It’s common for smart TVs to slow down over time.Within a few months of buying a new TV, it started lagging so much that I felt the need to buy a new one. However, I found a cheap solution.
If you’re tired of a slow TV, instead of replacing it, you can buy a streaming device, or a TV stick, for a few thousand rupees. When I did the same, all my TV problems were instantly resolved.
Streaming device means the same pen drive-like device that makes even old non-smart TVs smart.
Most inexpensive smart TVs come with 1GB of RAM. This single factor is the cause of many of the problems with smart TVs. In this situation, you have two options: upgrade your TV or switch to a streaming device.
Whether you have a smart TV or not, if you use a TV stick, you can get a better experience than you would with a smart TV.
Cheaper smart TVs often lack advanced features. However, if you buy the latest TV stick, it may support features like Dolby Audio or Vision. This way, you can use a TV stick with your TV to add features that aren’t available on it.
If you think using a TV stick instead of a smart TV will offer a different experience, it’s not. Most TV sticks have a similar UI.
Nowadays, you can plug a TV stick into your TV and control it with its remote. This eliminates the need to operate the TV with two separate remotes.
Most smart TVs come with 1GB of RAM. As a result, these TVs quickly become quite slow. Therefore, if you choose to purchase a TV with more RAM, both the cost and the hassle of choosing a new TV increase significantly.
Upgrading a TV stick is easier and cheaper than a TV. Furthermore, most smart TVs typically have speed issues. Therefore, it’s not always possible to replace a TV with a new one while it’s otherwise working properly.
Why do Smart TVs slow down?
Smart TVs slow down over time because their storage and memory fill up. Streaming apps save data for faster access the next time, which gradually accumulates. When storage is low, the TV may feel sluggish when switching apps or pressing the remote.
Additionally, software updates also play a role. New features are added, but the TV’s hardware remains the same, forcing it to work harder. Moreover, apps that are not in use continue to consume space and power in the background, further slowing down the TV.
Why does a smart TV have buffering problems?
Sometimes, buffering on a smart TV is caused by a weak internet connection. If you’re experiencing buffering while streaming videos or apps are loading slowly, check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Too much distance from the router, obstructions like walls, or using multiple devices on the same network can all affect speed. If possible, connect your smart TV directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
Wired connections are generally more stable, resulting in better streaming quality, less buffering, and faster download speeds.
Clear the cache regularly.
One of the most effective ways to fix a slow Android TV is to clear the app cache. YouTube, Netflix, and Play Store apps are all examples of this.
Over time, this cached data accumulates and slows down your TV. To clear the cache:
Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Select an app > Click Clear Cache.
Do this once every few weeks for your most-used apps to maintain smooth performance.
Reduce animation scale in Developer Options
If your Android TV has developer options enabled, you can adjust the animation speed to make the transition faster.
To do this: Go to Settings > Device Preferences > About > Click “Build” 7 times to enable Developer Mode. Go to Settings > Developer Options.
Reduce the scale of window animations, transition animations, and animator durations to 0.5x or less. This not only speeds things up visually but also the system graph.
Android TV is still running slow, a factory reset
If you’ve tried everything and your Android TV is still running slow, a factory reset may be your best option.
This deletes all apps, settings, and stored data – giving your TV a fresh start.
Settings > Device Preferences > Reset > Factory Reset
Follow the on-screen instructions. Use this as a last resort and be sure to back up important data before resetting.
Use Ethernet or improve your Wi-Fi connection.
Lagging or buffering while streaming isn’t always caused by your TV. A weak Wi-Fi signal can affect the speed at which your apps load and how fast your content plays.If possible, use an Ethernet cable for a direct connection.