Crunchyroll has the largest anime library with tens of thousands of episodes and over 16,000 hours of content (and counting). However, there have been multiple reports of Crunchyroll buffering so much while trying to stream.
In this guide, I am going to discuss two things:
- First, I will quick highlight a few reason Crunchyroll keeps buffering every few seconds on your device
- Then, I will show you some quick and proven ways to stop it from buffering constantly.
Without any further ado, let’s dive right in!
Why Does Crunchyroll Buffer So Much?
There are a number of things that causes Crunchyroll to keep buffering, some of these include:
- Slow or Unstable Internet Connection
- Outdated app version (for app users)
- Corrupt cache files (app or web)
- DNS Server configuration issue
- Crunchyroll server is down
- Streaming on too many devices
- Low storage or memory space
- Incompatible browser extension
- Use of VPN and ad blockers
- Software glitches
With these in mind, I will show you some quick and proven ways to fix the issue and get CR to stop buffering whether you are using it on Apple TV, Roku Box, Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation console, Android phone, iPhone, Windows or Mac PC.
Many of these apply to all streaming devices (whether app or browser), some are specific to app users while others apply only to users streaming via web browsers.
Make sure you go check out everything while trying out all the ones that apply to you.
Crunchyroll Keeps Buffering: How to Fix
Below are 15 quick and proven ways to fix Crunchyroll app that keeps freezing or buffering on your smart TV, streaming device, mobile phone and PC:
1. Power Cycle Network Router
When Crunchyroll buffers every few seconds on your smart TV, laptop, mobile phone, tablet or console. the first thing you want to check and troubleshoot is the network connection.
To stream HD videos on CR, you need a minimum speed of around 4 Mbps.
Therefore, before you start troubleshooting any potential issue with the app or the streaming device you are using, you need to rule out the possibility of having a slow or unstable internet connection.
Go ahead and check your internet speed. You can do that by simply visiting fast.com. If you are streaming on your smart TV, connect your phone or PC to the same network and check the internet speed from there.
Interestingly enough, you may still face streaming issues even if speed tests show that you have a fast connection.
Therefore, it is ideal that you power cycle your network router first.
Here’s how to power cycle your network router:
Unplug your network router, wait for 10 seconds and plug it back in. Wait a few seconds for the router to become online, connect your streaming device to your router and try to access Crunchyroll again. Most times, restarting your network router will fix network issues.
If your connection speed is low, then switch to a different network connection or try using an ethernet cable instead.
2. Power Cycle the Streaming Device
Whether you are streaming Crunchyroll on your phone, computer, Roku device, Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox, Android TV or PlayStation console, power cycling your streaming device is another quick way to stop Crunchyroll from buffering continuously.
Here’s how to power cycle your smart TV:
- Turn off your streaming device
- Unplug it from power outlet (it’s not a power cycle if you don’t unplug it!).
- Leave it unplugged for 30 seconds
- Plug the TV back into the power outlet and turn it on.
- Once on, go ahead and open Crunchyroll app again and it should no longer buffer
if that fixes the issue for you, great! Otherwise, move on to the next tip.
3. Update DNS Server Settings
If you are using the default DNS server on your streaming device, you are most likely missing out on faster internet speed.
By switching your DNS server to a faster DNS server record (like Google or Cloudflare), you can stop Crunchyroll from buffering constantly.
You can do this directly on your router, smart TV, streaming stick, computer or phone.
However, if your streaming device does not provide the option to change it, changing your DNS server on the router should do the trick.
First, I will show you how to change it directly on your router. Then, I will also show you how to change it on Windows and Mac PC, Apple TV, Fire TV and even mobile devices.
Changing DNS Server on Router:
- While connected to your network router, access your router dashboard by visiting the login URL. You can find this on the router manual or on your router. Some of the links can be found below:
-
- Linksys – http://192.168.1.1
- D-Link/Netgear – http://192.168.0.1
- Belkin – http://192.168.2.1
- ASUS – http://192.168.1.1/
- AT&T U-verse – http://192.168.1.254
- Comcast – http://10.0.0.1
- Depending on the manufacturer of the router, look for DNS settings on the web interface. If you are having trouble finding the DNS server settings, check the router’s manual or search on Google for how to change DNS server for your router’s brand.
- Under DNS server 1 (or primary DNS), input 8.8.8.8
- Under DNS server 2 (or secondary DNS), input 8.8.4.4
- If there are options to input DNS server 3 and 4, leave them empty
- Save the settings
Now, try to access Crunchyroll app or via the website, and it should start working.
