It’s a real pain when you’re all set to enjoy your favorite streamer, and what do you get? A black screen on Twitch with a circle going round and round forever. Yep, Twitch is usually a breeze to use, but sometimes, tech hiccups or setup issues can get in the way of your streaming fun. If you’re staring at that never-ending loading circle while trying to kick back with a Twitch stream, don’t worry. I’ve got some tips to help you get past this bump.
Linked issue: Some Websites Not Loading in Windows 11 (Fix)
Page Contents
How to fix Twitch Stream Loading Infinitely issue
First off, if you haven’t tried the old turn-it-off-and-on-again trick with your computer, modem, and router, definitely start there. It’s surprising how often that clears things up. But if you’re still stuck, let’s look at some other ways to fix this annoying issue.
1. Switching to a different DNS server
DNS is like the internet’s phonebook, turning website names into IP addresses your browser can use. Sometimes the DNS server you’re using is having a rough day, which can make sites slow to load or even unreachable.
Also see: DNS Servers to Unblock Websites and Possibly Everything
Why change the DNS?
Different DNS servers perform differently. If the one you’re using is bogged down or out of action, it can mess with accessing sites, including Twitch. Switching DNS is like checking another phonebook that might be more up-to-date.
If you’re already on a big-name DNS like Google or Cloudflare and still having trouble, try swapping between them. Sometimes, even the big guys can have off days.
Learn more: Change DNS to Google or Cloudflare in Windows 11/10
How to change your DNS in Windows 11 or 10
- Head over to your computer’s Control Panel.
- Find Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left.
- Right-click your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and pick “Properties”.
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and hit “Properties”.
- Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
- For Google DNS, type
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4. For Cloudflare, use1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1.
- Hit “OK”, then “Close”. Refresh your browser and see if Twitch works now.
Related concern: Video Stops Playing When Switching Tabs in Chrome
2. Disabling ad blockers or plugins that block Twitch ads
Ad blockers are great for zapping annoying ads, but sometimes they get a bit overzealous and mess with Twitch.
Why might ad blockers cause issues with Twitch?
Twitch keeps updating its site to improve things and dodge ad blockers, which can sometimes throw ad blockers for a loop, making them block stuff they shouldn’t. This could lead to eternal loading screens or missing videos.
How to address this issue
- Turn off your ad blocker for a bit to see if it’s the troublemaker.
- In most browsers, hit the menu (three dots or lines) and look for “Extensions” or “Add-ons”.
- Find your ad blocker and click “Disable” or use the toggle to turn it off.
- Refresh Twitch and see what happens.
- If turning off the ad blocker does the trick but you still want to use it, try whitelisting Twitch.
- Head to the ad blocker’s settings or dashboard for a “Whitelist” or “Allowlist” option.
- Add
twitch.tvto that list.
And it’s not just ad blockers. Other extensions that mess with website content could be causing trouble, too. If you think that might be the case, try turning off your plugins one at a time to find the culprit.
Other relevant problem: Twitch Causing High CPU Usage on Firefox or Chrome
3. Clear cache and cookies, or try a different browser
Every time you visit Twitch, your browser saves bits of the site to make it load faster next time. But sometimes, this data gets old or messed up, causing loading issues.
Why clearing browser’s cache and cookies can help
Cache and cookies keep track of your preferences and logins, but if Twitch updates, old data might clash with the new. Clearing them gives you a clean slate.
Learn more: How to Clear Cookies in Windows 11
Steps to clear the cache and cookies of your browser
- Most browsers follow the same steps:
- Hit the browser menu (three dots or lines).
- Choose “Settings”.
- Look for “Clear browsing data” or “Clear cache and cookies”.
- Make sure “cached images and files” and “cookies and other site data” are checked, then click “Clear data”.
- Restart your browser and try Twitch again.
Trying a different browser or incognito mode
If you’re still stuck, the issue might be with your browser. Trying another browser can help figure out if that’s the case. Using incognito or private browsing mode is another good test, as it doesn’t use your extensions or saved data.
- Fire up a different browser.
- Open a “New incognito window” or “New private window” from the menu.
- Head to Twitch and see if it works now.
4. Checking internet connectivity and potential blocks
Even if every other site is fine, something specific might be messing with Twitch. Weak internet or certain restrictions could be why you’re stuck with that loading screen.
Steps to troubleshoot and resolve
- Test your internet connection:
- Run a speed test on sites like
Speedtest.netto make sure your connection is steady and fast enough for streaming. Twitch likes it when you have at least 4-6 Mbps for HD stuff.
- Run a speed test on sites like
- Make sure Twitch isn’t blocked:
- Check a few places to make sure Twitch is allowed:
- Firewall: Peek at your computer’s firewall settings to see if Twitch is on the no-fly list.
- Operating system: Some security or parental controls might be blocking Twitch. Look through any restrictions you’ve set.
- Router: Routers sometimes have controls that block sites. Log into your router’s admin panel and check if Twitch is okay.
- ISP: On the off chance, your Internet Service Provider might be having a tiff with Twitch. If you think that’s happening, give them a shout.
- Check a few places to make sure Twitch is allowed:
- Try a wired connection:
- Wi-Fi can be flaky. A wired connection might be more reliable for streaming.
Related resource: Twitch, YouTube or Facebook Video Won’t Play on Windows 11/10
5. Disable hardware acceleration on your browser
Hardware acceleration helps with smooth video playback by letting hardware take over some tasks. But it’s not always a perfect solution and can cause loading problems on Twitch.
How to disable hardware acceleration
- Open your browser settings, usually under the menu icon.
- Head to “Advanced” settings or similar.
- Find “Use hardware acceleration when available” and turn it off.
- Restart your browser and try Twitch one more time.
Just a heads-up, turning off hardware acceleration might slow down other sites. If things seem sluggish elsewhere after this fix, you might want to turn it back on once you’re done with Twitch.
6. Troubleshooting Twitch app infinite loading on mobile or tablet devices
Watching Twitch on your phone or tablet is handy, but these devices can sometimes run into their own streaming hiccups.
Relaunch the app
- Completely close the Twitch app. Usually, this means swiping it away from your recent apps list.
- Open it again and see if the stream works now.
Update the Twitch app
- Check your app store for any Twitch updates.
- Hit “Update” if there’s one available and try streaming again after the update.
Clear data and cache of the Twitch app
- For Android users:
- Head to “Settings”.
- Find “Apps” or “Application Manager”.
- Pick Twitch from the list and tap on it.
- Hit “Storage”.
- Press “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
- For iOS (since it doesn’t let you clear cache the same way):
- Consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Twitch app for a fresh start.
Check your internet connectivity
Make sure your connection is solid, especially if you’re on the move. Switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi (or the other way around) might help.
Ensure Twitch isn’t being blocked
Some security apps or parental controls might be keeping Twitch at bay. Double-check your device’s settings and any third-party apps to make sure Twitch is allowed.
Some final thoughts
To get around Twitch’s infinite loading drama, keep your apps and browser updated, check your net connection, and keep an eye on those third-party plugins or settings that might be throwing a wrench in the works. If you’re still stuck, Twitch’s support or online forums like Reddit might have the answer. Tech issues are a drag, but with a little patience and the right moves, you can usually get past them.
