Bandwidth is the rate at which data can be transmitted from the internet to your device. The higher your bandwidth, the more usage you can have at the same time. For example, if you are currently streaming ESPN on Sling TV through your Roku Device while your roommate is streaming HGTV on the XBOX One through their Sling TV account you may notice a slight lag in streaming. The reason being, more bandwidth is being used to provide both of you with video content.
Try testing your internet speed.
Check for download speed, or how fast you can pull in data with your connection. Make sure your speed is equal to or greater than the recommendations available below:
What internet speed do I need to stream Sling TV?
Continuous Speed Required |
Best For |
3 Mb/s or higher |
Portable devices such as tablets or smartphones |
5 Mb/s or higher |
Single stream connected devices, PC or MAC |
25 Mb/s or higher |
Recommended for households maintaining internet usage on multiple devices. |
Mb/s = Megabits per second
If your internet service provider (ISP) has a cap on your data, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your usage while streaming.
Find out to check bandwidth usage below. Note that this setting is not available on all devices at this time.
Roku, Amazon, Android Mobile, Google Play, Google Chrome, iOS
Visit the Connection page, located within your SETTINGS, to find your current streaming speed.
Beneath your bandwidth control options you will see Current Bandwidth. The speed displayed is constantly charted based on the feed received from your ISP. If your streaming speed is impacting your available bandwidth, try settings controls on the speed allotted here. Make the best of your streaming experience and control your bandwidth.
XBOX One
Launch your SETTINGS, then Bandwidth Limiting to locate your current streaming speed. The speed displayed is constantly charted based on the feed received from your ISP. If your streaming speed is impacting your available bandwidth, try settings controls on the speed allotted here. Make the best of your streaming experience and control your bandwidth.