Changing DNS Server on Windows PC:
If you are trying to access Crunchyroll using Chrome browser or the app on your Windows PC and it’s not loading/working, then you can also fix it by changing the primary DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and secondary DNS server to 8.8.4.4 on your Windows PC.
Here’s how to do that:
- Go to Control Panel > View network status and task
- Click on the connected network
- Select ‘Properties’
- Double click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’
- Now, tick the box that shows ‘use the following DNS server addresses’. Next, enter 8.8.8.8 under ‘Preferred DNS server’, and 8.8.4.4 under ‘Alternative DNS server’
- Click on ‘OK’ to save it.
Changing DNS Server on Mac OS:
- To change DNS server on your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences
- Click on Network
- Select the network service you are connected to in the list, then click on ‘Advanced’
- Switch to the DNS tab.
- If there’s a lock at the bottom left of the Network pane, click it to unlock the preference pane.
- Click the Add button at the bottom of the DNS servers list. Enter 8.8.8.8 on the first line and 8.8.4.4 on the second line.
- Click on ‘OK’ button, then ‘Apply’
Changing DNS Server on Apple TV:
- From the Apple TV main menu, select “Settings”
- Go to General > Network
- Select “Ethernet” or your Wi-Fi network, depending on which you are connected to.
- Select “Configure DNS” and choose “Manual”
- Now, change the DNS addresses to 8.8.8.8
- Restart your TV and open the Crunchyroll app again.
Changing DNS Server on Fire TV:
- Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Network and take a picture of all the current settings or write it down (you will need the values later)
- Now, go to Settings > Network and select your Wi-Fi network
- Click the menu button (☰) on the remote to forget this network
- Click on the connection again and enter your network password (SSID). Instead of clicking connect, click on ‘Advanced’.
- Enter the “IP address” and “Gateway” values you had screenshot or noted down in the first step
- For “Subnet Mask” there can be a few options: enter 24 if the Subnet Mask value you noted in Step 1 was 255.255.255.0, or 32 if the “Subnet Mask” value was 255.255.255.255. Click on “Next”
- Enter 8.8.8.8 as DNS 1 and 8.8.4.4 as DNS 2
- Save the settings
- Now, restart your Fire TV, make sure it’s connected to the same network and open Crunchyroll app again.
Also, you can do the same thing on your Android or iPhone.
Once the DNS has been changed, restart your device so that it reconnects to the new DNS server. Then, open up the Crunchyroll app and the constant buffering should stop. Doing this can also help to fix black screen issue on Crunchyroll beta.
4. Update Crunchyroll App
Another common reason why Crunchyroll freezes, buffers or crashes is having an outdated app.
To fix this, you simply need to update the app to the latest version and you are good to go.
Here’s how to do that on some streaming device:
Android TV:
- On your Android TV, open Google Play store.
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select Manage apps and games.
- Select Updates.
- Select Crunchyroll app to update it or select Update all.
Apple TV:
- Open the App Store app on your Apple TV (this is the app on your home screen that looks like a blue “A”)
- Scroll up and select the magnifying glass icon
- Next, search for Crunchyroll app.
- Select the app and select ‘Update’ (if you don’t see this option, it means the app is up to date)
Fire TV:
- From the Home screen, select Apps (three squares and a plus sign) to the far right of the horizontal menu.
- Highlight Crunchyroll app (don’t select it).
- On your Fire TV remote, press the button with three horizontal lines on it and select ‘More Info’.
- If an update is available, select ‘Update’ beside the Open button.
Roku TV:
- On your Roku home screen, scroll to Crunchyroll app and highlight it
- While highlighted, press the star button on your Roku remote
- Select ‘Check for updates’ from the pop-up.
- If there’s an update available, it’ll download and install right away.
You can do the same for other streaming devices.
Once the app is updated to the latest version, open the app and it should stop buffering or freezing.
5. Update Streaming Device
If the operating system of your streaming device is also outdated, it may also cause streaming issues on Crunchyroll (and maybe other apps as well).
Again, you can fix this by simply updating the software of your streaming device.
Here’s how to update the system software on Samsung TV, LG TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku TV and Android TV:
Android TV:
- Press the HOME button on the remote.
- Select the Apps icon.
- Select Help.
- Select System software update.
- Select Software update.
Apple TV:
- For Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
- For Apple TV (3rd generation), go to Settings > General > Software Updates and select Update Software.
- If there’s an update, select Download and Install.
- Wait for your Apple TV to download the update.
- Don’t disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.
Fire TV:
- Go to Settings on your Fire TV.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Select About.
