Why Does Pluto TV Keep Freezing or Not Loading? Easy Fixes

ByKathy Keen Updated on
TV screen frozen while streaming Pluto TV in a living room

If Pluto TV keeps freezing, buffering, or will not load, start by restarting your TV or streaming device. Then check your Wi-Fi, update Pluto TV, and reinstall the app if it still gets stuck.

Most freezing problems are fixed with one of the steps below. Try them in order before replacing your TV, router, or streaming device.

Fast Fix for Pluto TV Freezing

Try this first: close Pluto TV, unplug your TV or streaming device for 30 seconds, restart your Wi-Fi, then test a different Pluto TV channel.

  1. Close the Pluto TV app.
  2. Unplug your TV, Roku, Fire TV, or streaming device from power.
  3. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Plug the device back in.
  5. Restart your Wi-Fi router.
  6. Open Pluto TV again.
  7. Try a different Pluto TV channel.

???? Do other apps work but Pluto TV doesn’t? The issue is probably with the Pluto TV app.

???? Do all your TV apps freeze? The problem is probably your Wi-Fi or streaming device.

Quick fix flowchart for Pluto TV freezing
Start with the easy fixes before deleting apps or changing settings.

What to Do If Pluto TV Will Not Load

If Pluto TV will not load at all, the app may be stuck before the channel even starts. This is slightly different from freezing during a show.

Try this:

  1. Close Pluto TV completely.
  2. Restart your TV, Roku, Fire TV, or streaming device.
  3. Open a different app, like YouTube or Tubi.
  4. If other apps load, reopen Pluto TV.
  5. If Pluto TV still will not load, update the app.
  6. If it still does not work, delete and reinstall Pluto TV.

If no streaming apps load, the problem is probably your Wi-Fi or internet connection. If only Pluto TV will not load, the problem is probably the Pluto TV app or Pluto TV service.

Why Pluto TV Keeps Freezing

Pluto TV is a free streaming app. It plays live channels and on-demand shows through the internet.

That means it needs a steady connection. If the internet slows down, the app may freeze, buffer, stop, or show a black screen.

Pluto TV may also freeze if your TV or streaming stick is tired, full, or running an old version of the app.

The most common causes are:

  • Your Wi-Fi signal is weak
  • The app has old stored data
  • Pluto TV needs an update
  • Your Roku, Fire TV, or smart TV needs a restart
  • Pluto TV is having a temporary problem

If you are still learning how Pluto TV works, start with my beginner guide on how to get Pluto TV for free on any device.

Fix Pluto TV Freezing on Roku

If Pluto TV keeps freezing on Roku, start with a Roku restart. This clears small errors without deleting your apps.

Step 1: Restart Roku

Go to Settings → System → Power → System Restart → Restart. Then open Pluto TV again.

Step 2: Check your Roku internet connection

Go to Settings → Network → Check Connection. If the signal is weak, move the Roku closer to your router if possible.

You can also try:

  • Restarting your router
  • Moving the router higher
  • Moving the Roku away from the back of the TV
  • Using a Roku with a stronger Wi-Fi connection

Step 3: Remove and reinstall Pluto TV

If Pluto TV is the only app freezing, reinstall it.

Go to the Pluto TV app on your Roku home screen, then

  1. Highlight Pluto TV.
  2. Press the star button * on your Roku remote.
  3. Choose Remove channel.
  4. Restart Roku.
  5. Add Pluto TV again from the Roku Channel Store.

This gives the Pluto TV app a fresh start.

If your Roku remote is also giving you trouble, use my guide to fix a Roku remote that is not working before you reinstall the app.

Roku and Fire TV fixes for Pluto TV freezing
Roku and Fire TV have different menus, but both usually need a restart or fresh app install.

Fix Pluto TV Freezing on Fire TV or Firestick

If Pluto TV keeps freezing on a Fire TV or Firestick, the app may need its cache cleared. The cache is just stored app data. Sometimes it gets messy and slows things down.

Step 1: Clear Pluto TV cache

Go to Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → Pluto TV → Clear Cache

Then open Pluto TV again.

Step 2: Force stop Pluto TV

If it still freezes, go back to Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → Pluto TV. Choose Force Stop, then reopen Pluto TV.

Step 3: Restart your Fire TV

Go to Settings → My Fire TV → Restart. You can also unplug the Firestick from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.

Step 4: Reinstall Pluto TV

If Pluto TV still freezes:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Choose Applications.
  3. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
  4. Choose Pluto TV.
  5. Choose Uninstall.
  6. Restart your Fire TV.
  7. Install Pluto TV again.

If you are still getting comfortable with your Firestick, my beginner guide to setting up a Fire TV Stick walks through the basic menus step by step.

Fix Pluto TV Freezing on Samsung TV

If Pluto TV freezes on a Samsung smart TV, the TV may need a restart or the Pluto TV app may need an update.

Step 1: Restart the TV

  • Turn the TV off.
  • Then unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds.
  • Plug it back in and open Pluto TV again.

Step 2: Update the app

Open the Samsung app menu and check for app updates. If Pluto TV has an update, install it.

Step 3: Reinstall Pluto TV

If the app still freezes:

  1. Delete Pluto TV from the TV.
  2. Restart the TV.
  3. Install Pluto TV again.
  4. Open the app and test it.

Step 4: Check if other apps freeze too

  • Open another streaming app, like Tubi or YouTube.
  • If those apps freeze too, Pluto TV may not be the problem. Your TV may have weak Wi-Fi or may need a full software update.

Fix Pluto TV Freezing on LG TV

If Pluto TV keeps freezing on an LG smart TV, start with a full TV restart.

Step 1: Power restart the TV

  1. Turn the LG TV off.
  2. Unplug it from the wall.
  3. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Plug it back in.
  5. Open Pluto TV again.

