How do I fix YouTube TV buffering on an older LG Smart TV?
Answer
Buffering on an older LG TV is often a local network or app/firmware issue rather than the subscription itself. Power-cycling the TV and router, updating LG software, and lowering YouTube TV video quality usually improves playback.
Follow these steps
Power-cycle the LG TV
Turn the LG TV off, unplug it from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and leave it off until the network restart below is finished.
You should see: The TV fully clears temporary app state and is ready for a clean start.
Restart the modem and router
Unplug the internet modem and router for 60 seconds, plug them back in, and wait until internet service is fully restored.
You should see: Modem and router lights return to a normal online state.
Reopen YouTube TV
Turn the TV on, connect to Wi-Fi if needed, open YouTube TV, and test a live channel that previously buffered.
You should see: Playback starts more smoothly, or buffering is clearly reduced.
Check for an LG software update
Open the LG settings menu and check for a system or software update. On a 5 to 8 year old TV, outdated firmware can cause on-and-off buffering in streaming apps.
You should see: An update installs, or the TV reports it is already current.
Lower YouTube TV video quality
While a live channel is playing, open playback controls with the remote, choose the gear or settings icon, then Video Quality, and select a lower option such as 720p if available.
You should see: The stream uses less bandwidth and buffering becomes less frequent.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether buffering happens on all channels, any on-screen error codes, and whether video quality is set higher than the home network can sustain.
Before you change anything: Confirm the LG TV model year or webOS version if shown in settings. Note whether other devices stream smoothly on the same Wi-Fi. Avoid cancelling or re-buying the subscription until network and app steps are tried. Never share account passwords with unexpected callers.