IPTV not working? Start here

Quick checks: try these first

These solve the majority of problems in a few minutes. Work through them in order.

1. 1

   Try another channel

   If only one channel fails, the issue is probably with that channel's stream. If everything fails, carry on.
2. 2

   Restart the app and the device

   Close the app fully, then unplug the streaming device or TV from the mains for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
3. 3

   Restart your router

   Switch it off at the wall for 30 seconds. Wait until all its lights are steady before testing again.
4. 4

   Test your connection on the device

   Run a speed test on the device you're watching on. Allow roughly 10 Mbps per HD stream and 25 Mbps per 4K stream.
5. 5

   Check your login and subscription

   Make sure the server URL, username and password are exactly right and your subscription hasn't reached its end date.
6. 6

   Update or reinstall the app

   An out-of-date player can break after a device update. Update it from the app store, or clear its cache.

Find your symptom

Picture keeps stopping, freezing or buffering

By far the most common issue, and nearly always network-related. See how to fix IPTV buffering and freezing.

Nothing loads at all

If no channels load on any device, check whether it's your connection or the service in is IPTV down?

“Invalid login” or the app keeps crashing

Login and crash problems are covered in IPTV Smarters not working. The fixes apply to most players.

Picture but no sound

Usually an audio-format setting. See IPTV no sound or audio out of sync.

The whole device is slow

If menus lag as well as video, the device is the bottleneck. See Fire TV Stick lagging or Android TV box not working.

The TV guide is empty or wrong

See what EPG is and how to fix it. If listings are exactly an hour out, check the device's time zone first: it's the usual cause, especially around the clock changes in March and October.

A player won't install on a new Fire TV Stick

Amazon's newest sticks, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select (2025) and the Fire TV Stick HD (2026), run Vega OS and only install apps from the Amazon Appstore. See our Fire TV Stick guide for which models can install your player.

Why IPTV problems happen

Your picture passes through several links: our servers, the internet, your broadband line, your router, your Wi-Fi or cable, your device and the player app. A problem anywhere in that chain looks the same on screen. Most of the chain is in your home, which is good news, because that's where most fixes are quick.

• Wi-Fi is the weakest link for most people, especially when the router is in another room or the streaming stick is hidden behind the TV.
• Busy household bandwidth, such as downloads, game updates and other streams, competes with live TV.
• Underpowered devices struggle with large channel lists and HEVC video.
• App settings, such as the player engine, buffer size and audio output, can make one setup work and another stutter.