How To Fix a Jerky Video on Your Android Smartphone [Updated!]

Part 1. Hidden Problems Behind a Jerky/Shaky Video on Android

As mentioned before, the issue can stem from multiple underlying factors that may not be immediately obvious. Understanding these hidden causes can help you pinpoint the right solution and restore smooth video performance. Following are some of the common reasons that can force you to learn how to fix jerky videos:

1. Insufficient Storage and RAM

A lack of available space or limited RAM can cause videos to stutter, especially when playing high-resolution files. When you run multiple background apps, the phone may struggle to allocate enough resources for smooth video playback.

2. Outdated or Incompatible Media Player

Some video players may not support specific codecs or formats, leading to playback issues. Using an outdated app or the wrong player can result in lagging or stuttering videos.

3. Corrupt or Damaged Video Files

The video file itself can be corrupted or incomplete, causing playback issues regardless of the device or app used. This is common with partially downloaded or transferred files.

4. Hardware Limitations

Older devices may struggle with high-resolution clips due to weaker processors or outdated GPUs. Low-end devices often struggle with 4K or high-frame-rate video playback, resulting in lag and stutter.

5. Network Issues for Streaming Videos

A slow internet connection can disrupt streaming with buffering and playback problems. Slow Wi-Fi, weak mobile data, or network congestion can result in jerky video performance.

Part 2. Basic Solutions To Fix a Jerky Video on Android

Now that you understand the possible reasons behind the issue, it is time to explore simple yet effective methods. These fixes are relevant in different scenarios to ensure you are able to deal with all possible causes. Detailed below are the five basic troubleshooting solutions you can employ to learn how to fix shaking videos:

Solution 1. Check Your Internet Connection (For Streaming Videos)

You may face this issue due to your internet, as a weak or unstable connection causes videos to lag when you stream them. Buffering and interruptions can occur frequently if your internet signals are weak or your mobile data is slow. Therefore, ensuring a stable and fast connection can significantly improve the playback performance of your streamed movies.

To resolve this jerky video, you must use a stable network. You should opt for a Wi-Fi connection if you were previously using mobile data or vice versa. Moreover, try rebooting the router or activating and disabling the Airplane mode on the mobile. When doing so does not resolve the problem, proceed to the following approach.

Solution 2. Restart Your Device

Other than your internet, restarting your Android phone can resolve many glitches that might be causing video playback issues. Rebooting your device clears temporary files and refreshes system processes, leading to improved performance.

Additionally, doing so can help fix app conflicts or other software bugs that may be interfering with video playback. To learn how to fix shaky video via this simple technique, utilize the following guide:

Instructions: Proceed to firmly hold down the "Power" key on your mobile and wait for the power menu to appear. Once it does, opt for the "Restart" or "Reboot" button to perform this operation.

Solution 3. Lower Video Playback Quality (For Streaming Videos)

As said above, when your internet connection is slow, streaming videos of high quality can cause buffering. Another solution in this case is to reduce the playback resolution as it lowers the bandwidth required for streaming.

Most streaming apps allow users to adjust video quality manually, so make sure to utilize this feature. For comprehensive guidance, you can follow the given steps to discover how to fix jerky videos:

Step 1. Make your way to a streaming platform like YouTube and select the video you want to watch. Here, tap the "Gear" icon from the lower right corner of the video and tap the "Quality" option.

Step 2. Here, choose a lower-quality resolution than what is currently being played and see if the jerky playback is resolved. You can also opt for "Auto" to let the platform adjust resolution according to your network speed.

Solution 4. Turn Off Battery Saver Mode

In most phones, battery saver is designed to extend battery life by limiting background processes. However, this can impact video playback by restricting CPU usage and reducing the screen refresh rate. If your videos are lagging, you can disable battery-saver mode to help improve performance.

This is especially useful when playing HD videos that require more processing power. You can follow these steps to disable this mode and fix shaky video:

Instructions: On your mobile's home screen, slide your finger downward from the top to access the quick menu. Here, find the "Battery Saver/Power Saving" icon and tap it to disable this mode.

Solution 5. Update Your Apps and Device

When all the above methods fail, you should check if you have any outdated apps or system software. Video players and even the Android operating system receive updates to improve performance and support new media formats.

Therefore, by ensuring that your apps and devices are updated, you can resolve playback problems caused by outdated software. You can learn how to fix shaking videos by following the steps given below:

For Apps

Step 1. Navigate to the Play Store and tap the profile icon from the upper right corner. Now, select the "Manage Apps and Device" option and opt for "Updates Available" on the next screen.

Step 2. Once you are on the "Pending downloads" screen, locate and update the media player and other steaming apps on your phone. When done, try playing your clips or streaming movies to see if the issue is gone.

For Phone

Step 1. Within the mobile's Settings app, scroll downward to find and tap the "Software Update" option. Following that, press "Download and Install" to see if a new firmware update has been released for your device.

Step 2. Now, you can use the "Install Now" button to start the OS upgrading process if an update is available. To ensure the operation is completed without a hitch, ensure a strong network and sufficient battery.

Conclusion

In summary, shaky or jerky video playback on an Android smartphone can be frustrating. However, the right solutions can make this problem feel like a tension-free phenomenon. Basic fixes like clearing cache, updating apps, and restarting your device often help in most cases. Try the methods recommended in the article to quickly fix your jerky videos.