ESPN Error Playing Video [SOLVED]

Getting error playing any replay or live video on ESPN? These are some easy fixes.

Are you an avid sports fan who frequently watches ESPN, only to be met with the frustrating “Error Playing Video” message? This error can be a major hindrance to enjoying your favorite games and matches. The “Error Playing Video” message typically appears when there is an issue with streaming or accessing video content on ESPN.

It can be caused by various factors, including server problems, compatibility issues, or network connectivity issues. Get ready to overcome this error and enjoy uninterrupted sports streaming on ESPN, as this article contains all you need to solve the issue.


Key takeaways 

  • ESPN’s “Error Playing Video” message can be frustrating for sports fans trying to stream content on the platform.
  • The error can be caused by various factors, such as server issues, compatibility problems, or network connectivity issues.
  • Reinstalling the ESPN app, checking internet connectivity, clearing cache data, and updating the app are some common troubleshooting steps to resolve the error.
  • If the issue persists, contacting the ESPN support team can provide further assistance in resolving the “Error Playing Video” problem.

What Is The ESPN Error Playing Video?

If you use the ESPN app frequently, you must wonder what ESPN’s error-playing video is and why it happens. I will go into great depth regarding things, but let’s first understand the ESPN error-playing video.

ESPN error playing video
ESPN error playing video pops up

While waiting to see their favorite team play, many sports fans become frustrated when they encounter the error of playing a video. Simply put, it means that until the problem is fixed, you cannot watch any video.

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Causes Of ESPN Error Playing Video

If you are experiencing an error playing a replay or live video on ESPN, these are some common causes of the error:

  • Slow internet connection
  • ESPN servers issue
  • Using a third-party application
  • Compatibility problems
  • Outdated ESPN app
  • Minor glitches and bugs
  • Junk files

10 Ways To Fix

Moreover, now that you know the reasons for the ESPN error, the following are ways to fix the error.

  1. Reinstall the ESPN app
  2. Force stop the ESPN app
  3. Re-sign into your ESPN account
  4. Restart your router
  5. Check ESPN servers
  6. Disable third-party apps
  7. Restart your smart TV
  8. Update the ESPN app
  9. Clear cache data
  10. Contact the ESPN support team

Reinstall The ESPN App

ESPN app unistall
ESPN application uninstall option

It is best to start by reinstalling your ESPN app. Deleting and installing the app again helps in many ways. It clears any faulty files that damage your app. It removes minor glitches and bugs and gives your app a fresh start. If reinstalling ESPN doesn’t help you fix the error playing video, try other ways.

Force Stop The ESPN App

It would help if you also tried force-stopping the ESPN application. Force-stop any app will not affect its data or anything. It will just clear its junk data and give your app a new start. A simple way to force stop your ESPN app;

  1. Firstly, open Settings on your Android smartphone and select Application Manager.
    android settings
    Apps option in Android settings
  2. Next, go to your list of apps and choose ESPN.
    apps settings
    Select the ESPN app
  3. Then, click on the Force stop option.
    force stop settings
    Force stop option
  4. After that, click Force Stop on the pop-up notification.
    force stop app settings
    Force stop confirmation pops up
  5. Lastly, relaunch the ESPN app.

We hope doing this helps you fix the ESPN error playing the video; if not, follow other ways.

Re-sign Into Your ESPN Account

espn log in settings
ESPN sign-in option

Sometimes the error may occur because of your account. It is better to re-sign your account to see if it is your account’s fault or not. To log out of your ESPN account, choose the ESPN Account Log Out option under Settings. Then sign in again using your ESPN account and see if the ESPN error playing video persists or not.

Restart Your Router

Sometimes ESPN error playing video occurs when you have a slow internet connection. ESPN streaming and replay quality are usually in HD and supported up to 1080hp, so you must have a strong internet connection to watch ESPN. If you have choppy streaming, it must be because of your slow internet connection, so it’s better to contact your internet provider to provide the best service.

internet speed check
Internet speed test

Furthermore, there are many sites on the internet you can use to check your internet speed. Restart your router if you are not getting the speed you’ve subscribed for. Be patient while you are doing it. Give it at least five minutes of break before plugging it back again. Hopefully, you will be able to watch your favorite sports.

Check ESPN Servers

If despite doing everything above, you still experience the ESPN error playing video, there’s a chance the problem is not with you. You can check whether there is a problem with the ESPN servers or if they are up and running. There is always a chance that ESPN might experience an outage. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do if ESPN’s servers are down and they are experiencing an outage.

Furthermore, the ESPN outage won’t remain long, so it’s better to maintain your calm and wait until their servers are back online.

