How To Eliminate Kodi Buffering for Good in Oct. 2022

This article will provide step-by-step instructions for different methods to Stop Kodi Buffering.

If you have used Kodi for any length of time, you have probably noticed that streams oftentimes buffer.

This article will alleviate some of your pain and help you fix your Kodi buffering problems.

Kodi is arguably the most popular media outlet available for Cord-Cutters. It is one of the best Streaming Apps available today for many reasons.

This is mainly due to the popular 3rd party Kodi addons and Kodi builds that are installed and used by thousands.

However, using these addons can usually lead to buffering or lagging when viewing content.

Listed below are four different methods that will fix Kodi Buffering and make your streaming experience flawless.

We personally use all four of these methods on our streaming devices and rarely have problems with buffering when using the various addons.

TROYPOINT TIP: If you are looking for methods to fix buffering on your Firestick or Fire TV Device, use our guide below:

How to Fix Buffering on Firestick

NOTE: Prior to using the methods outlined below, I strongly suggest resetting/restarting your software and device.

Oftentimes a simple restart is a great way to force close apps and other programs running that can slow down the speed.

This will eliminate add-ons that are not in use and remove clunky apps and more that can slow down your software and device. Installing a fresh Kodi is sometimes the best way to eliminate buffering.

If you are using a streaming device such as a Firestick, these can easily be restarted for a smoother playback experience as well.

If this doesn’t work, a complete factory reset may be needed.

Reset Kodi on Fire TV/Stick
Reset Kodi on Android TV Box
How To Reset Kodi on Windows

If you are still experiencing buffering issues, restarting your modem is another great way to reset your network which may help improve streaming speed.

If none of these fix your Kodi buffering issues, continue on to the methods shown below.

How To Stop Kodi Buffering

1. Stop Kodi Buffering With Advanced Settings File

Prior to following the guide(s) below to eliminate Kodi buffering, I suggest making sure you are using a working add-on first.

Oftentimes, the issue of buffering within Kodi can be traced back to a poor link that add-ons that aren’t updated consist of.

To ensure you are using an up-to-date add-on with plenty of sources and scrapers, check out the TROYPOINT Best Kodi Add-Ons page.

This list is updated DAILY to bring you the most popular, working add-ons to install on your preferred device.

In the tutorials below, I am using Kodi version 19. However, these steps will work on any version of the software.

We are also using The Crew Kodi Addon which is one of the most popular addons available.

Below are the step-by-step instructions for configuring the Advanced Settings XML file.

Launch Kodi
Click the Settings icon  

Choose File Manager

Click Add source

Click <None>

Type the following URL exactly how it is listed here – https://team-crew.github.io and click OK

Highlight the box under the source that you just typed in and enter a name for this media source, type crew or change to any other name you would like to identify this source as and click OK

Click your back button on remote or keyboard to return to System Page. Click Add-Ons.

Choose install from zip file

Choose crew or other name that identifies the media source.

Click repository.thecrew.zip

Wait for The Crew Repo add-on installed message to appear

Click Install from repository

Choose The Crew Repo

Click Program Add-Ons

Select The Crew Wizard

Click Install

Wait for The Crew Wizard Add-on Installed message to appear

Choose Dismiss

When prompted, click Continue

Click Ignore

Select The Crew Wizard again

Click Open

Select Maintenance

Click System Tweaks/Fixes

Choose Advanced Settings

Click Quick Configure AdvancedSettings.xml

Move the Video Cache Size to the Maximum MB allowed

Click Write File

2. Stop Kodi Buffering With Real-Debrid 

Below are the general steps for registering and integrating Real-Debrid within Kodi.

NOTE: It is important that you make sure your VPN is off prior to signing up and integrating Real-Debrid.

Users must register with the same IP Address that you will use when streaming with Real-Debrid. Use the guide below to register for Real-Debrid.

1.  Visit real-debrid.com and choose Sign Up

2. Enter your personal information and click Sign Up again

Note: We suggest using an Anonymous Email Account if you don’t want to enter a personal email address.

3. You will then encounter a message saying “your registration was successful.”

That’s it! Registration is now complete.

Be sure to check your e-mail account for the activation e-mail from Real-Debrid.

After creating a real-debrid account, we can use this service in Kodi addons or Streaming Apps.

Use the steps below to integrate real-debrid within Kodi.

In the steps below I am integrating Real-Debrid within The Crew Kodi Addon, which uses ResolveURL dependency.

If you install an add-on that uses the URLResolver dependency, the steps are basically identical.