- Select Check for System Update.
- If there’s an available update, go ahead and download it. Then, allow it to be installed and make sure the process is not interrupted until the update is done.
Roku TV:
- Click on the Home button on your Roku device remote
- Select Settings > System > System Update
- Click on Check Now to manually check for any update
Once updated, restart your device and open Crunchyroll app again. You should no longer have an issue with streaming.
6. Sign Out of All Devices and Restart the App
If you have a lot of devices where your Crunchyroll account has been signed in on, it can cause the app to freeze, buffer or even crash when you are using it.
Depending on the package you subscribe to, Crunchyroll has a maximum number of devices that can sign in and use the account to stream contents.
The Fan Plan lets you watch on one device at a time, the Mega Fan Plan allows you to watch on up to four at once, and the Ultimate Fan Plan allows you to watch on up to six at one time.
Therefore, you need to login to your Crunchyroll account, sign out of all the devices where your account has been logged into and then sign in again on the device you are trying to use it on.
Here’s how to do that:
- Visit “My devices” page on your Crunchyroll account dashboard, and remove all unknown devices.
- Then, sign in back on your device
- In some cases, your account may even be used on a device that’s not known to you. Therefore, it is a good idea to also reset your password after signing out of all the devices.
7. Clear App Cache Files
Cache files build up on your streaming devices as you use them.
Sometimes, these cache files become corrupt and cause streaming issues like constant buffer, freezing or even audio going out of sync.
When this happens, you need to clear the cache files and restart the app to fix it.
Here’s how to clear Crunchyroll app cache on Android TV, Fire TV, Roku TV, Android phone, iPhone and iPad:
Android TV:
- Go to Settings screen. To do that, press the settings icon on the TV remote controller or press the Home button and then select settings.
- Select Apps > See all apps (Android 9 or later) or Apps (Android 8.0 or earlier)
- Select Crunchyroll app
- Select Clear cache then OK.
Fire TV:
- From the Home screen, select ‘Settings’
- Select Applications > Manage Installed Applications, and select Crunchyroll app
- Click on ‘Force Stop’, and then ‘Clear Data’
- When prompted to delete app data, select ‘Clear Data’ again.
Roku TV:
- First, select the Home tab
- Now, press the ‘Home’ button on your TV remote 5 times
- Next, press the ‘Up arrow’
button on your remote once - After that, press the ‘Rewind’
button twice - Then, press the ‘Fast forward’
button. twice
Android Phone:
- Open Settings and click on Apps.
- Look for Crunchyroll on the list of installed applications on your device and select it.
- Select on Storage and click ‘Clear Data’ and ‘Clear Cache’.
iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings
- Tap your name/device name
- Select iCloud
- Select ‘Manage Storage’
- Look for the Crunchyroll app, click on it.
- Click on ‘Delete Data’, then click on ‘Delete’ to confirm.
Some devices don’t offer the option to clear the app cache. Instead, what you can do is power cycle them as I have explained earlier and that will also cache files for all apps.
Alternatively, you may have to delete/uninstall the app, then reinstall them on such devices.
8. Clear Out Browser Cookies and Cache
Just like cache files can cause Crunchyroll to freeze, buffer or crash on smart TVs, it can also cause issues on mobile phone or PC when you are streaming from a web browser.
Again, you just need to clear the browser cache and cookies. Here’s how to do that:
On Google Chrome Browser
Chrome browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Opera mini, Brave e.t.c. Here’s how to clear your cache and cookies:
- Go to Settings > History, or press CTRL + H on your Windows keyboard (CMD + H on MacOS)
- Click on ‘Clear browser data’
Once cleared, login back to your Crunchyroll account and see if the streaming issue has been resolved.
On Safari Browser
Follow the procedures below clear your history and cache on Safari browser:
- Click on Safari > Clear History…
- Select a range (preferably All history)
- Click on Clear history
Once done, Crunchyroll should stop buffering if the issue is coming from corrupt cache files. Otherwise, move to the next tip.
9. Uninstall Crunchyroll App and Re-install
If Crunchyroll is still keeps buffering, then you need to uninstall the app and re-install it on your streaming device.
Here’s how to do that:
Android TV:
- From the Android TV Home screen, go to settings.
- Select “Apps”.
- Under “Downloaded apps”, select Crunchyroll app
- Select “Uninstall”
- Now, restart your Android TV
- Open the Google Play store on your Android TV, search for Crunchyroll app and reinstall it
Apple TV:
- Go to the Settings menu and select General.
