Watching videos should feel smooth and seamless, but it can get annoying when playback starts to stutter or freeze. If your OnePlus 13 is lagging while playing videos, whether in streaming apps or your gallery, the issue is usually related to software settings, internet speed, or background processes.
Let’s go over the common reasons behind this issue and the best ways to fix it.
Why Video Playback May Lag on Your OnePlus 13
- Slow or unstable internet connection.
- Too many background apps consuming resources.
- Corrupted cache or outdated video app.
- Hardware acceleration conflict.
- Outdated system or app version.
Check Your Internet Connection.
If videos on YouTube, Netflix, or TikTok lag, your internet may be unstable. A weak Wi-Fi or mobile data signal can cause constant buffering.
- Swipe down from the top-right of the screen to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Wi-Fi or Mobile data to disconnect and reconnect to your network.
Try running a speed test. If your connection is below 5 Mbps for HD content, switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network.
Close Background Apps.
Too many apps running at once can reduce available memory and processing power, affecting video playback performance.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the Recent Apps screen.
- Tap Close all to clear all background processes.
After that, reopen your video app and see if playback improves.
Clear App Cache and Data.
Corrupted cache files can cause apps to lag or crash. Clearing them refreshes performance without removing your videos or account data.
- Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
- Tap App management, and then select the video app you’re having trouble with.
Next, tap Storage and cache, then tap Clear cache. If the problem persists, try tapping Clear storage as well.
Disable Hardware Acceleration.
Some apps use hardware acceleration to process videos faster, but this feature can sometimes cause playback issues.
- Open the affected app, and then go to its in-app Settings.
- Look for an option called Hardware acceleration and turn it off.
After disabling it, restart the app and test if the playback runs smoother.
Update Apps and System Software.
Outdated software may cause compatibility problems with newer codecs or streaming platforms.
- Open the Play Store, and then tap your profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps and device, and then tap Update all.
Then, open Settings, tap About device, and check for system updates. Installing the latest version ensures better performance and stability.
Reset App Preferences.
If none of the fixes work, your app permissions or background restrictions might be causing conflicts. Resetting app preferences restores default settings without deleting data.
- Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
- Tap App management, and then tap the three-dot menu at the top-right corner.
Select Reset app preferences, and then confirm your action.
Video playback lag on the OnePlus 13 is usually easy to resolve. Most of the time, a quick restart, app cache clear, or software update will make your videos play smoothly again.
FAQs
Why does my OnePlus 13 lag when playing high-resolution videos?
This can happen if your internet is slow or your phone’s processor is busy running background tasks. Closing unused apps usually helps.
Does clearing the app cache delete my videos?
No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files, not your actual media or downloads.
Will a software update improve video playback performance?
Yes. Updates often include performance optimizations and fixes for bugs that affect media playback.
