NewPipe Buffering Issues: A Troubleshooting Guide

As a user of NewPipe and other popular streaming apps, you've likely encountered buffering issues that can be frustrating and disrupt your viewing experience. In this article, we'll explore the common symptoms and potential causes of these problems, specifically in relation to NewPipe buffering.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is an update process stuck in pending forever or loading to a random percentage value (between 1% and 99%) before failing. This issue affects not only NewPipe but also other apps like Google Play Store, YouTube, and potentially other Google services.

Causes

Wireguard VPN has nothing to do with the Unifi AP, as initially thought. The problem lies elsewhere. A few minutes ago, I was able to update ChatGPT from OpenAI using Firefox Focus, but Google Calendar couldn't update. This issue is not limited to a single device or subnet; all three of my Android devices (2 phones and 1 tablet) experience the same problem.

NewPipe Specific Issues

When trying to update NewPipe, you may encounter network errors that prevent the app from loading at all. The video's random CDN domain is resolved to an IP address (not a DNS issue), but the update still fails. This suggests that the problem lies beyond DNS resolution.

YouTube and Google Play Store Issues

Other users have reported similar issues with YouTube and Google Play Store, where apps take an excessively long time to load or fail to update altogether. These problems are not unique to NewPipe and may be related to a broader issue affecting Google services.

Network Speed and Quality

Before attributing the problem to OPNSense or Realtek cards, let's consider network speed and quality. My phone runs a 300 Mb/s speed test, while my home internet has a speed of 1 Gb/s. I have not experienced these issues before switching to the OPNSense box as my main router/firewall.

Realtek Cards and OPNSense

Some users may be wondering if Realtek cards are contributing to these issues. While it's possible that buggy drivers or firmware could be causing problems, there is currently no conclusive evidence linking Realtek cards to NewPipe buffering.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot this issue, consider the following steps:

1. Restart your router and modem: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connectivity issues.

2. Check for software updates: Ensure that both your OPNSense box and devices are running the latest firmware and software versions.

3. Disable any unnecessary firewall rules or settings: OPNSense's firewall may be interfering with specific apps or protocols.

4. Contact your ISP: If you're experiencing slow speeds or connectivity issues, reach out to your internet service provider for assistance.

In conclusion, NewPipe buffering is a frustrating issue that affects not only NewPipe but also other popular streaming apps like YouTube and Google Play Store. By understanding the common symptoms and potential causes, we can begin to troubleshoot and resolve these problems. If you're experiencing similar issues, try the troubleshooting steps outlined above or seek assistance from your ISP or OPNSense support team.

Newpipe buffering