service can get overloaded. There are many users, and the servers can get too busy at times, which can also cause buffering and other playback issues.

If you’ve taken all the steps mentioned above and your content is still buffering, you might want to contact the official Disney Plus customer support as a final resort.

All good? Is your streaming experience on Disney Plus smooth now? Let us know in the comments section.