Paramount Plus Keeps Buffering on Samsung, Sony, Vizio, LG, or Any Smart TV: Paramount Plus boasts an impressive array of movies, television series, and live sports events, positioning it as one of the leading streaming services available today.
However, a significant number of users have reported experiencing buffering issues while using the platform. This problem persists whether viewers are accessing the service through the app or directly on the website, and it does not appear to be linked to specific titles.
Several factors could contribute to these buffering challenges. The issue might stem from your internet connection, potential software glitches in the app, or even regional limitations affecting streaming performance.
Fortunately, there are solutions available for each of these scenarios. If you find yourself grappling with buffering on Paramount Plus, this article is designed to assist you.
We will outline a range of potential fixes for buffering problems specifically on Smart TVs. Let’s dive in and explore how to enhance your streaming experience.
Resolving Buffering Issues on Paramount Plus for Smart TVs
Buffering on streaming services like Paramount Plus can be particularly annoying, especially on Smart TVs.
Here are some effective troubleshooting tips tailored for popular Smart TV brands, including Samsung, Sony, Vizio, and LG, to help you minimize or eliminate buffering problems:
Troubleshooting Buffering Issues on Paramount+
1. Restart the Application:
Regardless of the device you’re using, a simple restart of the app can often resolve a variety of issues, including buffering problems. To do this, close the app completely on your streaming device and reopen it. After the app has restarted, attempt to stream Paramount+ again. If buffering persists, proceed to the next suggestion.
2. Reboot Your Device:
For Smart TV users, a power cycle can help. Unplug your TV from the power source and wait for a few minutes before reconnecting it. Additionally, turn off any connected devices like streaming boxes or gaming consoles. After powering everything back on, try accessing Paramount+ once more. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, move on to the next step.
3. Restart Your Router:
Buffering can often be attributed to network issues. To refresh your connection, unplug your router and wait for about 30 seconds before reconnecting it. Once the router is back online, try streaming Paramount+ again. If you still encounter buffering, consider the following solution.
4. Adjust Video Quality:
Buffering can frequently occur due to a slow or unstable internet connection. In situations like this, reducing the video quality can help improve performance. To change the video quality on Paramount+:
- Start playing the content you want to watch.
- Click on the settings icon (cogwheel).
- Select “Video quality” and choose “Low quality.”
This adjustment should help mitigate buffering. If problems continue, explore the next option.
5. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP):
It’s possible that your ISP may have restrictions affecting access to Paramount+, or there could be bandwidth limitations in place. To investigate further, reach out to your service provider and inquire about any potential issues. If there are restrictions, they should be able to offer guidance and a timeline for resolution.
If your ISP confirms everything is fine but buffering remains an issue, consider the next fix.
6. Use a Wired Connection:
Wired connections tend to offer more stability than wireless ones. If you’re streaming Paramount+ over Wi-Fi, try connecting your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. If your Smart TV lacks an Ethernet port, consider using a dongle with an RJ45 port. This connection method could significantly enhance your streaming experience.
If buffering persists even after switching to a wired connection, continue to the next step.
7. Disable Any Ad-Blockers:
Many users employ ad-blocker applications to minimize advertisements while streaming. However, services like Paramount+ rely on ad revenue, and having an ad-blocker enabled can hinder content delivery. To alleviate this issue, disable any ad-blocking software on your device and attempt to stream Paramount+ again. If buffering continues, proceed to the next suggestion.
8. Disable VPNs or Proxies:
Streaming platforms, including Paramount+, have measures in place to detect unauthorized connections via VPNs or proxy servers. If you are using such services, disable them and try accessing Paramount+ again. After turning off the VPN or proxy, restart your device to see if the buffering issue is resolved.
If you still experience buffering after disabling these tools, try the next solution.
9. Switch Browsers:
If you’re experiencing buffering issues while using Chrome on your Smart TV, consider trying an alternative browser like Firefox or Opera. If you prefer staying with Chrome, ensure it’s updated to the latest version. If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, switching to a different browser may be your best bet.
If changing browsers doesn’t solve the problem, explore the next option.
10. Check the Status of Paramount+ Servers:
Sometimes, the issue may lie with Paramount+’s own servers. Server downtime or limited capacity can result in buffering or complete service outages. To verify the server status, visit websites like Down Detector or check Paramount+’s social media pages for updates regarding any ongoing issues.
If the servers appear to be operating normally but you still face buffering problems, consider the next solution.
11.Verify Your Paramount Plus Subscription:
Occasionally, streaming services retain access to content even when users miss their payment deadline for the upcoming month. They may offer a grace period, often lasting about a week, to settle any outstanding fees.
