What to do when Paramount Plus stops working
Paramount Plus stops working most often because of a weak internet connection, an outdated app, or a problem with your device's cache. Before you contact support, restart your device, check your internet speed, and clear the app's stored data. Most issues resolve in under five minutes with these three steps.
If the app crashes when you open it, won't load shows, or plays video with no sound, the cause is usually one of the common problems listed below. Work through them in order — each one fixes a different type of failure, and most people find their answer in the first two.
Key Takeaways
- Restart your device and check that your internet connection is stable before trying anything else.
- Update the Paramount Plus app through your device's app store, since outdated versions often cause crashes and playback errors.
- Clear the app's cache and stored data in your device settings, which removes corrupted files that prevent the app from loading properly.
- Sign out and sign back in to your account if the app loads but shows an error message or won't play content.
- Uninstall and reinstall the app if none of the above steps work, since a fresh install replaces all corrupted files at once.
Restart your device and test your internet
Power off your phone, tablet, or streaming device completely — not sleep mode, but a full shutdown. Wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. This clears temporary memory that can cause the app to freeze or crash.
While your device restarts, check your internet connection. Open a web browser and visit a news site or video platform you know works. If pages load slowly or video buffers, your connection is too weak for Paramount Plus. Move closer to your router, restart your modem and router (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in), or switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection if your device supports it.
Paramount Plus needs at least 5 Mbps for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K. You can check your speed at speedtest.net — it takes 30 seconds and costs nothing.
Update the Paramount Plus app
Open your device's app store — the App Store on iPhone and iPad, Google Play on Android phones and tablets, or the app store built into your streaming device. Search for Paramount Plus and look for an "Update" button next to the app name.
If an update is available, tap Update and wait for it to finish. Do not close the app store or turn off your device while the update runs. Outdated versions of Paramount Plus often have bugs that cause crashes, playback errors, or login problems. Updates fix these bugs and add new features.
After the update finishes, open Paramount Plus and try to play a show. If it works, you are done. If it still does not work, move to the next step.
Clear the app's cache and data
The app stores temporary files called cache on your device. If these files become corrupted, the app will not load properly. Clearing them removes the corrupted files and forces the app to read fresh ones the next time you open it.
On Android: Go to Settings, then Apps or process Manager. Find Paramount Plus in the list. Tap Storage, then Clear Cache. If the app still does not work, go back to Storage and tap Clear Data instead — this removes your login information, so you will need to sign in again.
On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). Find Paramount Plus in the list and tap it. Tap Offload App, wait for it to finish, then tap Reinstall App. This removes the app without deleting your account information.
On a streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV): Go to Settings, then Apps or Applications. Find Paramount Plus, select it, and choose Clear Cache or Clear Data. The exact menu names vary by device, but the option is always in the app settings.
Sign out and sign back in
Open Paramount Plus and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. Wait 10 seconds, then sign back in with your email and password.
This step refreshes your account connection to Paramount Plus's servers. It fixes errors like "You are not authorized to view this content," playback failures, or the app showing you as logged out even though you just signed in.
If you cannot remember your password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Paramount Plus will send a reset link to your email. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox within a few minutes.
Uninstall and reinstall the app
If none of the steps above work, remove the app completely and install it fresh. This replaces all files at once and usually fixes problems that survive the other steps.
On Android: Go to Settings, then Apps. Find Paramount Plus, tap it, and tap Uninstall. Open Google Play, search for Paramount Plus, and tap Install.
On iPhone or iPad: Press and hold the Paramount Plus icon on your home screen. Tap Remove App, then Delete App, then Delete. Open the App Store, search for Paramount Plus, and tap the cloud icon to install it.
On a streaming device: Go to your home screen, highlight the Paramount Plus app, press the Options or Menu button on your remote, and select Remove or Delete. Go to your device's app store, search for Paramount Plus, and select Install.
After the app finishes installing, open it and sign in with your email and password. Your account information and watch history will be there — reinstalling the app does not delete your account.
When to contact Paramount Plus support
If you have worked through all the steps above and Paramount Plus still does not work, the problem is likely with your account or Paramount Plus's servers. Contact Paramount Plus support through the Help section in the app, or visit paramountplus.com/help and select Contact Us.
Have ready: the device you are using, the error message you see (take a screenshot if possible), and the steps you have already tried. Support can see your account history and will know whether the problem is on their end or yours.
Check Paramount Plus's social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram before you contact support — if their servers are down, they usually post about it there. If many people are reporting the same problem, the issue is widespread and support is already working on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Paramount Plus keep crashing when I open it?
The app usually crashes because it is outdated, your device does not have enough free storage space, or the app's cache is corrupted. Update the app first, then clear its cache through your device settings. If it still crashes, check that you have at least 500 MB of free space on your device — if not, delete other apps or files to make room.
Can I use Paramount Plus on multiple devices at the same time?
Your plan determines how many devices can stream at once. Most plans allow two or three simultaneous streams. If you are signed in on more devices than your plan allows, the oldest stream will stop and show an error. Sign out on devices you are not using, or upgrade your plan if you need more simultaneous streams.
What should I do if I see an error code?
Write down the exact error code and number. Go to paramountplus.com/help and search for that code — Paramount Plus publishes what each code means and how to fix it. If you cannot find your code, contact support and give them the exact number and the steps you have tried.
Why is my video buffering or freezing?
Buffering means your internet connection is too slow or unstable. Check your internet speed at speedtest.net — you need at least 5 Mbps for standard video. If your speed is lower, restart your modem and router, move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch to a wired connection. If your speed is high but video still buffers, the problem is with Paramount Plus's servers, not your connection.
Does clearing cache delete my watch history?
No. Clearing cache removes temporary files only. Your watch history, saved shows, and account settings stay on Paramount Plus's servers. When you sign back in, everything will be there. Clearing data (not cache) does remove some information, but your account itself is safe.