How to Stop Kodi Buffering Issues 2025 An Step By Step Experts Guide

Method 1: How to Stop Kodi Buffering Using Ares Wizard

If you’ve been using Kodi for a while, you’ve probably heard of Ares Wizard — and if not, hey, welcome to the club. It’s basically the Swiss army knife for Kodi: part mechanic, part janitor, part magician.

Before we dig in, make sure Ares Wizard is installed. If it’s not, do that first. I’ll wait.

Step-by-step: Optimizing Cache with Ares Wizard

1. Open up Ares Wizard and hit the ‘Tweaks’ tab at the top. It’s not hidden, I promise.
2. Click on ‘Advanced Settings Wizard’. You’ll see a giant CAUTION message. Don’t freak out — they just want you to know what you’re getting into. Here’s the gist:

• There’s no “perfect” cache size — it depends on your device and available RAM.
• Storing cache in RAM = faster performance. Use it if you’ve got enough to spare.
• Kodi defaults to 60MB. If you’ve got 1GB+ free RAM, you can do better.

3. Click ‘Next’. Kodi will show your available RAM and recommend a cache size (usually 1/3 of your free memory — minus a little safety buffer). Example: Got 900MB free? Use ~270MB for caching.
4. Click ‘Generate Settings’ in the bottom left.
5. On the next screen, adjust the Video Cache Size slider. Ares Wizard will guide you based on your system specs. No need to overthink it.

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Buffer Modes — What They Actually Mean

There’s also this sneaky setting at the bottom called Buffer Mode. Here’s the no-nonsense breakdown:

• Mode 1: Buffers everything under the sun — online streams, cloud files, FTP… the works.
• Mode 2 (recommended): Buffers pretty much everything, including stuff from your own device. Great if you’re using a local NAS or USB stick.
• Mode 3: Buffers only web streams. Think YouTube or scrapers.
• Mode 4: No buffering at all. Good luck with that.

If you’re not sure what to pick, just go with Mode 2. It’s the Kodi sweet spot.

Bonus: Clear Kodi Junk with Ares Wizard

If your device is running low on space (especially those 16GB Android sticks), things are gonna get laggy. Here’s how to do a little spring cleaning:

1. Click ‘Maintenance’ at the top in Ares Wizard.
2. Click these in order:
   • Delete Thumbnails
   • Delete Packages
   • Clear Cache (if it shows up)

When I did this last time, I freed up nearly 1GB. That’s massive on a streaming stick. Don’t worry, this won’t mess with your custom settings or saved favorites — it’s just junk cleanup.

Method #2: Fix Kodi Buffering with a VPN

Let me say this loud and clear: If you’re not using a VPN while streaming, you’re playing yourself. Why? Because your ISP (yes, the people who send you that overpriced internet bill every month) are probably watching what you do online. And if you stream a lot — which, let’s face it, if you’re reading this, you do — they may throttle your speeds. It’s called bandwidth throttling, and it’s legal in a lot of places. Basically, they slow down your connection when they notice you’re using “too much” data. Which is ironic, considering you probably pay for “unlimited internet.”

A VPN fixes that by hiding what you’re doing. Your ISP can still see you’re using data, but they have no clue whether it’s for emails or high-quality HD pirate ship movies. That means no throttling, no spying, just smooth streaming. I personally use ExpressVPN. It’s stupid fast, ridiculously easy to set up, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, you can install it on FireStick, Android, Windows, and even your smart toaster (okay, maybe not the toaster).

Method 3: How to Stop Kodi Buffering using Supreme Builds Wizard

If Ares Wizard feels like the Swiss army knife, Supreme Builds is the toolbelt. It’s less flashy, but great for tweaking your system settings without having to dive too deep.

1. Launch Supreme Builds Wizard from your home screen or head to Add-ons > Program Add-ons.
2. Click on Supreme Builds Maintenance.
3. Now go to (Supreme Builds) System Tweaks/Fixes.
4. Hit Advanced Settings, then choose Quick Configure AdvancedSettings.xml.
5. Don’t touch anything unless you know what you’re doing — just take a peek and click Write File.

If it asks whether to remove an existing AdvancedSettings.xml, go ahead and do it. If this is your first time here, you won’t even see that warning.

Method #5: How to Fix Kodi Buffering Issues Using a Code

Okay, so you’ve tried the standard fixes — clearing cache, tweaking settings, maybe even yelling at your TV (no judgment). But Kodi’s still buffering like it’s stuck in 2008. If you’re ready to get a little hands-on and dive under the hood, this method might just do the trick.

We’re going to manually drop a custom config file into Kodi’s system folders. Sounds scary? It’s really not. You won’t even have to open Kodi. Just follow the steps slowly, maybe with a cup of coffee nearby — or a backup plan if you’re feeling dramatic.

Steps for Windows PC or Laptop

If you’re on Windows, here’s how to do it (no coding degree required):

1. Open Notepad — the most underrated tool ever. Easiest way? Press Windows + R, type notepad, then hit Enter. Or just search for it like a normal person.
2. Copy and paste this exact code into the blank Notepad file:

<advancedsettings>
  <network>
    <buffermode>1</buffermode>
    <readbufferfactor>1.5</readbufferfactor>
    <cachemembuffersize>104857600</cachemembuffersize>
  </network>
</advancedsettings>

3. Now save that file. Choose any location (Desktop is fine), but here’s the important part: name it exactly advancedsettings.xml. Not advancedsettings.xml.txt. Not settings1.xml. Just that. Plain and simple.
4. Next, we need to move that file into Kodi’s secret hideout — the user data folder. Open the Run dialog again (Windows + R) and type:

%APPDATA%\kodi\userdata

5. Hit Enter. A folder will pop open. That’s your destination. Copy and paste the advancedsettings.xml file into this folder.
6. Fire up Kodi and play any video. You should see noticeably less buffering. Maybe even none. It’s like giving Kodi a gentle memory boost — no tech wizardry required.

