Streaming hiccups can ruin movie night, but almost every Paramount + outage comes down to one of three things: a service-side disruption, an out-of-date app or device, or a local network/HDCP problem. The good news? Each category has a clear set of fixes.
1. Rule Out a Platform-Wide Outage First
- Check the official service-status page or Downdetector. Paramount + traffic still spikes when new NFL games or Yellowstone spin-offs drop, so nationwide outages do happen.
- If you see widespread reports, save yourself the frustration and wait—Paramount + usually restores service within an hour, and you’ll avoid corrupting local app data by force-closing it repeatedly.
2. Update After the June 2025 Rebrand
In late June 2025 the ad-free tier rebranded from “Paramount + with Showtime” to Paramount + Premium. Many TVs cached the retired package name; that mismatch triggers endless sign-in loops.
- Manually search your TV’s app store, delete the old app, and install the fresh “Paramount +” listing.
- After reinstalling, power-cycle the TV so the new certificate handshakes correctly with Paramount’s servers.
3. Decode the Most Common Error Codes
| Code | What It Means | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 3005 / 3205 | Generic playback failure (often HDCP) | Switch HDMI port, disable 4K/HDR temporarily, then relaunch. |
| 6040 | Bad network handshake | Restart router; set DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 for faster resolution. |
| 1106 | Login token expired | Sign out on all devices via the Paramount + website, then sign back in on the TV. |
| 3304 (Fire TV) | Cached data corruption | From Fire OS Settings › Applications › Paramount + › Clear Data & Cache, then reboot. |
4. Device-Specific Fixes
Samsung & LG WebOS TVs
- Cold-boot (hold the power button on the remote for five seconds).
- If streams appear “scrambled,” reset the Smart Hub / webOS Home and reinstall the app.
- Ensure the TV firmware is 2024.60 or later—older builds can’t decode the latest Widevine DRM update.
Roku & Fire TV
- Remove the channel/app, restart the stick, then add the channel back.
- On Roku, disable “Bandwidth Saver” so the device won’t suspend long on-demand streams.
- Fire TV users should toggle Settings › Display & Audio › Match Original Frame Rate to “On” to resolve stuttering.
Apple TV & Google/Android TV
- Toggle Settings › Video and Audio › Format to 4K SDR; Dolby Vision handshakes occasionally fail on Paramount +.
- On Android TV, clear cache via Settings › Apps › Paramount + › Storage.
5. Network, VPN, and Region Checks
- Paramount + allows two simultaneous streams; a silent background stream on another device can block your TV.
- VPNs often trigger the “content unavailable” loop; disconnect or switch to a U.S. endpoint with residential IPs.
- Aim for a minimum 25 Mb/s downlink for 4K originals; Wi-Fi 6 routers with DFS channels minimize congestion.
6. Account & Billing Glitches
- If Paramount + shows you as unsubscribed even after payment, refresh the license: visit paramountplus.com/account > “Manage Subscription” > “Refresh.”
- Subscriptions purchased through Xfinity, Dish, or legacy Showtime billing sometimes require unlinking the provider and re-authenticating directly with Paramount + after the 2025 migration.
7. Advanced Toolbox
- Clear TV DNS cache: unplug TV for 30 seconds; volatile memory flushes lingering IPs.
- Hard-reset HDMI handshake: power off TV and streaming box, unplug HDMI, wait 60 seconds, reconnect.
- Factory-reset the app container: on Samsung, enter 12345 from the Settings gear > “Deep Link Test” > “Clear.”
- Change HDMI cable: 18 Gb/s (HDMI 2.0) or better prevents HDCP 2.2 failures that throw error 3005.
8. Quick-Reference Checklist
- ☐ Confirm Paramount + isn’t down globally.
- ☐ Update TV firmware and the Paramount + app (look for the 2025 Premium build).
- ☐ Reboot modem/router; switch to wired Ethernet if possible.
- ☐ Clear app cache or reinstall—then cold-boot the TV.
- ☐ Verify subscription status, simultaneous streams, and disable VPN.
- ☐ Test another streaming app (Netflix, YouTube) to isolate network vs. app.
- ☐ Contact Paramount + support with error code, device model, firmware version, and a speed-test screenshot if issues persist.
Key Takeaways
- Update device software to fix streaming issues.
