Why is my WiFi so slow on one device?
My WiFi works fine on my phone and laptop but my smart TV buffers constantly. It's right next to the router, literally 5 feet away. I've restarted the router and the TV. What else can I try?
1 Answer(s)
This is a super common issue and it's almost always the smart TV's WiFi adapter being garbage. Smart TVs have notoriously weak WiFi chips compared to phones and laptops. Here's what to try in order: 1) Forget the WiFi network on your TV and reconnect — sometimes the saved credentials get corrupted. 2) Change your router's WiFi channel — log into your router settings and switch from auto to a specific channel (1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz). 2.4GHz goes through walls better, so force your TV to use that instead of 5GHz. 3) Move your router closer or use a WiFi extender/mesh system. 4) The best fix: buy a $15-25 USB WiFi adapter that plugs into your TV. They're way more powerful than built-in adapters. 5) If possible, use an ethernet cable — even a long flat one that runs along the baseboard. Wired always beats wireless for streaming. Try these in order and the USB adapter is usually the magic fix.