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TV or Streaming Device App Problems

Guide for troubleshooting Smart TV and Streaming Device app download errors, app performance issues or playback errors

Updated over 3 months ago

Errors with Smart TVs

If you can find the app in your smart TV store but you're having difficulty with downloading it, this guide can help!

Start by trying some common troubleshooting steps:

  1. Restart TV (hold power on remote until it restarts if you can)

  2. Restart Wi-Fi router

  3. Clear your cache (instruction per device time found below)

  4. Make sure you're up to date with all software updates

  5. Try again to install or delete and re-install the app

Sony Smart TVs (Android TV / Google TV)

Common Errors:

  • "App not installed" / Stuck on downloading

  • 🔁 App crashing or freezing

  • ⚠️ Playback errors or black screen

Troubleshooting:

  • Restart TV and Wi-Fi router

  • Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > [App] > Clear cache & data

  • Check for firmware updates: Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Update

  • Reinstall the app from the Google Play Store

Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen OS)

Common Errors:

  • ⚠️ “Smart Hub is being updated” error

  • ❌ App not loading or greyed out

  • 🔄 Infinite loading spinner

Troubleshooting:

  • Power cycle (hold power on remote until it restarts)

  • Reset Smart Hub: Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub

  • Update firmware: Settings > Support > Software Update

  • Reinstall the app from the Samsung App Store

LG Smart TVs (web OS)

Common Errors:

  • ⏳ App install stuck at 0%

  • ❌ App won't launch or shows "Unavailable"

  • 🌀 Stream buffering or skipping

Troubleshooting:

  • Restart TV and internet

  • Settings > General > About This TV > Check for updates

  • Delete and reinstall app

  • Adjust DNS to 8.8.8.8 (optional advanced fix): Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Edit

Philips Smart TVs (Android TV)

Common Errors:

  • ⚠️ App crashes or won't open

  • ❌ “Playback unavailable” messages

  • 🕳 Black screen during stream

Troubleshooting:

  • Settings > Apps > Clear app cache & data

  • Reinstall via Google Play Store

  • Update firmware: Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Update

  • Try restarting with power cord unplugged for 1 min

Errors with Streaming Devices

Start by trying some common troubleshooting steps:

  1. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi

  2. Restart Streaming Device or perform factory reset if necessary

  3. Clear your cache (instruction per device time found below)

  4. Make sure you're up to date with all app and software updates

  5. Try again to install or delete and re-install the app

Google Chromecast

Common Errors:

  • ❌ Casting fails / device not found

  • 🔄 Buffering / slow stream

  • ⚠️ “Source not supported”

Troubleshooting:

  • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi

  • Restart Chromecast: Settings > System > Restart

  • Clear app data from Google TV Settings > Apps

  • Reinstall streaming app

  • Factory reset (if needed): Hold button on Chromecast > Wait for light flash

Apple TV

Common Errors:

  • 🚫 "Content not available" or DRM error

  • ❌ App crashing

  • 🔇 No sound or sync issues

Troubleshooting:

  • Settings > System > Restart

  • Check app updates via App Store > Purchased

  • Check firmware: Settings > System > Software Updates

  • Adjust audio: Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format

Amazon Fire TV / Fire Stick

Common Errors:

  • ❌ Apps not opening or stuck loading

  • ⚠️ “App not responding” / black screen

  • 🌀 Stream lags or buffers endlessly

Troubleshooting:

  • Restart: Settings > My Fire TV > Restart

  • Force stop + clear cache: Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Apps

  • Reinstall app

  • Update firmware: Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates

Pro Tips (Applies to All Devices)

  • Stable internet is critical — test speed (min 5 Mbps, 10+ Mbps recommended for HD)

  • Try the same app on a different device to isolate issues

  • Clear cache/data regularly if the app allows

  • Restart both TV/device and router to resolve most temporary glitches

  • Change DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 for more reliable connections (advanced)

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