Steps for Other Platforms

This method works beyond just Windows — you can do it on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux too. The core idea is the same: create that advancedsettings.xml file and place it in the right spot. The tricky part is just finding the right folder.

Here’s where to put it on different systems:

• Android: Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata/
• iOS: /private/var/mobile/Library/Preferences/Kodi/userdata/
• Linux: ~/.kodi/userdata/
• macOS: /Users/<your_user_name>/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata/

Use a file explorer app to get there, and drop the file in like you would on Windows. Restart Kodi, and boom — smoother streaming awaits.

I won’t lie — this method feels like one of those secret cheat codes you’d hear about in a forum thread back in the early 2000s. But hey, it works. It tells Kodi how much memory to use for buffering and how aggressively to pre-load your streams. If you’ve got the patience for a little manual setup, this one can be a game-changer. And if you mess something up? Don’t sweat it. Just delete the file and Kodi goes back to default behavior. No harm, no foul. Risk: low. Reward: potentially very high.

How to Fix Kodi Buffering on an Addon

Alright, time to get a little more specific. We’ve talked about fixing buffering issues across Kodi in general — now let’s talk about those pesky addons. Because let’s face it, addons are the real reason most of us use Kodi in the first place. They’re kind of like those overachieving friends who know where to find everything — movies, shows, documentaries, sports you didn’t even know existed. But when they start buffering mid-scene, that love can turn into pure rage. (Been there. Thrown the remote.) The general Kodi fixes we went over earlier are your foundation — the must-do stuff. But if you’re still running into buffering issues inside a specific addon, this trick might just save the day. And yes, this works on pretty much any device, including your Amazon FireStick.

Fix Kodi Buffering on Addons by Clearing the Addon Cache

Here’s a dead-simple way to clean things up:

1. Go to your Kodi Home Screen > Add-ons > Video Add-ons.
2. Open the addon that’s been acting up.
3. Scroll down and find the ‘Tools’ section. Most decent addons have this tucked away somewhere.
4. Click ‘Clear Cache’.
5. Confirm by hitting ‘Yes’.

That’s it. Just like deleting your browser cookies after binge-watching conspiracy videos at 2AM — it clears out temporary junk that could be causing your addon to stutter.

Can’t find the Clear Cache button? Don’t panic. Not every addon includes it (which is weird, but hey). In that case, jump back to the Ares Wizard method we covered earlier — that’ll clear things out globally.

Final Words on Kodi Buffering Issues

Buffering sucks. There’s no poetic way to say it. And while Kodi is a powerful tool that puts endless entertainment at your fingertips, buffering is the price we sometimes pay for free content from random corners of the internet. The good news? Most buffering problems are fixable. Between adjusting cache sizes, clearing junk files, and using a solid VPN, you’ve got a pretty decent shot at streaming in peace.

Real talk: If you haven’t already tried everything in this guide and you’re still getting spinning wheels of doom, resetting Kodi might be your last (and best) option. It’s like a digital cleanse — start fresh, reinstall your favorite addons, and move on with your life. And please, for the love of smooth streaming — use a VPN. Not only does it stop your ISP from slowing you down, but it also adds a much-needed layer of privacy to your online life. ExpressVPN has been solid for me, but pick what works for you. I genuinely hope these fixes helped. If they did — awesome. If not… well, Kodi’s open-source. There’s always another tweak to try.

FAQs

Why does Kodi buffer so much even with a fast internet connection?

Having blazing-fast internet doesn’t always mean smooth playback on Kodi. Buffering can still happen due to overloaded servers, poorly coded addons, or even device limitations (like low RAM or storage). In many cases, the problem isn’t your speed — it’s what Kodi is trying to pull content from.

Do Kodi addons store cache separately?

Yep, they sure do. Many popular Kodi addons maintain their own mini cache — which, over time, can clog things up and cause those annoying buffering pauses. That’s why clearing the cache inside the addon (when the option exists) can be a total game-changer.

Can Kodi buffering be caused by low storage space?

Absolutely. If your device is low on storage — especially streaming sticks or older Android boxes — Kodi might struggle to handle caching efficiently. Regularly deleting thumbnails, packages, and old cache data using maintenance tools like Ares Wizard helps a ton.

Is there a way to prioritize streaming performance in Kodi settings?

There is, but it takes a bit of manual tweaking. Using tools like Ares Wizard or editing the advancedsettings.xml file directly lets you reconfigure how Kodi uses memory and buffering. It’s not a one-size-fits-all fix, but it can seriously improve performance when done right.

What buffer mode should I choose in Kodi for best streaming?

For most users, Buffer Mode 2 is the sweet spot. It tells Kodi to buffer both online streams and local files, which gives smoother playback in nearly every situation. If you’re unsure what mode you’re using, check through Ares Wizard or your advanced settings file.

Is buffering less likely on official Kodi addons?

Generally, yes. Official Kodi addons typically connect to more stable, licensed sources — which means fewer buffering issues. Third-party addons often rely on free or unpredictable streams, and those can get bogged down, disappear, or just plain refuse to play nice.