Important Note: Not all Kodi Add-on interfaces are exactly the same, but most have a similar interface as the add-on used in this example.

1. First you must register for a Real-Debrid account if you don’t have one already.

2. Launch The Crew Kodi Addon. (Or any addon you prefer).

3. Scroll down and select Tools.

4. Then select ResolveURL: Settings.

5. Within the Universal Resolvers menu on the left, scroll down and select (Re)Authorize My Account under Real-Debrid.

6. This screen will appear. Write down the code provided.

7. Open an Internet browser on another device and go to https://real-debrid.com/device.

8. Enter in the provided code from Step 6 and click Continue.

9. Your Real-Debrid application is now approved!

10. Return back to The Crew and select Search. 

11. Select whichever option you prefer. For this example we chose Movies.

12. Select New search.

13. Enter in the Movie or TV Show you desire. For this example we used Night of The Living Dead, which is one of TROYPOINT’s Best Public Domain Movies.

14. Choose the 1968 version of Night of The Living Dead.

15. Notice both the Real-Debrid and free links populating.

16. You will notice the Real-Debrid links now appearing with “RD” in the link name.

17. That’s it! You are now able to watch movies and TV shows using Real-Debrid within The Crew Kodi Add-on.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once finished, you can return to your device’s home screen and turn on your VPN.

3. Clear Kodi Cache

Clearing the Cache within Kodi is a great way to eliminate Kodi Buffering using similar steps to those shown in Method #1.

Within the Crew Wizard is a Cleaning Tool that works wonders to help delete and remove unwanted files/folders/etc.

If you do not have the Crew Wizard installed on your Kodi device, use the instructions outlined above in Method 1 to do so.

Use the steps below to Clear Kodi Cache and Fix Kodi Buffering.

1. From the Kodi home screen and under add-Ons, choose The Crew Wizard

2. Click Maintenance

3. Click Cleaning Tools

4. Choose Clear Cache

5. Click Clear Cache again

6. You will then see Clear Cache completed message

4. Eliminate Kodi Buffering with a VPN

Some Internet Service Providers have been known to throttle service which can slow down your connection.

If the options listed above do not stop Kodi Buffering on your device, try connecting to a VPN.

A VPN will alter your IP Address and remove any download restrictions that may be imposed by your ISP.

This can also change your geo-location which will put you anywhere in the world. This will eliminate any regional restrictions you may have in your area for unlimited streaming.

Best VPN for Firestick/Fire TV

Other Tips to Stop Kodi Buffering

If you have tried endlessly to fix your Kodi buffering issues to no avail, there is a high possibility this is due to your internet speed.

If you are using a streaming media device such as a Firestick/Fire TV, you can easily check your device’s internet speed.

How to Test Internet Speed on Fire TV/Firestick

As a rule of thumb, users streaming HD movies will more than likely need 10 Mbps in download speed to enjoy smooth playback. If you find your speed is less than that, this may be the cause of your Kodi Buffering.

The image below will give you an idea of the Mbps needed for streaming HD video files.

If upgrading your internet service is not an option, there are a few things you can do to improve speed:

Upgrade your modem to a higher-powered device
Put your Kodi device as close to your wi-fi router as possible
Remove any items between your device and router that may be blocking the signal
Turn off/Disable other devices that are connected to your wi-fi network
Install a VPN to cancel out ISP Throttling

Other Streaming Options

While Kodi is one of the most popular applications for streaming Movies and TV Shows, there are tons of fabulous other options. Many of these can be installed with only the click of a button.

TROYPOINT has created a list of the Best APK’s for free Movies and TV Shows With No Buffering.

These can all be easily installed on streaming devices such as the Fire TV/Stick, Android TV Box, NVIDIA SHIELD, and more.

Currently, the most popular APK available for download is Cinema.

Cinema features thousands of movies and tv shows and offers high quality links with no buffering. With real-debrid and trakt.tv integration, Cinema is an all-around streaming giant.

Cinema and numerous other streaming applications are all available within the TROYPOINT Rapid App Installer. This app allows you to install the best streaming applications and tools in a matter of minutes.

Kodi Buffering FAQ

Does Real-Debrid Eliminate Kodi Buffering?

Authorizing and using real-debrid links within Kodi is the best way to remove buffering for smooth playback.

What Addons Don’t Buffer?

More important than using a quality addon is making sure you choose a high-quality link. The best way to find good links is by initializing real-debrid.

Why is My Kodi Buffering?

Oftentimes, buffering can be traced back to a poor internet connection. If you have slow internet speed, it may be difficult to stream HD links on Kodi.