- Restart or reinstall the Paramount Plus app to resolve glitches.
- Check if the Paramount Plus server is down.
Technical Troubleshooting for Paramount Plus on TV
There are several steps you can take to resolve issues with streaming Paramount Plus on your TV. These include checking your network connectivity, addressing app-specific problems, and ensuring device compatibility.
Checking Network Connectivity and Speed
First, make sure your TV is connected to the internet. Check if other devices in your home can access the internet. If they can, the issue might be with the TV itself or Paramount Plus.
Test your internet speed. Paramount Plus recommends a connection speed of at least 5 Mbps for streaming. You can use online tools like Speedtest to measure this. If your speed is lower, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
Restart your modem and router. Unplug them for about 15 seconds, then plug them back in. This simple step often resolves many connectivity issues. Ensure your TV is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the signal is strong.
Resolving App-Specific Issues
Restart the Paramount Plus app. This can clear minor glitches. If the problem persists, try force-closing the app. On some devices, you might need to access the settings menu to do this.
Clear the app cache. This can free up space and remove corrupted files. To clear the cache, go to the settings menu on your TV and select the Paramount Plus app.
If these steps don’t work, uninstall and reinstall the app. This ensures you have the latest version and replaces any damaged files. Find the Paramount Plus app in your TV’s app store, uninstall it, then reinstall it.
Device Compatibility and Updates
Check if your TV model supports Paramount Plus. Some older models might not be compatible. Paramount Plus typically works on most smart TVs, including those from Samsung, LG, and on platforms like Roku and Fire TV.
Update your TV’s firmware. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Go to your TV’s settings menu and look for a firmware update option.
If the app or TV is still not working, consider performing a factory reset. This can fix deeper issues but will remove all settings and apps from your TV, so use it as a last resort. Always consult your TV’s user manual before proceeding with a factory reset.
Content Access and Management
Effective content access and management ensure users can enjoy Paramount Plus without interruptions. This involves configuring account settings and properly managing streaming software.
Account and Profile Settings
To access content, users need to have their account settings configured correctly. Verifying login credentials and ensuring the subscription is active is essential. Keeping the user profile up-to-date helps in providing tailored content recommendations.
Users may experience difficulties if the account has limitations or parental controls. Adjusting these settings can often resolve access issues. Paramount Plus also offers customer support for account-related problems.
For multiple profiles, managing each profile’s preferences ensures smooth access. Regularly checking account and profile settings prevents unexpected access problems.
Managing Streaming Software and Extensions
The software managing streaming plays a key role in content access. Ensuring the Paramount Plus app is up-to-date can prevent bugs and glitches. On devices like Roku or Fire TV Stick, reinstalling the app may help.
Browser users should keep the web browser, like Chrome, updated. Disabling browser extensions, especially ad blockers, can resolve loading issues. If using a VPN, verifying it doesn’t interfere with the streaming service is important.
Addressing buffering or loading issues often involves restarting the app or device. Properly managing software ensures uninterrupted streaming and a better viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common issues and troubleshooting tips for Paramount Plus on various TV devices, including smart TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku devices, and Amazon Firesticks.
Why isn’t Paramount Plus loading on my smart TV?
First, check your internet connection. Ensure your smart TV software is up to date. Restarting the TV can help. If the app continues to have trouble, try reinstalling it.
What to do if Paramount Plus is not working on Samsung TV?
Turn off your Samsung TV. Unplug it and wait for about five minutes. Plug it back in and turn it on. Open the Paramount Plus app to see if it works now.
How can I fix streaming issues with Paramount Plus on Roku devices?
Ensure your Roku device has the latest software updates. Restart your Roku device. Try reinstalling the Paramount Plus app if issues persist.
Why is Paramount Plus not functioning on Amazon Firestick?
Check if the Firestick software is updated. Restart your Firestick by unplugging it for a few seconds. Upon restart, open Paramount Plus to see if the issue is resolved.
How do I troubleshoot Paramount Plus errors on my TV?
Start by restarting your TV. Ensure your internet connection is stable. Verify your TV and Paramount Plus app are updated. If errors remain, consider reinstalling the app.
Why does my Paramount Plus app keep displaying an error message?
Common causes include unstable internet, outdated software, or a corrupted app. Restart the TV and check for updates. If needed, reinstall the Paramount Plus app to fix the error.
