Yes, you can pause live TV on Paramount Plus, but only on certain devices and only if your plan includes live TV access
Paramount Plus lets you pause, rewind, and fast-forward live TV on most devices — but the feature depends on two things: your subscription tier and what you're watching. If you have the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan (the paid tier that includes live TV), you can pause live broadcasts on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices. The free tier of Paramount Plus does not include live TV at all, so pausing is not an option there.
The pause feature works differently depending on your device. On phones and tablets, you tap the pause button that appears on the video player. On computers and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV, the same pause controls appear when you hover over or interact with the video. You can typically rewind up to 72 hours on most live channels, though some channels restrict this window.
One important limit: you cannot pause live TV on certain devices. Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and some older streaming devices do not support pause on live broadcasts, even if you have the right subscription. If you try to pause on these devices, the video will keep playing. Check your specific device's compatibility on Paramount Plus's support page if you are unsure.
Key Takeaways
- You need the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan to access live TV and its pause feature; the free tier does not include live channels.
- Pause, rewind, and fast-forward work on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
- Samsung and LG Smart TVs do not support pause on live TV, even with the correct subscription.
- You can typically rewind up to 72 hours on live broadcasts, though individual channels may have shorter windows.
Which devices let you pause live TV
Paramount Plus pause controls work on phones and tablets running iOS or Android. On these devices, tap the pause button in the center of the video player while watching a live channel. The same feature is available on computers through the web player — just click the pause button when it appears.
Streaming devices with full pause support include Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Xbox. On these devices, the pause button appears when you move your remote or interact with the screen. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 also support pausing live TV through the Paramount Plus app.
Devices that do not support pause on live TV include Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and some older Android TV devices. If you own one of these TVs, you can still watch live TV on Paramount Plus, but you will not be able to pause, rewind, or fast-forward. Your only option is to watch in real time.
How to rewind and fast-forward live broadcasts
Once you pause a live broadcast, you can rewind to earlier moments in the same channel. The rewind button appears next to the pause button on all supported devices. Press it to go back 10 seconds at a time, or hold it to rewind faster. You can typically go back up to 72 hours on most channels, though some live events or sports broadcasts may have shorter rewind windows.
Fast-forward works the same way. After you pause, use the fast-forward button to skip ahead. This is useful if you paused during a commercial break and want to jump to when the program resumes. On phones and tablets, you can also drag the progress bar at the bottom of the video to jump to any point within the rewindable window.
The exact rewind limit depends on the channel and the type of broadcast. News channels typically allow the full 72-hour rewind, but live sports events may restrict it to a few hours. If you try to rewind beyond what is available, the player will stop at the oldest available point.
What happens if your device does not support pause
If you are using a Samsung or LG Smart TV and try to pause live TV, the broadcast will continue playing. The pause button either will not appear or will not respond when you press it. This is a limitation of how Paramount Plus works on these TV models, not a problem with your subscription or internet connection.
Your options are limited if you own one of these TVs. You can watch live TV in real time without pausing, or you can switch to a different device — a phone, tablet, computer, or compatible streaming device — to watch the same channel with pause controls. Some people use a Roku stick or Fire TV stick connected to their Samsung or LG TV as a workaround, since these devices do support pause.
If you frequently need to pause live TV, consider whether a compatible streaming device would work for you. Roku and Fire TV devices are inexpensive and plug into any TV's HDMI port, giving you full pause functionality on the same screen.
Pausing live TV vs. on-demand shows
Pausing works differently for live broadcasts and on-demand content. With live TV, you can pause and rewind only within the rewind window — typically 72 hours. Once that window closes, you cannot go back to that moment. On-demand shows and movies, by contrast, let you pause and resume at any point, and they stay available as long as they are in the Paramount Plus catalog.
If you want to watch a live broadcast later without the time pressure, check whether Paramount Plus offers it as an on-demand episode. Many live news programs, sports events, and shows are available on-demand the next day or within a few days. On-demand versions have no rewind limit and let you watch at your own pace.
Troubleshooting pause problems on live TV
If the pause button is not appearing or not working, first check that you have the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan. The free tier does not include live TV at all. Log into your account on the Paramount Plus website to confirm your subscription level.
Next, verify that you are using a supported device. If you are on a Samsung or LG Smart TV, pause is not available — you will need to use a phone, tablet, computer, or compatible streaming device instead. If you are on a supported device and pause still is not working, try closing the Paramount Plus app completely and reopening it. Sometimes a refresh fixes temporary glitches.
If the issue persists, check your internet connection. A slow or unstable connection can prevent pause controls from loading or responding. Restart your router and try again. If you are still having trouble, contact Paramount Plus support through the app or website — they can check whether there is a known issue with your device or account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause live TV on the free Paramount Plus plan?
No. The free Paramount Plus plan does not include live TV at all. Only the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan includes live channels and the ability to pause them.
How far back can I rewind on a live channel?
Most live channels allow you to rewind up to 72 hours. Some channels or live events may have shorter rewind windows. Once the rewind window closes, that moment is no longer available.
Why can't I pause live TV on my Samsung TV?
Samsung Smart TVs do not support pause on live TV through Paramount Plus, even with the correct subscription. You can watch live TV in real time, but pausing is not available. Use a phone, tablet, computer, or a streaming device like Roku or Fire TV to pause live broadcasts.
If I pause live TV, will I fall behind real time?
Yes. When you pause, the live broadcast continues. If you pause for 10 minutes, you will be 10 minutes behind when you resume. This is normal and expected — you are watching a delayed version of the live feed.
Can I record live TV on Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus does not offer a recording feature for live TV. You can pause and rewind within the available window, but you cannot save a broadcast to watch later. If the program becomes available on-demand, you can watch it that way instead.