Step 2: Check for updates

Go to your LG TV settings and check for software updates. Then check the app store for Pluto TV updates.

Step 3: Delete and reinstall Pluto TV

If Pluto TV still freezes:

  1. Delete the Pluto TV app.
  2. Restart the TV.
  3. Reinstall Pluto TV.
  4. Try a different Pluto TV channel.

If Pluto TV freezes on one channel but not others, the problem may be that live channel. If all apps freeze, your TV may be too far from the router.

What to Do If Pluto TV Freezes During Commercials

Sometimes Pluto TV works fine during the show, then freezes during ads.

That can happen because Pluto TV is free and ad-supported. The app has to load the show and the commercial breaks. If the ad does not load correctly, the screen may freeze.

Try this:

  1. Wait 20 seconds.
  2. Press Back.
  3. Choose the channel again.
  4. Switch to another Pluto TV channel.
  5. Close and reopen the app.

???? If Pluto TV freezes on commercials every time, restart your device. If that does not work, remove and reinstall Pluto TV.

This problem is annoying, but it does not always mean your TV is broken. Many times, it is just the ad break failing to load.

Troubleshooting steps for Pluto TV freezing during commercials
If Pluto TV freezes during commercials, the ad break may not be loading correctly.

What to Do If Pluto TV Shows a Black Screen

A black screen can look scary, but it is often easy to fix. First, check if you still hear sound.

If you hear sound but see no picture

Try thee steps:

  1. Press Back.
  2. Reopen the channel.
  3. Restart Pluto TV.
  4. Restart your TV or streaming device.
  5. Check your HDMI cable if you use a Roku Stick or Firestick.

If there is no sound and no picture

Do this:

  1. Open another app.
  2. Restart your device.
  3. Restart your router.
  4. Reinstall Pluto TV.
  • If every app shows a black screen, the issue may be your TV, HDMI port, or streaming device.
  • If only Pluto TV shows a black screen, the Pluto TV app is probably the issue.

If you are using Pluto TV through a streaming stick on an older television, this guide on how to stream on a non-smart TV may help you check the setup.

When the Problem Is Pluto TV, Not Your Device

Sometimes Pluto TV freezes because Pluto TV itself is having trouble.

That can happen when:

  • Many people are watching at once
  • A channel has a temporary problem
  • The Pluto TV app has a bug
  • A live stream fails
  • Your device app version is not working well

Here is the simple test:

  • Open another free streaming app. Try Tubi, YouTube, or The Roku Channel.
  • If those apps work fine, your internet is probably okay.
  • If Pluto TV is the only app freezing, wait a little while and try again later. You can also reinstall the Pluto TV app.

If Pluto TV keeps acting up, you can also try one of these easy streaming apps for smart TVs while you troubleshoot.

Quick Checklist: 9 Easy Fixes for Pluto TV Freezing

Use this list in order.

  1. Close and reopen Pluto TV.
  2. Try a different Pluto TV channel.
  3. Restart your TV or streaming device.
  4. Restart your Wi-Fi router.
  5. Move closer to the router if possible.
  6. Update Pluto TV.
  7. Update your Roku, Fire TV, or smart TV.
  8. Clear the Pluto TV cache if your device allows it.
  9. Remove and reinstall Pluto TV.
Checklist of nine easy fixes for Pluto TV freezing
Work through these fixes in order. Most Pluto TV freezing problems are solved before the last step.

Need Another Free App to Try?

If Pluto TV keeps freezing, try another free streaming app while you troubleshoot. Tubi is free, beginner-friendly, and works on many smart TVs, Roku devices, and Fire TV devices.

Try this next: Learn how to install Tubi on any TV →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Pluto TV keep freezing?

Pluto TV usually keeps freezing because of weak Wi-Fi, an outdated app, a slow streaming device, or a temporary Pluto TV problem. Start by restarting your TV or streaming device, then reopen Pluto TV.

Why won’t Pluto TV load?

Pluto TV may not load because the app is stuck, your internet connection is weak, the app needs an update, or Pluto TV is having a temporary service problem. Restart your device first, then update or delete then reinstall the Pluto TV app if needed.

Why does Pluto TV keep buffering?

luto TV buffers when the video cannot load fast enough. This can happen if your internet is slow, your Wi-Fi signal is weak, or too many devices are using the internet at the same time.

Why does Pluto TV freeze during commercials?

Pluto TV is free because it shows ads. Sometimes the show loads fine, but the ad break does not. If Pluto TV freezes during commercials, close the app, reopen it, and try the channel again.

Why is Pluto TV not working on Roku?

f Pluto TV is not working on Roku, restart the Roku first. Then check your network connection. If Pluto TV still freezes, remove the Pluto TV channel and add it again.

Should I delete Pluto TV and reinstall it?

Yes, if restarting does not fix the problem. Reinstalling Pluto TV gives the app a fresh start and can fix freezing, black screens, and app errors.

Wrap Up

If Pluto TV keeps freezing, do not panic and do not replace your TV yet.

Start simple:

  • Restart the app.
  • Restart the TV or streaming device.
  • Check Wi-Fi.
  • Update Pluto TV.
  • Reinstall the app if needed.

Most Pluto TV freezing problems are small app or connection problems. Once you clear them out, Pluto TV should play smoothly again.

And if Pluto TV keeps giving you trouble, my guide to free streaming options for classic shows, movies, and live channels gives you more places to watch.

I’m Kathy Keen, founder of The Keen Guide. I help everyday viewers make TV easier—whether that means getting local antenna channels back, setting up Roku or Fire TV, improving TV sound, or finding classic shows without cable. I test and simplify the steps so you can spend less time guessing and more time watching.

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