- Go to Manage Storage.
- Now, look for Crunchyroll app, and select the Trash icon next to it.
- Once uninstalled, restart your Apple TV
- Now, go ahead and reinstall it from the app store.
Fire TV:
- On your Fire TV remote, press and hold down the Home button and select “Apps”
- On the “Your Apps & Games” page, highlight Crunchyroll app.
- While your app is highlighted, press the menu button on your Fire TV Stick remote (the button with three horizontal lines on it)
- In the menu that opens, choose “Uninstall” and select “Uninstall” again in the prompt.
- Now, restart your Fire TV
- Go back to the app store and reinstall Crunchyroll app
Roku TV:
- On the Home Screen, click on ‘My Channels’
- With your remote controller, hover on Crunchyroll channel
- Press the * (star) button on the remote to bring up the options menu
- Select ‘Remove channel’ and then, click on ‘Remove’ to delete the channel
- Next, restart your Roku device.
- Now, go back and reinstall Crunchyroll app on Roku channel store
Once done, open CR app, sign in with your account details and the stream should stop buffering.
10. Troubleshoot Network Connection
I mentioned earlier that power cycling your network router can help fix potential network connection issues.
However, if you have tried all that I have mentioned so far (applicable to your scenario) and Crunchyroll still buffers so much, then you need to take the network connection troubleshooting a step further.
There are three things you can do here:
- Reduce activity on your network connection: If there are other devices connected to your network router, these devices may be using up a large amount of the network bandwidth, thereby slowing down your network. Therefore, try disconnecting other devices that are connected to your network and see if that fixes the issue.
- Connect to a different network router: If Crunchyroll stops freezing or buffering after switching to a different network connection, then you know for sure that the issue is with your network connection. On the other hand, if nothing changes, then the issue likely has nothing to do with your network connection or (maybe the alternative network connection is also not fast enough).
- Try an ethernet cable: Some users have reported that switching to an ethernet cable has fixed the freezing or buffering issue for them. This is not surprising since hardwired connections are generally faster than Wi-Fi connections.
In most cases, if other apps run smoothly on your streaming device even at high quality, then it’s not likely to be an issue with network connection.
11. Clear Out Storage or Memory Space
Another reason why apps like Crunchyroll may crash is having insufficient storage or memory on your streaming device.
In this case, you simply need to delete/uninstall some apps that you don’t really use on your device.
This applies to apps on your smart TV, mobile phone or laptop.
You can install apps by following the procedures shown in the previous tip.
Also, if you are streaming on your mobile phone or laptop, you can close background running apps to free up memory (RAM) space which may cause apps to crash.
12. Use the Web Version
There have been several reports of Crunchyroll app buffering so much even when the web version has no such issue.
Therefore, if you are currently use an app to stream CR, try to use the web version on your PC or mobile phone and see if it stops buffers.
13. Switch to a Different Browser
From what I’ve seen, some users have been able to fix the issue by simply switching their browser.
I have also seen some similar browser-specific issues with streaming issues like this and others in the past.
Therefore, if you are trying to stream on a particular web browser, try to switch to another web browser and see if the issue persists or not.
14. Disable VPN and Ad Blockers
If you are using VPN or ad blocker for whatever reason, it can affect streaming on Crunchyroll. So, you have to disable VPN (whether browser extension or connected to network router) or ad blockers.
Here’s how to do disable VPN and ad blocker extensions on Google Chrome and Safari browser:
On Google Chrome
- Click on the menu button (3 dots at the top right corner of your browser)
- Go to More Tools >> Extensions
- If you find any extension suspicious, click on the Remove button.
On Safari Browser
- Click on Safari from your top menu bar
- Next, click on Preferences…
- Switch to the Extensions tab
Unless you have added an extension intentionally in the past, your extension list should be empty as seen in the image above. Otherwise, go ahead and remove any unusual extension on the tab page.
15. Check If Crunchyroll Server is Down
Sometimes, Crunchyroll streaming server can be experience a downtime. In such cases, the issue is a general one and there is nothing you can do from your end to fix it.
This can cause various issues like apps buffering, freezing, stuttering or even crashing during use.
You can online tools like down detector to check if there are reports of Crunchyroll server being down (either globally or in certain locations only).
If you have followed all the troubleshooting tips above, Crunchyroll should no buffer on your streaming device.
However, if CR still keeps buffering, the only thing left to actually contact Crunchyroll support for further assistance.
You can also use any of their social media handles to get in touch with them.
If you found this guide helpful, let me know which of these tips fixed the issue for you in the comment section below.