To determine the status of your Paramount+ subscription, navigate to your account page. If your plan has lapsed, simply renew it to regain access. Should you continue to experience issues, consider trying the next troubleshooting tip.
12. Clear the App Cache:
Over time, cached data accumulates to enhance the application’s user experience by speeding up loading times. While cache can indeed improve performance, corrupted cache files can lead to functionality problems. If you’re experiencing buffering issues, it could be due to corrupt cache data.
To resolve this, you will need to clear the cache for the Paramount+ app on your television. Below are instructions for doing this on both Samsung Smart TVs and standard Android TVs. The process is generally similar across different smart TV brands, though the interface may vary slightly.
For Samsung TVs:
- Press the settings button on your remote or select the settings icon on the home screen.
- Choose the Support option.
- Click on the “Self Diagnosis” tab.
- Select TV Device Manager.
- Find and click on the “Clean Now” button under Memory Boost and Clear Running Apps.
- Wait for the cleaning process to complete.
- Go to Manage Storage and select Show App List.
- Scroll to find Paramount+ and select it.
- Tap on View Details, then choose Clear Cache.
For Android TVs:
- Press the home button on your remote and go to Settings.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Select “See all apps” or simply “Apps.”
- Locate Paramount Plus from the list.
- Click on Clear Cache and confirm by selecting Ok.
After clearing the cache, attempt to stream content on Paramount+ again. If buffering persists, proceed to the next solution.
13. Revert to a Previous App Version:
If you started experiencing buffering issues following a recent update to the Paramount+ app, the new version might be the source of the problem. In such cases, uninstalling the current version and reverting to an earlier build can often resolve the issue.
To uninstall the Paramount+ app on either a Samsung or Android TV, follow these steps:
For Samsung TVs:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Scroll down to select Apps.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Choose the app you wish to remove.
- Finally, select Delete.
For Android TVs:
- Press the home button on your remote and go to Settings.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Choose “See all apps” or simply “Apps.”
- Find Paramount Plus, then select the Delete or Uninstall option.
Next, use your TV’s web browser to search for the APK file of the older version of the app on a trusted website. Download the file and install it on your TV.
If buffering issues continue despite these efforts, please explore additional troubleshooting options.
14. Application Update:
The developers of the Paramount+ application routinely release updates to resolve any existing bugs. If you are using an outdated version of the app, it may contribute to buffering problems.
To enhance your streaming experience, it’s advisable to promptly update the app to the newest version.
For Samsung Smart TV:
- Press the home button on your remote to access the home screen.
- Scroll down and select the “Apps” option.
- Locate and click on the Paramount Plus icon from the app list.
- On the app’s page, look for the “Update App” button. If the button isn’t visible, your app is already up to date.
- If you see it, click the button and allow the application to update.
For LG Smart TV:
- Press the Home button on your LG TV remote.
- Navigate to the LG Content Store.
- At the top of the page, select “Apps.”
- Find and select Paramount Plus.
- If there’s an available update, you will see an update button. Click on it and wait for the app to complete the update process.
For Android TV:
- Launch the Google Play Store.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Manage apps and games.”
- Navigate to the updates section.
- Find Paramount Plus and initiate the update process.
After updating, try streaming on Paramount+ again. If you continue to experience buffering issues, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Update Your Streaming Device:
In some cases, updating the app alone may not be sufficient. It’s important to also ensure that your smart TV is running the latest software. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with Paramount+, making device updates essential.
For Samsung TV:
- Access the “Settings” menu on your TV.
- Navigate to the “Support” tab.
- Select “Software Update.”
- Click on “Update Now.” If any updates are available, they will be installed automatically.
For LG TV:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Select “Settings” in the top right corner.
- Choose “All Settings” at the bottom.
- Go to the “General” tab.
- Scroll down to “About this TV” and select it.
- Click on “Check for Updates.” If updates are available, follow the prompts to download and install them.
For Android TV:
- Press the HOME button on your remote.
- Navigate to “Apps.”
- Select “Help.”
- Go to “System Software Update.”
- Choose “Software Update.” Your TV will begin updating if there are any pending updates.
Once the update is finished, the buffering issues with Paramount+ should be resolved.
Contact Customer Support:
If you have tried the above solutions and the issue persists, consider reaching out to Paramount Plus customer support for further assistance.
Conclusion:
Buffering issues on streaming services like Paramount+ can arise from various factors, including device settings and network conditions.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, such as verifying internet speeds and ensuring that both the app and device software are up to date.
While each troubleshooting method may provide a solution, their effectiveness can vary based on individual situations. Regularly maintaining your devices and being aware of network performance can significantly improve your streaming experience.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, feel free to leave a message below, and we will respond as soon as possible. Additionally, explore our other articles on tips and tricks for iPhone, Android, PC, and more for further useful information.
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