Buffering Guide
What is Buffering?
Buffering (sometimes called spinning, circling, pausing, swirling, stopping, or freezing) happens when Live TV or Video on Demand (VOD) briefly stops, then resumes after a few seconds. During buffering, you’ll usually see a spinning circle on the screen.
👉 Important: If your device is completely frozen (you cannot exit the app or return to the home screen with the Home button), that is not buffering. A frozen device usually means the app needs repair or your device may need replacement.
Quick Fix Checklist
Make sure your internet connection is strong.
Run a speed test on the device itself (not just your phone). You need:
Drivemob: at least 10–15 Mbps consistently.
Plex / LimePie VOD: at least 30 Mbps consistently.
Confirm you are using the newest Softbox model for best performance. → [Newest Softbox Here]
Check if the issue is happening on all channels or just one channel/episode/movie.
If only on one, contact support and specify exactly which channel, episode, or movie.
Troubleshooting by Device/App
Drivemob
Run a Speed Test:
In Softbox 3: Use your Microphone on the remote and say "Google Play Store", then Search: Speed Test, Open "Interenet Speed Test.
In Softbox Buzz:
Press Home button → press Green button on remote.
Look for Download Speed.
In the Drivemob app → Settings → Gear → Speed Test → Begin Test.
Needs 10 Mbps minimum.
If speed is low:
Connect to 5 GHz Or 6 GHz Wi-Fi (instead of 2.4 GHz).
Or use Ethernet cable (best option).
Consider upgrading to Softbox 3, which has stronger Wi-Fi. → [Order Softbox 3]
Always use a quality router. ISP-provided routers are often unreliable and may block the box. → [Top Routers 2025]
Try a power cycle (unplug router for 30 seconds, then plug back in).
If speeds are still under 10 Mbps, consider upgrading to Fiber or Broadband and ensure the installer places the router near your main TV.
Softbox Buzz
Check Internet Speed:
Press Home button → press Green button on remote.
Look for Download Speed.
Video Guide: Speed Test on Buzz
Disable Timeshift and try Low Bandwidth Channels if buffering continues.
Video Guide: Low Bandwidth Setup
Plex
Requires 30 Mbps or higher for smooth playback.
Helpful setup video: Fix Plex Buffering
LimePie & Droid (VOD)
Requires 30 Mbps or higher.
Setup video for smoother playback (works even on lower speeds): Fix LimePie VOD
On Softox 3, and Softbox Buzz, you can download movies/series to watch later with no buffering.
Free Movie Apps (Cinema HD, Film Plus, Bee TV, etc.)
Free apps rely on unstable servers, which often causes buffering.
Some links may work, others may not.
For a much better experience:
Use LimePie → works best on 30 Mbps+ speeds.
On Softbox 3 or Buzz, you can download content to watch offline.
Alternative Option if Internet is Slow
If faster internet isn’t available in your area:
Upgrade to the Softbox 3
Subscribe to LimePie and download content in advance.
This way, you can watch with no buffering, regardless of internet speed.