October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
ATEM Mini

What Does “Cache Full” Mean in Live Streaming, and How Do You Fix It?

“Cache full” can mean slow video delivery to a playback app or an encoder buffer filling because the outgoing network path cannot keep up. Identify where the warning appears before troubleshooting.

By DocumentaryTube Team 4 min read

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

“Cache full” means different things depending on where the warning appears. In a playback app such as Kodi, it usually means video is arriving too slowly to play smoothly. On an ATEM Mini Pro or Extreme, it means the encoder’s outbound safety buffer is filling because the network is not delivering data fast enough for the configured stream. Identify the app or device first: the right fix for playback buffering is not necessarily the right fix for an encoder warning.

First, identify which cache is full

Are you watching a video, or sending a live stream? Note the name of the app or hardware displaying the warning, and whether the symptom is playback buffering or a problem with the outgoing broadcast. The two cases point to different parts of the delivery path.

  • Playback app: video is not reaching the player quickly enough, so playback pauses or buffers.
  • Production encoder: the buffer holding outgoing video frames grows when the connection cannot sustain the configured stream. If it reaches 100% on supported ATEM models, the stream can be compromised.

If Kodi shows “Cache full” while you watch

Kodi’s archived FAQ, last edited September 16, 2022, describes “Cache full messages and constant buffering” as a sign that video is loading too slowly for smooth playback. It says the playback cache is held in RAM and clears when the video is stopped. The FAQ identifies the connection to the remote server as a common bottleneck, so a fast home connection alone does not guarantee that a particular source can deliver the video quickly enough. Read Kodi’s archived cache FAQ.

Work through the source and connection

  1. Check whether it affects one video or many. If only one item buffers, investigate that source and its server path. If several sources buffer, consider the connection between your device and those services.
  2. Stop and restart playback. Kodi’s FAQ says the playback cache clears when the video is stopped. This can clear the current playback state, but it does not make a slow remote source deliver faster.
  3. Do not copy an advanced cache setting without checking your version. Kodi points advanced users to advancedsettings.xml, but the archived FAQ is not current, version-specific setup guidance. Check the documentation for the Kodi version you use before changing cache settings.

If an ATEM Mini Pro or Extreme shows a full cache while streaming

On these Blackmagic Design switchers, the cache is an outbound buffer for video frames. Blackmagic’s June 2024 ATEM Installation and Operation Manual says the buffer grows when connection speed cannot support the stream; once it reaches 100%, “the video stream will be compromised.” The manual recommends testing the connection during setup and lowering stream quality if the cache repeatedly approaches full. See the ATEM Mini manual.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Check the broadcast data rate and cache percentage

  1. Open the ATEM multiview and inspect the streaming status, including broadcast data rate and cache percentage.
  2. Test the connection during setup, as Blackmagic recommends. Watch for the cache repeatedly climbing toward 100% rather than reacting only to a brief fluctuation.
  3. If the cache often nears full, lower quality in the live-stream settings and observe whether the buffer remains lower during a comparable stream.
  4. For ATEM Mini Pro and Extreme, Blackmagic gives approximately 5–7 Mb/s for 1080p60 without losing frames. This is a model-specific manual figure, not a universal upload-speed target for other encoders or platforms.

Investigate the network path if it keeps happening

Compare the encoder’s configured quality with the delivery rate it actually sustains. Check for variation on Wi-Fi and, if the encoder supports it, consider testing over wired Ethernet. A cable can reduce wireless variability, but cannot guarantee enough upstream capacity or resolve a slow server or congested route. Blackmagic documents Ethernet streaming on the ATEM Mini Pro. A Cat6 cable is an optional way to make a wired test; it is not a fix for every cache warning.

If the problem persists, check the upstream network path and the service endpoint or platform configuration. User forum reports describe different outcomes, but they are anecdotes, not established manufacturer fixes; switching protocols is not a reliable default recommendation.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

When restarting or clearing an app cache might help

For an application-level issue, restarting the app or clearing its cache may help in some less severe cases. BoxCast’s July 2026 explainer also notes that persistent overload can point to workload capacity. Those general app-maintenance suggestions do not establish that clearing a cache will fix an encoder’s network-delivery problem. If the warning is on production hardware, prioritize its cache and data-rate status, stream quality, and network path.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Treating every “cache full” warning as the same error: distinguish playback buffering from an encoder’s outbound buffer before changing settings.
  • Assuming faster local internet fixes a slow source: the remote server or route can be the bottleneck for playback.
  • Applying ATEM bitrate guidance to every stream: the approximately 5–7 Mb/s figure is for 1080p60 on the named ATEM models, according to Blackmagic’s June 2024 manual.
  • Clearing an app cache to solve a hardware delivery problem: app maintenance is not a substitute for encoder and network diagnostics.
  • Buying new hardware or adding RAM without evidence: first establish that local processing or storage is actually the limiting factor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live 24/7 using uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate option—not a fix for a Kodi playback warning or an ATEM network issue. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube only, not from a camera.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
  • Any quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, streamed as uploaded without re-encoding or quality tiers.
  • Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free with no card required.
  • Monthly: $9.99 per month.

See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.