Why the Internet’s Slow on Smart TV (incl. When Streaming)

Smart TVs have a processor and network devices that allow them to operate like computers, so when your smart TV’s internet connection slows or lags, the typical troubleshooting for electronic devices applies.

why is internet slow on smart tv

Reasons the Internet Is Slow on a Smart TV

One of the following may apply in your case but always start with the easiest to diagnose and resolve by eliminating possibilities.

#1 Obstructions and Competition for Data

It may seem the most obvious place to start, but it helps to ascertain that your tv gets the highest possible internet speed to function without lags.

The internet on your smart TV could be slow when:

  • You have other data-hungry devices operating in your home.
  • Physical obstruction(s) between the WIFI router and TV – doors and walls limit internet speed.
  • The TV and router are on separate floors – concrete floors are a substantial impediment to connection speed.

Solution

One of these solutions may apply given your scenario:

  • Install a WIFI repeater or signal booster in between the router and TV.
  • Place the router closer to the TV.
  • Use an ethernet cable for maximum signal strength.
  • Delay other devices’ operations until you’re done watching the TV.

#2 The Smart TV’s Memory Is Full

Like most electronic devices, a smart TV has a memory that stores application data for quicker access and smoother operation – the more apps you run, the more memory it consumes.

As time passes, browsing history and cookies accumulate, reducing the precious RAM you need for seamless streaming.

But unlike your desktop computer, where you can add memory sticks easily, a smart TV must make do with its limited memory space.

Solution

One of these two options is available:

  • Clear all data – you delete all cookies, browsing history, and auto-saved information.
  • Clear app cache – you delete files, images, and other multimedia stored after opening and using an app.

The steps differ between brands and models, but typically:

  • Click Home on the remote control.
  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Apps.
  • Choose the app of which you want to clear the cache.
  • Tap on Clear Cache.
  • Tap OK to confirm.

The manual that comes with your smart TV or is accessible on the manufacturer’s website will have specific instructions for your model.

Regularly clearing the app cache is good practice.

#3 Bandwidth Limitations

Bandwidth is often mistaken for internet speed; the former is the volume of information delivered over a connection at a given time, although a higher bandwidth enhances speed.

While internet-connected devices can compete for data with the TV, causing snail speed, your internet service provider (ISP) or data plan could be the limiting factor.

The evening hours are typically the peak time when your neighbors and family return home and connect their devices to the internet.

Solution

Test your home broadband speed in the wee hours against later in the evening.

If the speed difference (measured in megabits per second, or Mbps) is consistently massive and movie streaming often choppy and lagging:

  • Your ISP is throttling your internet speed because they have more customers than they can serve adequately.
  • You are on a less expensive, lower-speed plan (not a lower data plan).

If you’re on the higher-speed plan and video streaming isn’t satisfactory, switching ISP may be necessary.

#4 Outdated Firmware

TV manufacturers continually improve their product software to enhance security, fix bugs, and add features.

New smart TVs typically have periodic firmware updates that run automatically or manually, which you can initiate from the tv settings.

Still, outdated firmware may be the reason behind your smart TV’s slow internet speed.

That said, the latest software can sometimes cause sluggish connections as they contain bugs and incompatibilities that the manufacturer eventually irons out in subsequent updates.

Solution

Go to the Settings on your smart TV to check if it has the latest software.

Various TV brands have different user interfaces. Still, the steps are similar as you essentially download and install an update by clicking on the Settings icon and letting the available options guide you on the appropriate next steps.


#5 One Too Many Apps

Newer smart TVs often come pre-loaded with apps, many of which you don’t need or even know exist.

Perhaps you had previously downloaded and installed apps that you don’t access anymore.

Solution

Browse your smart TV’s Home screen to review the existing apps.

Delete whichever you don’t use and restart the TV.

#6 Old Smart TV

In essence, an old smart TV differs from a new one in:

  • Processor technology and speed – it affects the internet speed as you install more apps.
  • Memory space – again, limited memory limits streaming speed.
  • Network device – wired or wireless, older technologies may cater to speedier 5 GHz connection.
  • Display technology – not an internet speed factor.

Solution

While you may not remember when you bought the TV, the user manual will tell you how old it is and what technologies it carries.

You could use an ethernet cable for a wired internet connection between the TV and the WIFI router for enhanced speed to remedy the situation.

Why Is the Streaming Slow Even When Modem Speed Is Fine?

When your home internet speed seems fine, other factors could limit how smoothly your favorite program streams on your smart TV without lag or drop in resolution.

Likely causes (and solutions) include:

  • Low tv memory – clear the cache before reopening the streaming app.
  • Damaged smart tv wireless connector – try a wired connection between the tv and the router. If it fixes the speed issue, you know where the problem lies.
  • Apps running in the background – newer smart TVs exit an app when you press RETURN on the remote control, but older ones may not. Deleting unused or unnecessary apps can free up precious memory RAM.
  • Other connected devices consuming data – depending on your home internet bandwidth, the connection may reach a bottleneck if data demands exceed the supply. Double check and switch off devices you don’t need running at the time.
  • Long distance between the tv and the router – depending on the signal strength, if the distance between them is far with walls and doors in between, the connection at the tv could become weak. Remove the obstacles where possible.
  • Low connection speed during peak hours – if the streaming is consistently slow in the prime hours of the evening, your internet service provider could be the limiting factor.

Can the Same Issue Happen with Different Types of Smart TV?

Smart TVs are available in these types, from older to newer technologies:

  • LCD – liquid crystal display.
  • LED – light-emitting diodes.
  • OLED – organic light-emitting diodes.
  • QLED – quantum dot LED.

They represent the various display technologies but with an internal wireless internet connector or an ethernet port for wired connection to the router or modem.

Essentially, all smart TV types connect to the internet using one of the two ways, and any WIFI-related troubleshoot would be similar.

One essential differentiator between older and newer smart TVs is the processor speed and memory capacity combination, so if the connection issue remains after exhausting the possible solutions, the time is ripe for an upgrade.