Disable Third-Party Apps

ESPN error playing video is likely one of the issues caused by third-party applications like VPNs or proxies interfering with your app. It is preferable if you remove all third-party programs from your device. I also hope you won’t get the ESPN error playing the video once the proxy or VPN has been removed.

Restart Your Smart TV

If you use ESPN on your smart tv and face the playing video error, then you should restart your smart TV. Furthermore, you may do the same thing if you use the app on your smartphone. Just restart your device. But you make sure to give it some time. When you close your tv, remove the plug and wait for about five minutes before you plug it in again.

espn plus
ESPN Plus on Smart TV

Restarting your tv or smartphone gives it a new freshness and removes every minor bug that’s causing you the ESPN playing video error.

Update The ESPN App

You are probably experiencing the ESPN error playing video because you are still using an old version of the application, and an update is required. The best way to stay updated when using any app, such as ESPN on a smartphone, is to activate the automatic update feature.

espn update
ESPN application update required option

For Smartphone users:

  1. First, open the play store.
  2. Next, search ESPN.
  3. Then, open the ESPN application.
  4. After that, click on the update option.
  5. Lastly, open the app again once it is updated.

For Smart TV users:

  1. First, select Smart Hub from the menu, then Chooses Featured.
  2. Next, enter the ESPN Plus app and hold down the Enter key until a submenu displays.
  3. Then, choose Update applications.
  4. Lastly, restart your smart TV once the update is done.

Clear Cache Data

It’s always helpful to clear the cache data of any app. It will not affect your application but help your phone and app run faster and smoother. Junk files slow your phone, so it’s best to clear them from time to time to keep your phone smooth and to keep your apps away from such errors. A simple way to clear your cache files on your Android device is:

clear cache settings
Clear cache option
  1. Firstly, open Settings and then Apps.
  2. Then, look for the ESPN app and choose it.
  3. Next, at the bottom, select Storage and then Clear Cache.
  4. Lastly, confirm yes.

Contact The ESPN Support Team

If none of the ways mentioned helps you fix the ESPN video cant play error, then you should seek professional help. You can reach out to the ESPN support team on their official website or call them on their helpline number for any queries.

espn help center
ESPN plus help centre site

Furthermore, we hope the ESPN support team helps you fix any error related to ESPN so you can watch your favorite sports without any annoyance.

Conclusion

ESPN error playing video occurs for many reasons, so I came up with many fixes for you to resolve the error. I would suggest you start by forcing stop the ESPN application. Furthermore, you can re-sign into your account or simply create a new account if the error persists. Make sure to give the right details when making an account, or you may face an ESPN error playing the video.

Moreover, many people who have been through this error have suggested reinstalling the application. Deleting and installing the ESPN app gives it a fresh start without errors. Using an outdated version of the app causes the error, too, so I suggest updating the latest version to avoid any errors.

Further, suppose nothing I have mentioned in this simple-to-follow guide helps you resolve the ESPN error playing the video. In that case, you should seek professional help, contact the ESPN support team, and ask about your error.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't ESPN play my videos?

Video material can take several seconds to load or may not stream because you are using a content filter, antivirus software, or proxy. Please stop using these applications and try once again.

Why is ESPN unavailable on ESPN+?

You cannot view live broadcasts of ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNews with an ESPN+ membership since those cable networks are independent of ESPN+.

How can I delete the cache from the ESPN app?

1. Open the Settings app, then choose Apps.
2. choose to See all applications, then select ESPN+.
3. Select Storage and cache.
4. Select Delete Cache.

How can I access live ESPN?

Selecting a live television streaming service like Roku + Live TV or Sling TV will allow you to watch ESPN and a lengthy list of other networks. With an ESPN Plus subscription, you can even watch ESPN live on the app

Does ESPN obstruct VPNs?

ESPN+ can only restrict IP addresses; it cannot prevent VPNs. You will receive a different IP address whenever you join a different server, and if your VPN is sufficiently solid, this IP address may not have been banned by ESPN+.

ESPN on a Samsung TV?

The most recent version of the ESPN App, the web, iPhone, iPad, AppleTV, Android smartphones, Roku, Chrome, FireTV, XBOX One, Playstation 4, Oculus Go, and Samsung connected TVs are all places where subscribers may access ESPN+.

How can I stop my membership to ESPN+?

1. Go to ESPN plus website
2. Tap the symbol for your profile.
3. Click the Manage My ESPN+ Subscription option.
4. Access your account.
5. On your ESPN+ subscription card, click Manage.
6. Select the Cancel Subscription link.
7. State that you have cancelled.

Why won't ESPN+ work properly?

Outages, poor or sluggish internet connections, malicious data and cache, and ESPN Plus not operating are the most frequent causes.

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